Adults
Attendant Pass
Pursuing Active Lifestyles
Safety for Independent Living
Recreation Program Financial Support
Inclusion Support to Participate in Programs
Red Cross Adapted Swim Lessons
Fit Finders
Therapeutic Recreation
TIME
Adaptive Equipment
Fitness Programs Seniors Programs Outdoor Programs Aquatics Sport
People with disabilities who require the support of an attendant to accompany them to events may apply for an Attendant Pass. For more information please call 576-4450 or email inclusion@stjohns.ca.
Attendant Passes are recognized at the following venues. Other venues may accept Attendant Passes as well. Please call ahead of time to ensure your pass will be accepted.
- City of St. John's facilities and events
- Mile One Centre
- Arts and Culture Centre
- Metrobus
- The Works/Aquarena
Application forms are available:
- Online
- at the H.G.R. Mews Community Centre
- by contacting Inclusive Services Staff at 709-576-4450
- by email: inclusion@stjohns.ca
This program aims to teach adults over the age of 22 years who have mild to moderate developmental disabilities the basic skills needed for active living. Participants will take part in recreation and leisure activities in a friendly, relaxes atmosphere with caring leaders. To ensure a safe and inclusive environment, meeting all participants' needs, an Inclusive Services Application is required. For further information please email inclusion@stjohns.ca.
For more information and to register please click here.
Safety for Independent Living aims to equip youth and adults with mild to moderate developmental disabilities with life skills that will help them make confident choices, prevent potentially dangerous situations and live a safe life. The program covers people safety, online safety, road safety, injury prevention an basic first aid. An interest list is available for those would like to participate in this course. Date and time to be determined when there is enough interest to fill a course. To add your name to the interest list, please email inclusion@stjohns.ca. This course was developed by SOS 4 Kids, an Ontario-based publisher and provider of Children's safety courses.
Recreation Program Financial Support
Financial support is available for adults facing financial barriers to participate in City of St. John's, Recreation Division activities. A complete list of activities can be found on RecConnect.
Application forms are available:
- online
- At the HGR Mews Community Centre, 40 Mundy Pond Road
- By contacting the Inclusive Services Staff at 709-576-8684
- By email inclusion@stjohns.ca
Inclusion Support to Participate in Programs
Interested in recreation but don't know where to start? Need a little extra support to attend a program? Learn more, contact our Inclusive Services Team for a consultation.
Fitness Programs Senior Programs Outdoor Programs Aquatics Sport
Residents please see the following process for requesting Inclusion Participant Support:
- Complete and return an Inclusion Support Application by the deadline date. Click here for a link to the Inclusion Support Application or contact Inclusive Services staff at 709-576-4450/6972 or by emailing inclusion@stjohns.ca.
Application deadlines (or next business day):
- Summer Programs: March 17
- Fall Programs: July 17
- Winter Programs: Nov. 17
- Spring Programs: Feb. 1
2. Completed applications will be reviewed and a staff person will contact you to discuss options and/or arrange an assessment of ability and need.
3. Inclusive Services may request permission to consult a reference who can verify the applicant's strengths and needs (i.e. a teacher, social worker, staff at another organization in which the individual is involved).
4. A decision regarding the application is made and the applicant/caregiver is contacted regarding registration procedures.
Non-Residents, please see the following process for requesting Inclusion Participant Support:
1. Registration for non-residents will take place seven calendar days after the registration for residents.
2. Non-residents are advised to complete steps one through four as noted above.
3. Non-residents will be contacted by Inclusion Services staff to discuss program availability.
Red Cross Adapted Swim Lessons
Classes are available for any age swimmer who has a disability and requires an individualized or low ratio setting. Classes are progressive but begin with the basics of swimming and water safety. Aquatic experiences provide a variety of opportunities for people with disabilities to improve overall well-being. A parent or an aide may be required to support the swimmer in the water.
A Canadian Red Cross Adapted Swim Lesson Registration is required to complete the registration. Program registration is dependent upon available resources and participant's ability to actively participate within a low ratio. The Division reserves the right to remove a participant, with a full refund, should they not be approved through Inclusive Services.
For more information call 709-576-4450 or 709-576-2574 or email inclusion@stjohns.ca or to register click here.
Offered fall, winter and spring to groups servicing those facing ability related barriers. Groups are given the opportunity to participate in recreation and leisure activities within a safe, supportive environment, with dedicated and experienced recreation staff. Program duration is 1 to 2 hours. Maximum group size is dependent upon barriers faced by participants and activity selected. Group leaders are expected to attend to support participants. Seasonal activities may include: badminton, ball hockey, basketball, boccia, crafting, curling (floor), walking/hiking, healthy lifestyles sessions, low impact fitness, low impact water fitness, soccer, soccer-baseball, t-ball, T-ai Chi Chih, team building activities, Wii fitness, yoga, and zumba. Other activities may be available upon request.
Note: Program bookings are pending instructor and equipment availability and may be weather dependent. For more information please call 709-576-4450/6972 or email inclusion@stjohns.ca or click here.
Therapeutic Recreation
Therapeutic recreation referrals use a person’s strength, needs and interests to set goals for recreation. A certified staff will help the participant develop a plan to acquire the skills and knowledge to participate in City of St. John’s activities with minimal support. Participants can be referred by an organization or self-referred. For more information please contact 576-6972 or inclusion@stjohns.ca
TIME Together in Movement and Exercise
TIME (Together in Movement and Exercise) is a community based exercise program for people with balance and mobility limitations who can walk 10 metres with or without aide. Registration is on referral from a Physician, Physiotherapist, Registered Nurse or Nurse Practitioner. For more information please call 709-576-6972 or email inclusion@stjohns.ca
An assistive hearing system is available within the Recreation Division. TTY/TDD service is available by calling Access St. John's at 311 or 709-754-CITY (2489).
Adaptive Equipment Lending
Adaptive equipment improves access to the City's trails, parks, beaches, arenas, and recreation programs for those with mobility related disabilities. This free, lending service is based on availability and reservation. Most equipment may be borrowed for up to 2 weeks. A minimum of 1 week notice is appreciated for requests.
Current Adaptive Recreation Equipment Inventory:
- 2 Hippocampe All-Terrain Wheelchairs (2 sizes with available ski attachments)
- 2 Ice Sledges (2 sizes with available ice picks)
- Snowcoach Adapted Slide
- NEW Top End Excelorator handcycle- Coming Spring Summer 2021!
- Sit Ski (available for use only at the Pippy Park Activity Centre)
Reserve adaptive equipment in 3 easy steps:
- Email inclusion@stjohns.ca or call 576-6972 to check availability.
- New users must schedule an equipment orientation with staff. Returning users must schedule a pickup time with staff.
- All users must complete and return Adaptive Equipment Lending Requests.
Adaptive Equipment Lending Requests can be returned by:
- Email inclusion@stjohns.ca
- Fax 576-2308
- In person at the Recreation Division, Administrative Office, 1 Crosbie Place
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Hippocampe All-Terrain Wheelchair with Wheels
An all-terrain wheelchair that is lightweight, easy to transport and waterproof. The large, wide wheels make it easier than traditional, personal wheelchairs to navigate trails and lightly packed stone. Features:
Ideas for use:
Video: Hippocampe with Wheels |
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Hippocampe All-Terrain Wheelchair with Skis
An all-terrain wheelchair with ski attachments make this chair ready for the snow! An attendant is required to push when skis are attached. Features:
Ideas for use:
Video: Hippocampe with Skis |
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Ice Sledges
Ice Sledges provide a seated skating experience. Ideal for leisure skating or sledge hockey. Features:
Ideas for use:
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Top End Excelorator Handcycle Trike
A hand driven tricycle for those with good upper stength and coordination. Features:
Ideas for use:
Video: Excelorator Handcycle Trike |
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Sit Ski
(available on loan for use at the Pippy Park Winter Activity Centre ONLY) A sit ski, or sometimes referred to as a bi-ski, is best suited for users with good upper body strength and coordination. For use on cross country trails only. Features:
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