Inclusion Services

We welcome and encourage 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. 

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 

Please understand that Richmond Hill will do its best to find support for you if required; however, it is not guaranteed that an Inclusion Counsellor for the time and day of the program you request will be secured. When considering recreation experiences, please especially take into account the individual’s needs, as recreation integrated settings may not be appropriate for all individuals with disabilities. Richmond Hill’s Inclusion Counsellors provide 1:1 support to individuals with disabilities and, in accordance with provincial legislation, Richmond Hill’s own policies and in consultation with parents, we may request that an individual with a disability be accompanied by a support person in order to ensure the health and safety of the individual or others involved in our programs.

Summer Camp 2021

If you are interested in registering a child who requires a support staff in a Summer Camp program, please follow these steps:

1. Review the Summer Camp programs being offered and select your program and week(s).
2. Summer Camp spaces are limited and there may be additional capacity limits due to the Regional and Provincial pandemic guidelines. Please contact the Inclusion services staff as soon as possible to discuss:
   • Camp Options
   • Support requirements
   • Registration procedures
   • The All About Me Profile
3. Contact Jennifer Anderson at jennifer.anderson@richmondhill.ca or 905-747-6369) to set up an intake meeting to discuss camp options, registrations, support requirements and intake information. If you are interested in providing your own support staff to support the child in the camp program, please contact us immediately.
4. Inclusion 1:1 Support is on a first come, first serve basis.
5. The health and safety of all our participants and staff is paramount. Every participant and staff member is required to abide by all camp and facility rules and expectations, including measures related to COVID-19 Provincial Safety Guidelines. Anyone who cannot follow the rules may be removed from the program.

Support options

External Support

If you are interested in providing your own support staff to support the child in the camp program, please contact Inclusion Services immediately. Summer Camp capacity may be limited due to COVID-19 and provincial direction.

A family member, friend, trained support worker or social worker can provide support. 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 has Inclusion Counsellors for one-on-one support in various recreation programs.

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.

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. (Note: Facilities currently closed due to the pandemic).

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

Jennifer Anderson, School Break Program and Inclusion Coordinator by Email or call 905-747-6369.