Inclusion Services

image shows a group inclusion program in an activity room with participants raising their hands to participate in the activity.

The City of Guelph is dedicated to making our programs and services accessible and inclusive to all members of our community.

Do You or Your Child Need Support to Participate?

  • Is extra support required at home or school for basic care?
  • Is extra support required to participate in activities at school?
  • Is there a diagnosed physical, medical and/or development disability that could affect the safety of the participant or other participants?
  • Does the participant belong to a support agency?

Is The Participant ‘Group Ready’

To support the success, safety and inclusion of all individuals registered in City of Guelph programs, all participants need to be ‘group ready’.

Before registering for programs, consider whether the participant can do the following either independently or with extra support:

  • Able to take direction and instruction from a staff person
  • Comfortable and able to interact in a group environment
  • Able to participate in the program. Participation in programs is based on the participant’s individual needs; however, it is asked that participants demonstrate the ability to participate in at least 50% of the program
  • Able to interact and participate in the program in a way that is safe for themselves and others

Accessing Inclusion Support

  • Inclusion Support is provided by paid staff and is available at no extra cost
  • Inclusion staff receive general training on program adaptations, behaviour management and basic personal care; however typically do not have professional qualifications in this field
  • Support must be requested at least 2 weeks prior to the program start date
  • Support is based on availability of staff and is not guaranteed
  • Inclusion Staff can provide program adaptations, redirection for safety reasons, opportunities for short sensory breaks and help with basic personal care needs.  We do not provide g-tube feeding.  We cannot administer medication.
  • You will be required to complete an online Inclusion Intake Form. If you would prefer to complete a PDF version please contact [email protected].
  • The intake form will be reviewed by the Inclusion Coordinator to ensure we can provide the best support option.
  • You will be contacted prior to the start of the program to confirm your request.

To register for Inclusion Support for Seasonal programs:

  1. login to recenroll.ca to register for your program of choice
  2. Then Navigate to the Inclusion section and select ‘Seasonal Program Support’

To register for Inclusion Support for Summer Camps:

*Note: Families are eligible for up to 4 weeks of inclusion support for summer camp

  1. Login to recenroll.ca.
  2. Navigate to the Summer Camp page
  3. Select Show Courses under One2One Support.
  4. Identify preferred camp location.
  5. Select location and corresponding week of camp.
  6. Register participant for a maximum of 4 weeks of Inclusion support.
  7. Complete registration and payment.
  8. Once registration is complete, you will be required to fill out an an intake form to secure your request.

Adapted Seasonal Programs and Summer Camps

For participants who require an adapted program, we have several options. These programs offer smaller groups, higher staff to participant ratio and flexible programming to meet various needs.

Adapted Seasonal Programs:

Adapted Summer Camps:

  • Kids on the Move (ages 4-12)
  • Youth on the Move (ages 13-21)

Sensory-Friendly Swim

Come enjoy a sensory-friendly swim, in an adapted swimming environment for children, youth and adults of all abilities. No music, a smaller group of swimmers, no whistles (unless necessary) and quiet changing rooms. Adapted swim jackets will be available. Accompanying adults and or support persons swim free of charge with presentation of a PAL card.

One2One Support in Camps

One2One Support in Seasonal Programs

Fee Assistance Options

Personal Assistant for Leisure Activities (PAL) Card

A PAL card is available to people with a disability who require assistance: to attend City of Guelph recreation programs or to ride Guelph Transit conventional and mobility services. The PAL card is issued to the person with the disability and allows him or her to be accompanied by a friend, relative, support worker, etc., as their support person who participates as an attendant at no additional cost.

Leisure Access Card (LAC)

The Leisure Access Card is available to any person 18 years of age and older who has a disability. The LAC card allows you to pay the “seniors’ rate” (where applicable) rather than the “adult rate” for many City of Guelph Recreation courses/programs. These programs are offered at a lower fee than our regular adult programs, and most are available during the daytime.

Subsidy for groups for persons with disabilities

The City of Guelph provides a subsidy to organized groups when booking group activities or programs for people with a disability.

To access any of these supports go to our fee assistance page.

Questions about inclusion programs or supports?

Please reach out the Inclusion Coordinator by emailing [email protected] or call 519-822-1260 extension 2701 for assistance.