2022 has been a year of re-building. One thing the past few years has taught us is the importance of community. Working together to support those in need has never been more important. This holiday season, we are working to create more inclusive communities for all Canadians.
The path to success is a society that embraces full accessibility and inclusion. Our mission is to REIMAGINE accessibility and redefine the way Canadians LIVE, WORK, & PLAY. Whether you are living with a chronic illness, face challenges finding work, or ever felt intimidated trying a new team sport, Abilities Centre wants to unlock the potential for everyone to succeed. YOU have the power to break down systemic barriers that prevent full and meaningful participation for anyone in our community by becoming a monthly donor and unlocking the potential for change.
We encourage you to join us today by supporting our organization with a single or recurring donation.
Donate now
Charitable #: 889819116 RR 0001
How is Abilities Centre reimagining accessibility and redefining the way Canadians Live, Work, & Play?
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LIVE
Dawn is living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Before coming to Respiratory Cardiac Maintenance (RCM) at Abilities Centre, she had a hard time staying active. Even though she knew that exercise and movement were essential to keep her healthy and keep her lungs strong, she had a hard time staying motivated on her own.
Dawn heard about RCM at Abilities Centre 9 years ago from a friend. She joined the second session and has attended RCM twice a week for every session since then. Dawn keeps coming back to the program because it keeps her motivated and moving, and she has built a community at Abilities Centre. The friends she has made, the new ones and the ones who are no longer in the program, are an important part of her life. Abilities Centre has allowed her to be around people who care and help her feel less lonely.
“RCM is good for your body and good for your soul”. “Abilities Centre is a blessing. It allows you to have perspective on your own life and spend time with like-minded people”.
Abilities Centre’s Health and Post Rehabilitation programs support individuals to continue and maintain their journey to living a physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy life. This program is developed and delivered with our community partners in the health sector and instructed by certified instructors.
Learn more:
Post-Rehabilitation
WORK
Bogdan was studying sports management at Durham College when he came to Abilities Centre as a placement student. Before his work term, Bogdan didn’t know about the centre. After his placement, he volunteered with us for a year before a position became available and he’s been on staff here since 2016!
Bogdan has Costello Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. Despite his love of sports and his education, he didn’t think he would ever get a job. When he came to
Abilities Centre, he quickly realized what an incredible, welcoming place the Centre was. He says,
“Abilities Centre is accessible for everyone, all are welcome here and you notice it right away.”
Bogdan says he is so happy to be working at Abilities Centre and says his favourite part is how nice the staff and members are.
The working world can be a vast and confusing space for people of all abilities. Not only does Abilities Centre employ people with disabilities, but we also offer employment services to help individuals with disabilities gain pre-employment skills needed to obtain and maintain a job. Abilities Centre works to prepare and share with our community the skills needed to thrive in a workplace environment. Together we can support individuals in starting their careers and help build a more accessible future for workplaces across the country!
Learn more:
Employment Services
PLAY
Clayton always wanted to be a part of a team. When Abilities Centre introduced Mixed Ability Sports, he wanted to try rugby, but he was hesitant because rugby had a reputation for being rough, something he wasn’t sure about.
Clayton started out playing flag rugby, the perfect introduction to the game for people of all abilities. Using flags keeps the game safe and focuses on skill development and having fun. He stated,
“Abilities Centre made me fall in love with rugby, a sport I never thought I would try. Now I want to continue to grow and learn the sport. I had the opportunity to go to Ireland and represent Canada in an International Mixed Ability Rugby Tournament earlier this year. Seeing the inclusion and the impact of mixed ability sport makes me want to be involved and help grow this sport in whatever way I can.”
Some of our fondest memories come from playing with our friends, family, and community members. Abilities Centre strives to create more inclusive and memorable experiences for everyone to play together. By highlighting inclusion, encouragement, and equity, our community will get the most out of their play. Together we can innovate and improve the way people play!
Mixed Ability Sport represents an innovative approach to sport participation, radically changing the way we think of, join in, and participate in sport. Following the Mixed Ability Sport model, sport clubs redefine membership within their teams, welcoming individuals of all abilities, ages, backgrounds, and experiences to participate as equal, valued members of the team, playing traditional sports.
Learn more:
MIxed Ability Sport