Inclusion Services for Individuals with Disabilities
Inclusion Services offers persons of all ages with a disability the opportunity to pursue a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Through facilitation and delivery of leisure programs, volunteer opportunities and barrier free consultation, this division offers support for participation in courses and community programs. It also includes resources in the areas of diversity and access. Services are available for both City of Kitchener and City of Waterloo residents.

Programs and Initiatives

Information and Referrals

• Accessibility Plan 2009
• Accessibility Plan 2008
• Accessibility Plan 2007
• Accessibility Plan 2006
• Accessibility Plan 2005
• Accessibility Plan 2003/2004
• Participant information form for children with a disability
• Services within the Community

Contact Information
Johanna Ellis
City of Kitchener
Phone: 519-741-2225
TTY: 1-866-969-9994
E-mail: johanna.ellis@kitchener.ca

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In the Waterloo Region, the Kitchener-Waterloo Boccia Club provides recreational and competitive opportunities for individuals eight years of age and older. The Boccia club meets Monday nights at Blessed Sacrament School.
Open Program (8 yrs +)

Contact Information
Julie Doherty, Inclusion Coordinator
City of Kitchener
Phone: 519-741-2228
TTY: 1-866-969-9994
E-mail: julie.doherty@kitchener.ca

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Adapted Aquatics
Adapted aquatics is a swimming program for children and youth with physical, behavioral and developmental disabilities who require specialized swim instructions. This program is offered for children and youth at the Forest Heights Pool and at the Waterloo Swimplex.

Instructors and volunteers have been specially trained in areas such as goal setting, sensitivity training, emergency procedures and non-verbal communication. Many of the patrons return each session and are often paired with the same volunteer. Sessions run for nine to 11 weeks and are offered from October until June. Sessions are not offered during the summer months.

Contact Information
Janet Zomer-Beer
Forest Heights Pool
253 Fischer Hallman Road
Kitchener, ON
Phone: 519-741-2493

OR

Gus Siountres
Waterloo Swimplex
Father David Bauer Drive
Waterloo, ON
519-886-7122 ext.229

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Able Sail
The Conestoga Sailing Club offers sailing lessons and opportunities to people with disabilities. The club recently purchased an access dinghy, which is specially designed for those with disabilities.

Learn to Sail Programs are offered to youth ages nine and older with disabilities; in addition to adult lessons offered in the evening.

Access dinghies are built to accommodate a variety of function levels. They are equipped with joystick steering, cat-rigged roller furling sail, a comfortable forward facing hammock seat and a weighted keel. The dinghies are very safe and they give the sailor independence.

The Conestoga Sailing Club’s access dinghy, an Access 2.3 Wide Seater, can accommodate two people and is virtually uncapsizeable. The sailor’s weight is low in the boat, enhancing stability. It also has simplified rigging and steering, which can be handled comfortably by practically everyone.

Contact Information
KW Sailing Club
Phone: 519-638-5241
E-mail: info@kwsailing.org
Website: www.kwsailing.org

Julie Doherty, Inclusion Coordinator
City of Kitchener
Phone: 519-741-2228
E-mail: julie.doherty@kitchener.ca

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Attendant Services for Aquatics
Attendants are available to most people with disabilities who need minor assistance with dressing, washroom assistance or getting into the pool.

Wednesdays 11:30-4:00pm, October to June at the Waterloo Swimplex.

Contact Information
Cindy Guy, ILCWR
Phone: 519-571-6788 to register.
Program admission prices apply.

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Golf Lessons for People with Disabilities
Youth and adults with disabilities can participate in introductory clinics to golf and/or a mini session for golfers with some experience in late May/early June.

Instruction is given in putting, chipping and driving. It also incorporates the Sport, an accessible golf cart that can be driven on the greens. The Sport is an assistive device that can help those who may use a wheelchair, walker or have balance difficulties and need to golf from a seated position.

The Sport is a single rider cart and has several features:

• hand controls
• a swivel seat that allows the golfer to swing a club from a seated position
• an anti-tip frame that provides a very stable ride on any terrain
• a mandatory lap belt and optional chest belt

Reservations must be made a minimum of 24 hours in advance.

Contact Information
Doon Valley Golf Course
500 Doon Valley Drive
Phone: 519-741-2710

Rockway Golf Course
625 Rockway Drive
Phone: 519-741-2583

Julie Doherty, Inclusion Coordinator
City of Kitchener
Phone: 519-741-2228
TTY: 1-866-969-9994
E-mail: julie.doherty@kitchener.ca

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Learn to Cross Country Ski Clinics For Skiers with Disabilities
The Waterloo Region Nordic Sports Club (WRNSC) invites individuals with disabilities to try para-nordic skiing this winter. Children, youth, and Adults welcome (ages 4 and older). Opportunities for "standing" and "sit-skiers".

Orientation to equipment, acquire initial ski skills, and develop relationship with ski guides.

For more information, call Kevin at 519-894-4776.

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Every Kid Counts
Every Kid Counts, offered by the City of Kitchener and the City of Waterloo, is a program that provides children and youth with a disability the option of attending municipal summer programs with one-on-one assistance.

• Donation Form

Contact Information
Lolita Paroski, Inclusion Coordinator
City of Kitchener
Phone: 519-741-2229
TTY: 1-866-969-9994
E-mail: lolita.paroski@kitchener.ca

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PAL Card
The Personal Attendant for Leisure (PAL) Card allows a person with a disability to bring their attendant with them to enable them to participate in designated programs. It is recognized at:

• City-operated pools
• Community Centres
• Arenas
• Golf Courses
• The Aud
• Chicopee Ski Club
• City of Waterloo
• City of Guelph
• City of Cambridge
• Township of Woolwich

The card is issued by Inclusion Services to persons with a disability and all regular program fees still apply. Attendants will not be charged a program fee because they are present for the sole purpose of assisting the person with a disability.

• Application Form

Contact Information
Community Services Department
City of Kitchener
Phone: 519-741-2224
TTY: 1-866-969-9994

City of Waterloo
Phone: 519-885-1220 ext.225

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Leisure Access - Fee Assistance Program
Some Kitchener residents cannot afford to pay for programs that are offered through the City. Approved applicants can receive a Leisure Access Card that allows them to register for these programs at a discounted rate. This card is only valid for the following programs offered by the City of Kitchener’s Community Services Department.

• Junior Tennis Camp
• Golf Lessons
• Breithaupt Centre camps
• Breithaupt Centre senior and leisure programs
• JM Drama School
• Swimming lessons
• Books of swim tickets
• Seniors programs and memberships at Rockway Centre, Breithaupt Centre and Downtown Community Centre
• Summer aquatic camps
• Building Youth Leader Development Program

A Leisure Access Card form can be picked up at any City of Kitchener community centre, swimming pool, senior centre or on the seventh floor of City Hall. Please apply at least two weeks in advance of registration to allow time for processing of your application. Registration for programs must be completed via the regular registration process.

• LAC Application Package 2010

Contact Information
Community Services Department
City of Kitchener
Phone: 519-741-2382
TTY: 1-866-969-9994

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KW Sport for Physically Disabled Legacy Fund
Kitchener residents with disabilities, who are in financial need, have the opportunity to participate in recreational activities with aid from the Kitchener Waterloo Sport for Physically Disabled Legacy Fund.

Grants awarded may be used for to pay for competition entry fees, travel and accommodation costs for events. In the event a support person is absolutely necessary to the athlete, the grant will also cover the extra travel costs. Applications for grant towards registration fees for developmental programs with certified instructors/coaches will also be accepted. Contact phone number: 519-741-2228. E-mail contact: julie.doherty@kitchener.ca

Application forms are available from Inclusion Services at Kitchener City Hall, seventh floor. Submissions must include: two letters of reference from persons other than relatives, a summary of the athlete’s accomplishments in the sport, purpose of the funding and a detailed budget.

Applicants should allow at least two weeks for review and recommendation.

• Legacy Fund application form

Contact Information
Julie Doherty, Inclusion Coordinator
City of Kitchener
Phone: 519-741-2228
TTY: 1-866-969-9994
E-mail: julie.doherty@kitchener.ca

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Summer Camps
The Summer Camp Catalogue [3.1 MB] is a listing of day and residential camps in the Region of Waterloo for children/youth. It contains information such as dates, costs, activities, which camps offer subsidies, accessibility to wheelchair users, if individual support is available and have medical aid on location.

Phone and contact names have been provided with camp listings. Individuals are encouraged to contact each facility directly for further details about specific programs.

If you are aware of a camp that has not been included in the guide or for more information, please contact:

Community Programs and Services
City of Kitchener
Phone: 519-741-2224
TTY: 1-866-969-9994


It's All About Youth Camp
Specifically designed for youth 13-17 with a disability. Two weeks in August Monday to Friday, 9:00am-4:00pm.
Participants will help to plan activities ranging from sports, swimming, crafts, cooking and more.

Contact Information
Julie Doherty, Inclusion Coordinator
City of Kitchener
Phone: 519-741-2228
TTY: 1-866-969-9994
E-mail: julie.doherty@kitchener.ca

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Equipment Available

• sledges and skates - located at Kitchener City Hall, RIM, and Albert McCormick Arena
• Accessible Jogger
• Audiballs - soccer and basketball that have a bell inside so that the user can easily locate the ball
• Terra trek - all terrain wheelchair

For more information or to reserve, please call 519-741-2224 or TTY 1-866-969-9994. TOP

Assistive Devices

• Community Centres

  • Centreville Chicopee Community Centre
    • Screen magnification software
      
      
  • Country Hills Community Centre
    • Wheelchair lift for access to the stage
    • Headphones for computers
    • Windows zoom feature on public access computers
    • PPA receiver for the gymnasium
      
      
  • Doon Pioneer Park Community Centre
    • Headphones for computer
      
      
  • Dowtown Community Centre
  • PA system
  • Wheelchairs
  • Walkers
  • Canes
  • Elevator
    
    
  • Forest Heights Community Centre
  • Personal PA receiver
  • Headphones for computer
    
    
  • Kingsdale Community Centre
  • Headphones for computer
    
    
  • Rockway Centre
  • Wheelchairs
  • Headphones for computer
    
    
  • Stanley Park Community Centre
  • Wheelchair
  • Headphones for computer
    
    
  • Victoria Hills Community Centre
  • Headphones for computer
    
    
• Pools and Sports Facilities
  
  
• Activa Sports Complex
• Elevator
  
  
• Breithaupt Centre
• Wheelchair
• Commode Chairs (change rooms)
• Pool lifts
• Accessible Showers – bench, handheld shower head
• Stairs for entry/exit to the pool
  
  
• Civic Centre Rink
• Skis for wheelchairs
• Sledges
  
  
• Forest Heights Pool
• Adapted life jackets
• Commode chairs (in change rooms)
• Ramp/stair entry to pool
  
  
• Lyle Hallman Pool
• Commode chair (in change rooms)
• Ramp entry
  
  
• Doon Valley and Rockway Golf Courses
• Accessible golf cart
• FM system
  
  
• Other City Locations
  
  
• City Hall
• FM System – Council Chamber, Conestoga Room
• Wheelchairs
• Evacuation chairs
  
  
• Williamsburg Cemetery
• FM system in Dedication Centre
  
  
• Your Kitchener Market
• Wheelchair
• Elevator

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Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

In 2005, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) was brought into provincial legislature. Its purpose is to achieve an accessible Ontario by Jan. 1, 2025, so that people with disabilities have the same kind of opportunities as everyone else. The AODA focuses on improving accessibility through the establishment of mandatory and enforceable accessibility standards in customer service, transportation, information and communications, built environment and employment.

The customer service standard is the only standard that has been passed into law. The remaining standards are currently in development.

Customer Service Standards

Ontario’s accessible Customer Service Standard is now the law. Businesses and organizations that provide goods or services to people in Ontario are now legally required to make their customer services operations accessible to people with disabilities.
The City of Kitchener has adopted a new Accessibility Standards for Customer Service policy. (view the full policy by clicking the link).

The standard sets out requirements with regards to customer service training, receiving and responding to feedback and service disruption announcements.

The standards also include guidelines on the use of service animals within facilities. The City of Kitchener welcomes all service animals. If your service animal is not obviously recognizable as a service animal you may want to carry a doctors note with you incase you are asked for proof.

Kitchener already exceeds the requirements relating to support persons with the existing personal attendant for leisure (PAL) program. This program allows a person with a disability to participate in City of Kitchener programs and services accompanied by a support person. The support person can attend at no charge, if they are assisting a person with a disability to use the programs and services.

The customer service legislation includes provisions for persons with disabilities to be allowed to use their own assistive devices to access goods and/or services. Assistive devices are also available at city facilities. A detailed list and information on how to use those devices is available here or from the facility where the device is located.

Residents should be aware that they have the right to ask for alternate formats for any public documents or accommodations that will allow them to participate in public programs and processes. Sign language interpreters for meetings, accessible locations for public meetings and large print documents are all examples of ways residents can get involved in public programs and processes. Other accommodations and formats are available upon request as well.

The customer service regulation came into effect on January 1, 2008. Municipalities and other public sector organizations need to comply by January 1, 2010. All other businesses and organizations covered by the standard will need to comply by January 1, 2012.

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Services within the Community

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