Inclusion Services

Richmond Hill welcomes and encourages individuals of all abilities to participate in our services, as well as our parks, recreation and culture programs. We are dedicated to providing accessible and inclusive opportunities for all. We offer both adapted and integrated programs and welcome different types of support to provide participants with an equal opportunity within their chosen program. 

Learn about our adapted programs. These programs have been developed specifically for participants with disabilities and are great opportunities to make new friends, enhance social skills, and try something new, all while moving, creating, playing and having fun!   

How do I know if support is required?

Extra support in our recreation programs may be required if:

• Extra support at school is required
• A disability exists that could affect the safety of the participant or the safety of others
• The participant has a safety plan in place with their educational institution
• Extra support is required at home for basic care
• The participant is currently using a support agency or program 

Support options

External Support

You can set up your own one-on-one support for a participant with special needs. Support can be given by a family member, friend, trained support worker or social worker. This is a good way to make sure that support is there when you need it.

External Support Staff must provide an original Vulnerable Sector Screening and a signed Agreement prior to attending a program with a participant. 

Richmond Hill Inclusion Counsellors

Richmond Hill also has Inclusion Counsellors who can be hired for one-on-one support in various recreation programs. Counsellors are available at an additional cost per hour.

Please note that while we do our best to find the support that you need, we cannot guarantee that a counsellor will be available for the time you request.

Please be advised that our Inclusion Counsellors receive training in working with individuals with disabilities but do not have professional qualifications in this field.

Registration

Before registering, please call Inclusion Services to discuss the needs and support requests.

Follow these steps to register someone with special needs for one of our programs:

1. Look through our Community Recreation Guide to find a program of interest.
2. Call Inclusion Services at 905-884-0855 ext. 223 at least two weeks before registration starts. We will discuss registration plans and support options with you.
3. Complete an All About Me Profile  and forward it to the Inclusion Services Assistant.
4. Register for the program of interest by completing a Registration Form.

Include any information about a disability, medical condition or life-threatening allergy on the registration form. You need to fill out a Life-Threatening Allergy/Medical Condition Information Form if you register using our online or phone system. Drop-off your completed form at any Richmond Hill community centre.

Other accessible activities

Richmond Hill has adapted fitness equipment including an Armbike, Uppertone machine and MotoMed. This equipment is found at our Ed Sackfield Arena and Fitness Studio. 

Crosby Park is an accessible park with a water play area, playground area, trails, sensory garden and game tables.

Funding

There are Special Services at Home Funding available through the Ministry of Children and Youth Services. Call 905-868-8900 to find out if you are eligible.

Tell us what you think

Fill out a Recreation Program Feedback Form to let us know what you think about our adapted programs. Your feedback will help us improve our programs, activities and services.

Volunteer

We're always looking for volunteers to help run our recreational programs, activities and special events. Learn how to become a volunteer in Richmond Hill.

Contact information

Email us to suggest an adapted program or if you have any questions or concerns. You can also call us at 905-884-0855, ext. 223.