Helping you or your child participate in the programs of your choice
We want to be the city that’s known for creating accessible and inclusive programs that welcome everyone–and for having supports in place to ensure all participants experience the power of play, recreation, arts and sport–in a safe, respectful environment. They're important components of our City commitment to access and inclusion for all.
Our commitment to you
We are committed to providing opportunities for people with disabilities to get involved in the recreation activities of their choice. We aim to:
- Assist individuals with accessing our programs and services.
- Educate the public and our staff about accessibility options.
Finding the help you need
Do you, or a person in your care, need special assistance, equipment or services? Here's how we can help.
Taking part in recreation and arts programs and activities are important for your child or the person in your care who has allergies. They’ll be in the company of others who may not be aware of or understand the practices to follow to keep your child safe—or how serious an allergic reaction can be.
Our Parks, Recreation and Culture (PRC) staff are committed to keeping all participants at our facilities safe. That's why we're so careful about ensuring we have important information about severe allergies. If we know about it, we can take the steps necessary to help them enjoy their class as safely as possible.
Step 1: Contact the recreation facility or arts and cultural facility that has the program you're interested in and ask to speak with the program supervisor so you can share information to ensure your child is set to participate as fully as possible.
Step 2: After speaking to the program supervisor, register your child for the program as early as possible.
Step 3: Complete and submit to the program supervisor 1 of following documents at least 2 weeks before the program starts
Our adapted programs enable children, youth and adults with physical and/or developmental disabilities to join in, get social and get active in safe spaces that are welcoming, respectful and supportive.
Please bring an attendant, caregiver or family member if you require personal care support with changing, transferring, washroom assistance or administration of medication. Volunteers may be available to help with participation and provide minimal support to some participants. As always, our program supervisors are happy to work with you to discuss the best options for participating.
Contact the Access Programmer, Laurie Bedford for more information:
Phone: 604-297-4529
Email: [email protected]
You can also find program descriptions using the glossary below:
Summer programs
| Adapted programs | Online registration |
|---|---|
| Access Social Club | Register |
| Sports Mania | Register |
| Music Explorations | Register |
We have adapted equipment at our recreation facilities to ensure you can participate safely and enjoyably in sports and leisure activities. Each rec facility page includes information about accessible amenities and equipment, so you'll know before you go.
Here's a sample of the type of adapted equipment we have:
Pools: Our pools have various accessibility features, including graduated access, ramps, aquatic wheelchairs, lifts and portable stairs.
Arenas: We have ice sledges at Bill Copeland Sports Centre, Burnaby Lake Sports Complex and Kensington Complex.
Weight and cardio rooms: Our facilities offer adapted equipment.