recreation opportunities

Community Programming

Access 2 Card: A program that helps to ensure that entertainment, cultural, and recreational opportunities are accessible to all. It is available for people of all ages and all types of permanent disabilities which require extra support. For more more information on how to access an access 2 card and which venues are partnered with this program, please visit the website.

 
Autism Aspergers Friends Society (AAFS): An organization founded by a small, dedicated group of parents who saw a need for social and recreational programming with those living with ASD. AAFS provides a multitude of diverse programs offered under the umbrellas of specialized programs, community outings, clubhouse nights, and specialized care programs. For more information on all the different programming, please visit their website.

 
Between Friends: A charitable organization that focuses on the abilities of people living with disabilities. This organization provides quality social, recreational, and developmental opportunities to grow, connect, and belong. For more information on programs and how to register, please visit their website.

 
Calgary Adapted Hub powered by Jumpstart (CAH): Here to help you find the right program. Utilizing their program navigation service they aim to support families, educators, and allied health professionals with finding a program that is a good fit for a group or an individual child interested in participating in sport and recreation. Their collective of Calgary-based organizations is committed to providing quality sport and recreation opportunities for children, youth, and families living with disabilities.

 
Calgary Public Library – Special Services: Offers a wide range of specialized materials, facilities, and programs that are available for people of all ages with special needs.

 
Calgary Society of Opportunities: Helps participants realize their recreational, educational and volunteer capabilities. The organization offers community-access day programs for people with developmental disabilities, with a focus on recreation and being active. These are aimed to provide quality programming to individuals outside of their core day program, and encourage social interaction outside of paid staff and family.

 
City of Calgary Recreation Discovery Guide: An online directory which lists the agencies and organizations which offer recreational programs for those living with a disability. This guide should be used as a starting point to guide your search for active recreational programs for you or your family members.

 
Scouts Canada: Builds leaders and prepares Canada’s young people for future success through a youth-led program where they take on challenges that help develop their abilities to think critically, to plan, to innovate and; to use information in an original way. Rooted in the Scout law, youth are taught to be positive and trustworthy; embracing values like kindness and acceptance to make meaningful contributions to creating a better world. Calgary now also has an ASD-friendly troupe,Group 295 Infinity Scouts, which is dedicated to Beavers and Cubs (ages 5-10) on the spectrum.

 
Play In The Sun Inc.: Provides a University model for children, youth, young adults and/or professionals in career transitions. Their program emphasizes individualized learning through a combination of in-person and online methods. Play in the Sun Inc serves the community by promoting a balanced approach to education, encompassing technology, outdoor activities. Providing therapy supports (OT/BC/Therapy Assistants and Respite as well as community aides.

 
SOGO: SOGO Access enables children with challenged abilities – behavioural, mental and/or physical to access the outdoors and be a part of SOGO. Offers two streams of programming: separate as a stand alone group or integrated with each level/hour of SOGO programs. The small group program is a seven-week program for all ages

 
Taking Strides: A non-profit initiative which aims to promote and refine physical literacy amongst children with mental and physical disabilities through an adaptive program which incorporates 1-on-1 pairing with passionate student volunteers.

 
Ultimate Para Sports: A non-profit organization, based out of Calgary, that provides a variety of recreational and competitive sport opportunities to para athletes, coaches and volunteers. Their mission is to facilitate sport opportunities from the developmental to the elite level of participation, in the areas of athletic competition, technical development, leadership, and integration.

 
Vecova: Vecova is a leading edge, registered and accredited charitable organization that has been meeting the lifelong and changing needs of persons with disabilities and the community since 1969 through their programs and services, social research and innovation and enterprises. Thier main centre is home to aquatics, health and fitness facilities, recycling facilities, social research and innovation spaces.

Music & Theatre

Canary Music Therapy: Offers personalized, engaging, and professional music therapy services to individuals and groups in the Calgary area. Music is utilized in sessions to help clients accomplish physical, social, emotional, cognitive and behavioural goals. Canary Music Therapy travels to client homes and facilities to run their sessions to alleviate the stress of travel and transitions.

 
Inside Out Theatre: Offers community-based drama programs to Calgarians with disabilities that foster a love of theatre, the joy of community, and the rewards of self-expression.

 
JB Music Therapy: Provides professional music therapy services to help individuals boost their mood, recover from injury, decrease stress, foster learning, improve focus, restore memories and ease the challenge of difficult life transitions. Visit their website for dates of current Milestones Music Therapy, FunDrum and Music Express Camps group programs.

 
MasterworX Music Therapy: This organization strives to use music and musical experiences to create positive change in their clients. Programs are designed to the specific needs and preferences of those they work with to ensure that they are getting the most benefit from the program. In addition to music therapy, they offer Early Childhood Music, a program that is designed specifically for the children attending, to address both their current musical ability and important developmental skills such as social interaction, communication, gross and fine motor skills, on-task behaviour, pre-academic knowledge, and other skills that will benefit them in school and later in life.

 
Music with Bryan: These are small, inclusive, group-directed sing-a-long music classes for people of all ages and abilities to express themselves through the wonder of song. Join a small group of friends who meet weekly — it’s a great way to spend an hour at home, at a park, or wherever you are out in the world!

 
Youth Singers of Calgary: A Calgary-based performing arts organization that offers choirs, classes, and programs for singers in preschool through adult. Their STAR (Special Talents in Arts and Recreation) is an interactive experience that allows youth (Grade 4 to Young Adult) with cognitive delays to participate in a tailored program that uses music, movement, and instruments to further benefit their current abilities and strengths in the performing arts. STAR aims to develop a love for music and dance in a safe, stimulating, and fun environment. STAR encourages and allows young people to grow and gain confidence, build friendships and find an appreciation for the performing arts.

Outdoor Activities

4:13 Therapeutic Riding: A registered charitable organization that offers programming aiming to relieve conditions related to disability by providing therapeutic riding sessions to support the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals and families.

 
Canadian Adaptive Snowsports Association Calgary (CADS): A volunteer-based organization dedicated to assisting those living with a disability to lead richer and fuller lives through active participation in recreational and competitive skiing and snowboarding. CADS promotes adaptive sport by teaching people with disabilities how to ski/snowboard by using skills and equipment tailored to their individual needs. CADS programming consists of 8 two hour sessions which typically tun in January to February on Friday evenings at Canada Olympic Park (COP). For more information, please visit their website.

 
Disabled Sailing Association of Alberta (DSAA): A largely volunteer-based organization that provides recreational opportunities for children and adults with disabilities. DSAA believes in giving opportunity, accessibility, and independence to those who are living with a disability. Provides specially adapted sail boats, sailing programs, and facilities for people with various disabilities. There are individual as well as community sails. For more information on programming, please visit their website.

 
Equine Facilitated Wellness: Provides an opportunity for people to partner with a horse on the journey towards Emotional Growth, Self- Awareness and Healing. Horses offer us genuine, honest, authentic feedback which provides a unique opportunity for personal growth. Rein Forth offers one on one Equine Facilitated wellness sessions, Group workshops, Summer Camps and Team Builds as well as some Introductory Western Pleasure riding lessons. Bookings as available.

 
Opening Gaits: Provides children and adults with disabilities the opportunity to experience all the benefits of riding on and spending time with a horse.

 
Prairie Sky: Offers equine therapy for those living with emotional, mental or developmental disabilities. Okotoks and Springbank locations.

 
Rocky Mountain Adaptive (RMA): An adaptive sport organization whose aim is to provide any individual (both youth and adults) with a disability the chance to access all sport, recreational and adventure activities in the Canadian Rockies.

 
The Sage Mustang, Lifeskills Unbridled | Sandra Graham B.Ed.; M.A.: Certified Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator & Certified Horse Powered Reading Facilitator. The Sage Mustang partners with previously untouched wild mustangs to provide an amazing experience that enhances personal growth. This innovative opportunity offers powerful solutions to acquire invaluable knowledge, skills, and experiences through engaging, fun, objective-based learning activities that will last a lifetime! Sessions will begin in spring, weather dependent. Individual sessions are available by request while group sessions are scheduled.

 
URSA Retreat Centre: Nestled in 18 acres of truly Albertan streams, trees and wildlife is the URSA Retreat Centre. A gathering place for small groups and organizations to reconnect and learn. Our retreat centre welcomes people of all abilities and supports a mission of inclusiveness and accessibility.

 
William Watson Lodge: Provides year-round, barrier-free, wilderness lodging for persons with disabilities, seniors and their families. It’s situated in beautiful Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, overlooking Lower Kananaskis Lake. The goal of this facility is to connect people of all abilities, all ages and all cultures to recreational opportunities in nature.

Physical Activities

Bloom Wellness Collective: Bloom is on a journey to make dance and expressive arts accessible to those living with disabilities. They use movement as a catalyst for self-expression, connection, sustainable health, emotional regulation, and, above all, joy, as Bloom continues to ignite imagination through thoughtful programs and intentional interactions. Their goal is acceptance over integration, and they strive towards this goal by fostering an inclusive and diverse community where everyone feels heard, valued, and accepted. Each of their programs is specially designed to meet the needs, goals, and interests of its participants, irrespective of their age or abilities.

 
Calgary Gymnastics Centre: The Aspiring Abilities program is designed to allow children who require greater attention and adaptation to participate in the captivating sport of gymnastics. In this program, trained coaches, under the direction of a specialized coach, are grouped together to provide greater support and aid in your child’s success. Coaches ensure a safe environment conducive to your child’s learning and development, shifting the focus from disability to ability. 2/1 Athlete to Coach Ratio. Registration required.

 
Glenmore Gymnastics Club, Adapted Gymnastics: A non-profit gymnastics club offering adapted gymnastics classes and inclusive programming that aims to support all participants to reach success in gymnastics, while also developing social skills and general physical literacy.

 
Junction 9 & WYMBIN: Sketch & Stretch (Ages 12-15) for students with Autism and Adapted Needs. Children and families will be guided by our qualified instructors/educators as well assisted by instructors in training. Takes place over a registered 6-week period.

 
MOVE (GoodLife Kids): A free adapted physical activity program exclusively designed for youth 12 to 21 years with autism or intellectual disabilities. MOVE currently runs virtually year-round focusing on physical literacy and building a love of fitness. Having fun and creating relationships is a major component of MOVE; their coaches work with the participants to learn what they like, and those preferences get incorporated into the program.

 
Ringette for All: Any player aged 5-18 years, with developmental and/or physical challenge is welcome. Ringette for All is designed to empower our athletes by teaching them the core life skills inherent to Ringette including: Teamwork, communication, resilience and inclusion, all while having fun.

 
Soccability: Soccability Canada is about soccer and the culture shift towards a barrier-free soccer landscape for anyone with a disability. Established to support the myriad of accessible soccer programs run in Canadian communities and to grow many more. They are building a single platform to expand the opportunities for players, coaches, match officials and leaders.

 
Special Olympics Calgary: 5 & 10 pin Bowling, Alpine Skiing, Athletics, Basketball, Bocce, Cross Country Skiing, Curling, Figure Skating, Floor Hockey, Golf, Powerlifting, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Snowshoeing, Soccer, Softball, Speed Skating, Swimming, Young Athletes, Masters, Unified, and Health & Wellness programs offered. Special Olympics Calgary cannot offer 1-1 support. It is the responsibility of the guardian to provide this support if required. Registration required.

 
Spectrum Yoga and Wellness Ltd: A mobile yoga company that teaches city-wide, offering therapeutic yoga classes for children, adults, and seniors with neurological and physical disabilities. They teach private, semi-private, and public classes, which are individualized specifically to meet each person’s needs and abilities. Spectrum Yoga and Wellness also offers Developmental and Behavioural Supports (PUF, PDD, and FSCD), as well as community aide supports and respite services. Siblings, family members, and community aides are also welcome to participate and assist.

Swimming

H2Able Swim Program: Offered through Mount Royal University, this is an adaptable swimming program that provides critical life skills with those living with a disability. For ages from 3 to 18.

 
Splashtemp.com: Provides water temperatures for city of Calgary swimming pools and hotels. Pools are ranked as ‘most accessible’, ‘most family fun’, or ‘most relaxful’, with a number of other searchable features. This includes if the facility has life jackets, hot tubs, waterslides, type of pool entry, and many more items.

Trico Centre for Family Wellness: Sensory Swim time is set to provide a more relaxed and quiet pool environment for those with hyper sensory needs. All participants wanting access to the pool deck MUST be a paying participant. This includes non-swimmers unless companying as an aid WITH and access 2 card. Any children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by a responsible adult 16 years or older who is also fully in a bathing suit and in the water within arm’s reach. 11:15am – 12:45pm on Fridays, registration required.

 
Vecova: Vecova is a leading edge, registered and accredited charitable organization that has been meeting the lifelong and changing needs of persons with disabilities and the community since 1969 through their programs and services, social research and innovation and enterprises. Vecova has programming for everyone. They have implemented enhanced health and safety protocols to serve you safely. Their barrier-free facility features a fully-accessible warm 34.5° salt-water pool among their other facilities.

SPECIALIZED CAMPS AND PROGRAMS:

 
Autism Aspergers Friendship Society (AAFS): Runs a variety of weekly activities. Contact Executive Director Dean Svoboda for more information.

 
Camp Bloom: Bloom offers week-long summer camps for individuals living with disabilities. Each day will be spent exploring a different location in Calgary, connecting with nature, and fostering connections with each other. As a capstone to a fabulous week of fun, we will take a bus trip to a location outside of Calgary for a final day of nature-filled adventures. Camp activities throughout the week will include dance, yoga, social games, sensory activities, art, adventuring, and more! All activities are adapted to participants’ abilities.

 
Camp Bonaventure (Between Friends): Provides quality outdoor day camp experiences for youth aged 4 – 17 with and without disabilities.  Integrated Camp Opportunities are offered, which involves partnering with various summer community day camps around Calgary (I.C.A.N. program). Before- and after-camp care services are also offered.

 
Camp Chestermere: Camp Chestermere is a multi-denominational camp situated on the shoreline of Lake Chestermere. Operating year round, Camp Chestermere hosts overnight and day camps during the summer, as well as weekend camps and various rental groups throughout the year.

 
Camp Connection: Empowering Kids to Navigate Screen Time! A Camp For Kids Aged 8 – 11 Who Struggle With Camps. Designed & Run By Calgary Registered Psychologists. An inclusive opportunity to build connections while learning how to recognize emotions and assess one’s strengths and challenges.

 
Camp Evergreen: Camp Evergreen is a Christian-based  year-round camp located 14 kilometers south of Sundre, Alberta, situated on 480 acres of gorgeous forest. Note that it’s not a specialized disabilities camp, and only accepts children with special needs on a case-by-case basis.

 
Camp Health, Hope, and Happiness: A residential camp that provides recreational and leisure opportunities suited to the special needs of children (6+) and adults with physical and mental disabilities. Those who require 1-on-1 assistance must bring their own aide. Registration is first come first serve.

 
Camp Horizon (Easter Seals): A residential camp that provides outdoor recreation programs to Albertans (6+) with special needs. Those who require 1-on-1 assistance must bring their own aide.

 
Camp Kuriakos: Christian-based camp for all ages located near Sylvan Lake, Alberta. Note that it’s not a specialized disabilities camp, and only accepts children with special needs on a case-by-case basis.

 
Camp Maskepetoon: Camp Maskepetoon offers exciting residential camping experiences for ages 6-15 in July and August. Note that it’s not a specialized disabilities camp, and only accepts children with special needs on a case-by-case basis.

 
Quest Adventure Camp: Calgary Quest runs a number of summer camps each year, with a variety of themes and a broad age range. They are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable camp experience for all Campers of all ability levels.

 
Quest Theatre Summer Camp: Offers virtual camps for children aged 6-15 that feature stand-alone drama activities to encourage creativity, socialization, and self-expression. In-person and French-language camps are also offered by the same organization.