Adapted programs
Our adapted programs are designed for people of all abilities. Each program is adapted to promote accessibility and enjoyment for participants with varied abilities.
One-on-one support
One-on-one support from City staff is offered to camp program participants through the Recreation Support Program. This program is only available for participants registered in City of Mississauga camps. Please read the Children’s Camp section for more information.
Participants in all recreation programs may bring their own support person at no additional cost.
Find a program
The City offers the following adapted programs. New programs will be added as they become available.
Description
The adult multi-sport program is for adults with a learning, intellectual or physical disability. Participants will learn basic sports skills, stay active and work with others in the program.
Support person
The City does not offer a one-to-one ratio in this program. Caregiver support may be required.
Registration
To register, participants must be older than 18 years old.
Upon registration, staff will contact you to review program expectations and strategies for successful participation.
More details on program requirements, cost, ratios and accessibility features will be available on activemississauga.ca when the program is available.
Description
The adapted skating program is designed for individuals with disabilities. In this program, participants will learn the basics of skating or improve their skating skills.
This program follows an instructor-to-participant ratio of 1:6.
Support person
Each participant must bring their own support person who is able to skate and join the participant on the ice.
Registration
To register, participants must meet the program requirements outlined on the program page.
Upon registration, staff will contact you to review program expectations and strategies for successful participation.
For more details on program requirements, cost, ratios and accessibility features, visit the skating program page.
Description
Swim For Life is an adapted swimming program for swimmers with disabilities. This program follows an instructor-to-participant ratio of 1:3 and allows participants to work at their own pace.
Support person
Each participant must bring their own support person who is willing and able to go into the water with them.
Registration
To register, participants must meet the program requirements outlined on the program page.
Upon registration, staff may contact you to discuss possible triggers and sensory needs to ensure the participant receives tailored support.
For more details on program requirements, cost, ratios and accessibility features, visit the swimming program page.
Description
The adapted Fine Arts Studio Fundamentals program is for participants from ages 13 to 18 with a learning, intellectual or physical disability. Participants will explore different mediums of visual arts, such as drawing, painting, sculpting and mixed media, in a safe and inclusive environment.
Support person
The City does not offer a one-to-one ratio in this program. Participants may need to bring their own support persons.
Registration
To register, participants must be 13 to 18 years old.
Upon registration, staff will contact you to review program expectations and strategies for successful participation.
More details on program requirements, cost, ratios and accessibility features are available on activemississauga.ca
Description
Children in Motion is an adapted program for participants with a learning, intellectual or physical disability. Participants will take part in physical and social activities that grow and develop fitness, sport and cooperation skills.
Support person
The City does not offer a one-to-one ratio in this program. Participants may need to bring their own support persons.
Registration
To register, participants must be 6 to 13 years old.
Upon registration, staff will contact you to review program expectations and strategies for successful participation.
More details on program requirements, cost, ratios and accessibility features are available on activemississauga.ca
Children’s camp
Your child may need to attend camp with one-to-one support if they:
- Receive one-to-one support at school, such as help from an Educational Assistant
- Have a physical, visual, hearing, development or intellectual disability
- Have attention or behaviour challenges
- Need support to participate safely in a group setting
- Need extra support at home for personal care, such as eating or using the bathroom
If your child engages in behaviours at camp that may pose a safety risk to themselves or others, City staff will contact you to discuss support options for your child. This may include providing your own qualified support person to attend camp with your child.
If your child requires support, you can have their support person attend with them at no extra cost.
Who can be a support person
The support person can be any individual over the age of 14, who is familiar with your child’s needs and requirements.
Expectations and requirements for personal support persons
The support person helping your child at camp must meet these expectations and requirements.
Designated support
- Care, support and ensure the safety of the child during all camp activities.
- Stay with the child at all times.
- Accompany the child to the washroom, and inform a City staff upon leaving and the estimated time of return.
- Never take any other camp participants other than the child they are supporting to the washroom.
Attendance
- Follow camp sign-in/sign-out procedures at all times.
- Not leave the property without written consent from a parent or guardian provided to the City staff.
- Be punctual as children requiring support persons can’t participate in camp activities without a present support person. If a support person expects to arrive late, they must inform you so you can make other arrangements.
Mobile phones
- Limit the use of their cell phone as much as possible and only use it for immediate work-related matters only.
- Never use cell phones to record or take pictures during camp.
- Parents must speak directly with on-duty City staff for pictures of their children at camp.
Safety
- Speak to City Staff about any concerning behaviours from other camp participants.
- Report any injuries they or their camper sustain at camper to City staff.
- Report any instances of workplace violence or respectful workplace concerns to the City staff.
- Follow the directions of City staff in the event of an emergency situation, lockdown or evacuation.
- Follow the camp washroom procedures of handwashing and hand sanitizing.
- Only use physical interventions when a child is at imminent risk of hurting themselves or others.
Let the City know in advance
If you plan to have your child participate in camp with their own support person, email recreation.support@mississauga.ca or call 905-615-3200 ext. 8147. Provide these details in your email or phone call with staff:
- Your child’s name
- Camp location
- Dates your child will be at camp
About our facilitators
Recreation support facilitators are often students with limited behaviour management train and they:
- Don’t offer the same level of support as educational assistants or behaviour therapists
- Can only provide verbal prompts for going to the washroom and changing
- Can’t assist in the operation of personal mobility devices, such as lifts, transfers and wheelchairs
- Can’t administer medications
- Can’t support personal care needs, such a feeding or toileting
- Learn basic behaviour management, such as redirection techniques
- Do not physically stop or restrain participants
Fee
Although the Recreation Support Program is subsidized, the cost of registration is approximately $350 per week. This amount does not include the cost of camp.
How to register
- Email recreation.support@mississauga.ca or call 905-615-3200 ext. 8147 to discuss support needs, options and the registration process.
- Register for the Recreation Support Program through activemississauga.ca
To register your child for camp, read the general requirements, costs and ratios outlined on the program page.
Contact us
For more information about adapted programs, call 905-615-3200 ext.8147 or email recreation.support@mississauga.ca.
You can also sign up to receive email notifications about adapted programs.