Inclusive Recreation

What is NextGen?

As part of Vaughan’s commitment to inclusion, the City introduced the NextGen work-placement program for youth and young adults (ages 16 to 24 years old) who are living with disabilities. The participants were offered customized training tools and resources to prepare them for employment in the recreation sector. In 2025, Vaughan’s Recreation Services department was awarded funding from the Ontario Government’s EnAbling Change Program, which is administered by the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility, to develop and implement this program at the City. Out of 30 applicants, 13 were selected to participate in the program, which included 34 in-person interactive workshops and guest speakers over 17 weeks.

New to 2026, Recreation Services has integrated NextGen into its program offerings, building on the success of the pilot year. The program will now be offered as a recurring initiative, continuing to expand inclusive employment pathways and strengthen workforce readiness for youth and young adults with disabilities within the recreation sector. Learn more and register today!

Experience the thrill of hockey or skating no matter your ability!

Our accessible sledges are specially designed seated devices that allow individuals with mobility challenges to safely glide on the ice with support and stability. Sledges make it possible to participate fully in ice activities while building confidence, physical activity, and social connection. With appropriate support and accessible equipment, participants can enjoy a fun, inclusive ice experience in a safe and welcoming environment.

Experience the joy of skating while remaining comfortably in your own wheelchair!

The Lugicap Ice Perf is a specially designed sled that enables individuals with reduced mobility to effortlessly enjoy indoor and outdoor rinks. Designed to securely accommodate a manual wheelchair, it offers safety and ease of use with no transfer required. This adaptive device allows participants to glide smoothly on the ice while staying comfortable, and fully supported, promoting independence, confidence, and inclusive recreation.

Your child will require 1:1 support to participate in all recreational programs if he/she:

• requires additional support at school, home or in the community with basic needs such as dressing, personal care or feeding;
• has a tendency to exhibit aggressive behaviours;
• does not understand danger;
• has a disability that affects his/her communication, mobility, comprehension and/or socialization.

If your child requires 1:1 support, arrangements can be made to hire an Inclusion Counsellor (an experienced 1:1 worker) on your behalf. Inclusion staff receive specialized training and are certified in:

• Standard First Aid & CPR-C
• High Five Quality Assurance
• Safe Management – Non-violent Crisis Prevention Certification

Note: It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to cover the cost of the Integration Counsellor.

Volunteer support is offered to an inclusion program participant that:

• is diagnosed with a mild disability;
• requires minimal  support at school,
• may have some difficulties with completing tasks, transitions and following directions and/or social skills.

Note:

• Demand for volunteers often exceeds supply and cannot be guaranteed.
• Volunteers may be working with individuals with disabilities for the first time.
• They do not assist with personal care, administering medication, lifts and transfers, or with children with behavioural challenges.

For health and safety reasons, if a volunteer is not available or suitable for a participant's needs, parents/caregivers will be required either to provide their own support worker or hire an Inclusion Counsellor through the Department.

It is in the best interest of the child to have a support worker who:

• has had previous and successful experience working with children and, preferably with your child;
• has a good understanding of your child’s needs; and an ability to interact with him/her successfully;
• will participate and blend easily into a recreational setting.

1:1 support experience could include any of the following:

• mediation experience (supplied by family, agency, association, organization, etc.);
• babysitting experience;
• a family member or friend (if suitable, close to the age of staff/instructors) who can participate in all recreational activities.

Note: All own support workers must provide a Vulnerable Sector Check and sign a release of liability.

An identified “support person” who accompanies a person with a disability in a program shall enter the program at no cost/fee.

• The support person shall assist/support the person with a disability in the program at all times, and shall be within arms length from the individual with a disability.
• Eligible support persons must obtain approval in advance in an effort to facilitate easy access/entry to recreation programs and services.
• A fee is applicable should the support person be participating in a program not in the capacity or acting in the role of a “support person.”

To be eligible for a support person access, contact the Recreation Supervisor, Inclusion and Support Services at 905.832.2377 ext. 7405 or email inclusion@vaughan.ca.

RecAssist is the City of Vaughan’s fee assistance program, designed to ensure residents of all incomes can participate in active-living opportunities and experiences. Qualified recipients receive financial support to participate in a wide range of recreation programs at community centres and other City facilities across Vaughan. RecAssist is exclusively supported through fundraisers and generous donations. Availability of funding is subject to change. For more information about making a donation or applying for RecAssist, please visit vaughan.ca/RecAssist, email rec@vaughan.ca or call 905- 8322281.

York Region offers subsidies for recreation programs and day camps. Recreation programs and day camp subsidies provide children from families with low income the ability to take part in programs offered by the municipal recreation departments.   

Please visit york.ca/recreationsubsidies or call Access York 1-877-464-9675 for more information and to see if you qualify. Applications for subsidy assistance must be submitted to York Region. Once you have received an approval email through York Region, fill out the Subsidy Registration Form or the Summer Camp Subsidy Registration Form for courses within the annual approved rate limit.

Our programs are available for individuals with disabilities including those with physical, cognitive, or sensory disabilities. We offer a wide variety of programs tailored to different age groups and interests, ensuring that there’s something for everyone.

Whether your child is interested in staying active, expressing creativity, building social confidence, enhancing their learning, or trying out a fun cooking class, we have something for everyone.

Each season, we introduce fresh and exciting opportunities to keep things engaging, ensuring there’s always something new to look forward to.

To view our current offerings, visit vaughan.perfectmind.com

Before registering, we ask that all new participants complete an intake meeting which is an essential step in helping us understand any specific support needs that may be required during the program. To get started, participants must schedule their intake meeting by calling Inclusion and Support Services at 905-832-2281, ext. 7408 or by emailing inclusion@vaughan.ca.