Children & Youth
Annual Inclusion & REAL Program Deadlines
Safety for Independent Living
Inclusion Support to Participate in Programs
Attendant Pass
Canadian Tire Jumpstart Adaptive Equipment Leading Program
REAL Program
Accessible Playground Equipment
Pursuing Active Lifestyles
Red Cross Swim- Adapted
Fit Finders
Therapeutic Recreation
Children's Program Financial Support
Adaptive Equipment Lending
SUPPORTED BY
Annual Inclusion & REAL Program Deadlines
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 and basic first aid. An interest list is available for those who 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.
Inclusion Support to Participate in Programs
Children's Programs Youth Programs Outdoor Programs Aquatics Sport
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.
Residents please see the following process to requesting Inclusive Participant Support.
- Complete and return the Inclusion Support Application by the deadline date (see deadline date chart above).
- Click here for a link to the Inclusion Support Application or contact Inclusive Services staff at 709-576-4556 or 709-576-6972 or by emailing inclusion@stjohns.ca
- Completed applications will be reviewed and a staff person will contact you to discuss options and/or arrange an assessment of ability and need.
- 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).
- A decision regarding the application is made and the applicant/caregiver is contacted regarding registration procedures.
Non-Residents, please see the following process to requesting Inclusion Participant Support:
- Registration for non-residents will take place seven calendar days after the registration for residents.
- Non-residents are advised to complete steps one through four as noted above.
- Non-residents will be contacted by Inclusion Services staff to discuss program availability.
People with disabilities who require the support of an attendant to accompany them to events may apply for an Attendant Pass. Organizations who support clients with disabilities in the community may also apply. For more information please call 709-576-4556 or email inclusion@stjohns.ca.
For children under the age of 12, an attendant pass is only issued if the child requires the support of an attendant/support worker in addition to a legal guardian.
Please allow 2 to 4 weeks for processing.
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
- Mary Brown's Centre (formally called Mile One Centre)
- Arts and Culture Centre
- Metrobus
- The Works/Aquarena
Application forms are available:
- online
- HGR Mews Community Centre
- Paul Reynolds Community Centre
- by contacting Inclusive Services Staff at 709-576-4556
- by email inclusion@stjohns.ca
Accessible Playgroup Equipment
An accessible playground is located in Bowring Park near the pool. In addition, accessible swing seats are available in the following locations in the City:
- Bowring Park
- Bannerman Park
- Froude Avenue Playground
- McNiven Place
- St. Mary's Playground on Waterford Bridge Road by St. Mary's School
- Spruce Meadows Playground
- McNiven Place Playground
This program aims to teach youth aged 15 to 21 years, who have mild to moderate developmental disabilities, the basic skills needed for active living. Youth participate in recreation and leisure activities in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere with caring leaders.
All applicants must be approved through the Inclusion Support Application process. 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 on Pursuing Active Lifestyle and to register please Click here.
Classes are available for any 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 Swim Lesson Registration Form is required to complete the registration. Program registration is dependent upon available resources and participant's ability to actively participate within a low ratio. We reserve the right to remove a participant, with a full refund, should they not be approved through Inclusive Services.
For more information call 709-576-4556 or 709-576-2574 or email inclusion@stjohns.ca or to register click here.
Fit Finders
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 709-576-4556 or 709-576-6972 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
Children's Program Financial Support
Financial support is available for individuals facing financial barriers to participate in City of St. John's, Recreation Division activities. Request for children/youth are referred to the REAL program.
ELIGIBILITY
Families approved for financial assistance will receive a discount percentage based on level of need determined by Statistics Canada’s Low Income Cut Off (LICO). This information is available online at Statistic Canada and is subject to change.
Eligibility criteria:
- Applicant must be a resident of St. John's. Proof of residency identifying the applicant’s name and address is required. Acceptable documents include: Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment, utility bill, driver’s license, etc.
- Applicants must meet the program requirements (i.e. ages, designated school, etc.).
- Applications are considered based on level of need and determined by Stat Can Low Income Cut-Offs (LICO). Subject to change.
- Applications are considered for programs which have a duration of 3 weeks or longer. All programs with a duration of less than 3 weeks are referred to the REAL Program.
Up to date proof of income is required and will be kept confidential. Applications must include proof of income from all sources such as:
- Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment
- Canada Child Tax Benefit Notice
- Proof of Enrollment for Post-Secondary Education (if applicable)
- Other applicable statements of income (if applicable)
HOW TO APPLY
Complete the Children's Program Financial Assistance Application and supporting documents must be submitted via the following:
- drop off in person to Inclusive Services at 1 Crosbie Place.
- fax 709 576 2308
- email inclusion@stjohns.ca
Mail to:
Inclusive Services
City of St. John’s
P.O. Box 908
St. John’s, NL
A1C 5M2
For more information, please contact Inclusive Services at 709-576-8684 or 709-576-2574 or email inclusion@stjohns.ca.
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 availablity 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 Excelorateor Handcycle- Coming Spring/Summer 2021!
- Sit Ski (available for use only at the Pippy Park Winter Activity Centre)
Reserve adaptive equipment in 3 easy steps!
- Email inclusion@stjohns.ca or call 709-576-6972
- New users must schedule an equipment orientation with staff. Returning users must schedule a pickup time with staff.
- All users must complete and return the Adaptive Equipment Lending Request.
Forms can be returned by:
- Email at inclusion@stjohns.ca
- Fax 709-576-2308
- In person at the Recreation Divison, Administative 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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