The summer months provide a great opportunity to try something new, whether you want to enjoy the outdoors or escape the heat and stay inside. See below for some ideas on accessible and adaptive activities for adults aged 18+ in the city both indoors and outdoors. If you have questions about your suitability for a program, please speak to your Physiotherapist, Doctor or Recreational Therapist about whether this program may be a good fit for you.
Adapted Sailing with the Disabled Sailing Association of Ontario
Description: Members are able to experience recreational sailing on Lake Ontario while receiving instruction, and having access to boats, safety equipment, assistive devices/technology and dockside assistance.
As per their website: “DSAO Toronto has the resources and equipment to provide assistive technology to those sailors who do not have full use or strength of their arms or hands. In these cases, a device called an “Autohelm” can be easily fitted into the boat. The Autohelm has a small joystick, similar to a video game control, that can be used to steer the boat. In addition, a windlass (winch) can also be fitted onto the boat and both sheets can then also be controlled with a touch of the fingers – left or right for steering, forward or back to adjust the sails.
The boat can be further adapted using the Autohelm to be controlled by a sophisticated straw system called “Sip ‘n Puff”. As the name suggests, the sailor uses their breath to control the helm and sails.”
Location: 283 Queens Quay West, Toronto, ON, M5V 1A2
Fee: Yes.
Eligibility: All physical abilities.
Phone: 416-214-0358
Email: info@disabledsailingontario.com
Website: https://disabledsailingontario.com/
Rock Climbing at Ontario Adaptive Climbing
Description: An adaptive rock climbing program which includes 6 weekly group sessions, equipment rentals and assistance from gym staff and Occupational therapists trained in adaptive climbing.
Location: True North Climbing (75 Carl Hall Rd #14, North York, ON M3K 2B9)
Fee: Yes there is a program fee. However, there are also free “try-it” sessions.
Eligibility: All physical abilities.
Email: rehabteam@canadianadaptiveclimbing.com
Website: https://canadianadaptiveclimbing.com/therapeutic-program/
Dance Classes at Canada’s National Ballet School
Description: There are two programs at the National Ballet School which provide accessible dance.
The Sharing Dance Older Adults program is geared to older adults who have physical limitations and classes are offered in a seated position and/or standing position. A Zoom class option is also available for some classes, please use the email listed below to inquire.
Sharing Dance Parkinson’s are classes developed specifically for people with Parkinson’s Disease and include both seated and standing options for participants. Zoom options are available as well, please use the email listed below to inquire.
Eligibility: All physical abilities.
Location: 400 Jarvis St Toronto ON M4Y 2G6
Fee: Yes
Phone: 416-964-3780
Email: sharingdance@nbs-enb.ca
Website:
https://www.nbs-enb.ca/dance-for-life/sharing-dance-older-adults/
https://www.nbs-enb.ca/dance-for-life/sharing-dance-parkinson-s/
Working Out at Variety Village
Description: Variety Village is an inclusive and accessible fitness facility which has a fieldhouse (with wheelchairs and handcycles available), fully accessible warm water pools (including lifts and ramps for entry), accessible cardio equipment and an adapted weight room.
In addition to this, Variety Village also has sports teams including Wheelchair Basketball.
or over 25 years, Variety has run an integrated wheelchair basketball team. With the focus on teaching athletes the skills necessary to play wheelchair basketball, the club also provides competition opportunities by attending local and regional games.
Location: 3701 Danforth Ave, Scarborough, ON M1N 2G2
Fee: Yes.
Phone: (416) 699-7167
Email: info@varietyontario.ca
For wheelchair basketball inquiries:
Contact the Head Coach Stephen Bialowas, email: sbialowas@varietyontario.ca or
Teams Manager Archie Allison, Phone: 416-699-7167 ext 236; email: aallison@varietyontario.ca
Website: https://www.varietyvillage.ca/find-us/facility/
Adaptive Canoeing & Kayaking with Abilities in Motion
Description: Just over an hour north of the city in Alliston, Abilities in Motion offers adaptive canoeing and kayaking. Adaptive seating is also offered to improve participant comfort.
Eligibility: All physical abilities.
Location: Earl Rowe Provincial Park, 4998 Concession Road 7, Alliston, ON L9R 1W1
Fee: No, but donations are welcome.
Email: info@abilitiesinmotion.ca
Website: https://www.abilitiesinmotion.ca/
–Sofia Provad, Registered Physiotherapist
Book with Sofia here
