Community Activities
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When we talk about social opportunities for people with developmental disabilities, we refer to it as “going out into the community” but as author Janet Klees notes, “we really shouldn’t frame it that way because we are the community”. Janet suggests that we think about developing our community relationships in terms of an “enduring presence”. People with developmental disabilities want and need meaningful relationships and friendships that exist outside of family and paid support staff.
Janet notes that “You cannot create relationship...but you can recognize, encourage, and design opportunities in which the miracle of friendship is more likely to occur”. Furthermore, Janet notes that in order to design and support such an opportunity or context to relationship, we need to pay attention to four things at one time:
- discovering community spaces
- ensuring regular, predictable presence
- designing and supporting valued roles (a reason to be there and contributing)
- connecting with other people
For example, you can join a club, fitness center, become a fan, become a member of a church group, become a student, volunteer, or offer a service.
This guide was created to help families find opportunities for community involvement that will build relationships and friendships. We included activities open to the public and those geared toward people with disabilities. Ensemble believes all community activities should be welcoming to everyone. Please email Ensemble at ensemble@communitylivingessex.org to share your suggestions or any corrections to this guide.
Ensemble gratefully acknowledges Janet Klees’ contribution to this content adapted from her book, Our Presence Has Roots, 2005 found online at www.deohakeo.com
- Amherstburg Location of Essex Heroes Athletic Club: A fun night playing basketball.
Participation: People with disabilities, all ages welcome. Location: General Amherstburg High School, 130 Sandwich Street South, Amherstburg N9V 1Z8. Time: Wednesday nights from 6:30 pm-8:00 pm October-May. Cost: Free Operated by: Partnership between Community Living Essex County and the Amherstburg Police. Contact: Michelle Jones-Rousseau at (519) 791-3302 or Michelle@communitylivingessex.org. The facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/The-Essex-County-Heroes-Athletic-Club-560030290693857/?fref=photo . - Amherstburg Parks and Recreation
Visit their website and see all of the exciting things you can do in the Amherstburg community. Find information regarding skating, swimming, parks, upcoming events and much more! Contact: (519) 763-5712. - House of Shalom Youth Centre
The House of Shalom is a non-denominational youth centre that offers weekly self-esteem meetings for high school students and young adults in our community. Topics for discussion cover a wide range of interests. All sessions have adult staff and a team of peer support leaders for each group (Grades 9 through 12). Films, skits, exercises and guest speakers add to the weekly small and large group discussions, reinforcing each individual’s value, positive qualities and potential. The members are the heart and inspiration of our program. Pool Tables, ping-pong tables, air hockey, foosball and more are available for social activities. The House of Shalom also puts on dances, schedules outings and tournaments for members to enjoy. Participation: Grade 9-12 welcome. If prospective participant has special needs you should first contact the centre to see if they are able to accommodate. Location: 247 Brock St., Amherstburg, Ontario N9V 2H4 Time: Tues-Fri 3pm-9pm Cost: Call Contact: (519) 736-6811 or (519) 736-4676
- Essex Centre for the Arts, Aquatics and Recreation
Visit their website and see all of the exciting things you can do in the Essex community. Find information in regards to skating, swimming, parks, upcoming events and much more! Contact: (519) 776-8992. - ESSEX Location of Essex Heroes Athletic Club: A fun night playing basketball.
Participation: People with disabilities, all ages welcome. Location: Colchester North Public School,2651 County Rd 12, Essex, ON N8M 2X6 . Time: Tuesday nights from 6:30 pm-8:00 pm October-May. Cost: Free Operated by: Partnership between Community Living Essex County and the Amherstburg Police. Contact: Michelle Jones-Rousseau at (519) 791-3302 or Michelle@communitylivingessex.org. Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/The-Essex-County-Heroes-Athletic-Club-560030290693857/?fref=photo. - Essex Recreation Complex
Dive in! The Essex Recreation Complex offers a range of recreational swimming programs that are perfect for individuals and families. Participation: Everyone Location: Essex Recreation Complex, 242 Talbot street North, Essex On, N8M 2E1 Time: Fri 7pm-9pm, Sun 1:30pm-3pm Cost: $2.75 per person. Contact: (519) 776-8992. - Essex Youth Centre
The Essex Youth Centre is a drop-in centre for teen youth in the Essex community. We provide social and recreational activities, specialized medical care and counseling, tutoring, peer mentoring, cultural programs, Internet and computer access, employment assistance, crafts and games. Participation: Teens, teens with minor disabilities welcome provided no personal care required or with support worker in attendance Time: Visit website Location: 242 Talbot Street North Essex, Ontario N8M 2E1 , Lower Level rear entrance. Time: Visit website for more details. Cost: free. Contact: (519) 776-9000 or Sandy Larivee at slarivee@cogeco.ca . - Gesstwood Camp and Retreat Centre
Gesstwood is where fun and faith go together naturally. Summer camps for children between the ages of 5-15 are offered. Peace and tranquility is found on our 62-acre lot that includes 20-acres of playground, 35-acres of wood land and 7 acres of stream. Participation: Ages 5-15, individuals with minor disabilities welcome. Location: 1034 Mole Side road, Essex Ontario. Time: visit website for camps available. Costs: fees vary depending on camp offered, call for more details. Contact: (519) 776-7119, or email: info@gesstwoodcamp.com . - Windsor Essex Therapeutic Riding Association (WETRA)
Therapeutic horseback riding for people with special needs. Participation: People with disabilities. Location: 3323 North Malden Rd, RR # 2, Essex, ON N8M 2X6. Time: Monday-Saturday. For program cost contact, WETRA Contact: Becky Mills, (519) 726-7682 or info@wetra.ca .
- Best Buddies
Students are paired in one-to-one relationships with individuals with intellectual disabilities from September to April. Recreation, leisure and organized group activities are planned to assist with facilitating friendships. Participation: all adults with intellectual disabilities can apply. Participation in program is dependant upon the availability of a compatible student buddy. Time: April-September. Cost: Free. Contact: University of Windsor Chapter at, windsor@bestbuddies.ca or St. Clair College Chapter at stclair_windsor@bestbuddies.ca - Disability Travel Card
This Disability Travel Card is intended for people with disabilities who require the assistance of a support person when traveling. The Card offers its holder discounts to the support person in attendance with them when traveling with participating partners Via Rail, Greyhound bus lines and Coach Canada. To apply for a Disability Travel Card through Easter Seals Canada, please download a PDF application from their website and submit by fax, scanned email or mail to the following: Attn: Disability Travel Card, 40 Holly Street, Suite 401, Toronto, Ontario M4S 3C3, fax: (416) 932-9844 or email: bchan@easterseals.ca or sheila@easterseals.ca. For all Travel Card inquires please contact us at (416) 932-8382, or toll free number is 1-877-376-6362 x 224. You may also email bchan@easterseals.ca or sheila@easterseals.ca . - Easter Seals Access to Entertainment Cards
The Access 2 Entertainment card allows persons with a disability to receive either free admission or a significant discount for their support person at member movie theatres and attractions across Canada. The program is administered by Easter Seals and can be used at Cineplex Entertainment, Empire and Landmark Theatres, Toronto Zoo, the Art Gallery of Ontario, Casa Loma, the CN Tower, Ontario Place, the Ontario Science Centre, and the Royal Ontario Museum, and more. Download an application from their website, complete and mail the application as instructed with a $20 fee. The card is valid for 5 years. - Fishing in Ontario
You do not need a license to fish in Ontario if you are a Ontario resident that is disabled and has a Canadian National Institute for the Blind National Identity Card issued to them OR an Ontario Ministry of Transportation Accessible Parking Permit issued to them OR a black and white photocopy or printed version of an electronic copy of the Ontario Ministry of Transportation Accessible Parking Permit accompanied by any license, permit, certificate, or identification card issued by the Government of Canada or a provincial or territorial government of Canada that indicates the person's name and date of birth. Any license, permit, certificate or identification card issued by the Government of Canada or a provincial or territorial government of Canada that indicates the person's name and date of birth where the individual must be accompanied by and require the direct assistance of another person to fish and follow applicable fishing laws due to a condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability, a learning disability or dysfunction, or a mental disorder. The person accompanying the above person does not require fishing license if they are only assisting, but must have a license if they wish to engage in fishing. Those who qualify to fish with a deemed license as indicated above, must follow the same catch and possession limits as holders of a Resident Sport Fishing License Tag. - Jumpstart
Canadian Tire Jumpstart is a national charitable program that helps financially disadvantaged kids participate in organized sport and recreation. They help cover registration, equipment and/or transportation costs. Canadian Tire Jumpstart then covers registration, equipment and/or transportation costs to help them participate in a sport or recreational activity of their choice. They also lend support to unique initiatives aimed at increasing access to sport and recreation programs. Since their launch in 2005, Canadian Tire Jumpstart has given more than 540,000 kids across Canada the chance to play. - Ontario Parks Disability Discounts
An Ontario resident with a disability who has a CNIB identity card or a Ministry of Transportation disabled persons parking permit can receive a 50% discount off day visits, parking, and campsites at all provincial parks in Ontario. - Whole Note Music Therapy Services
Established in 2005, Whole Note Music Therapy Services provides individual & group based programming for children, teens & adults with special needs. Active music-making is used deliberately to engage and motivate individuals with special needs in activities which target goals in areas such as expressive and receptive communication skills, academic concepts and literacy skills, social responsive behaviours, as well as promoting character development by building self-confidence and increasing independence. Adapted piano lessons can be provided upon request. Location & times vary.
- John R Park Homestead & Conservation area
A visit to the John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area will take you back in time. Explore the parks’ magnificent Classical Revival home built in 1842. Taste baking from the kitchen fireplace, play with wooden toys, or see the 1885 steam engine-powered sawmill. For a breath of fresh air, take a scenic walk on the lakeshore boardwalk. Participation: All welcome. If require visual guide, audio tour, or other accommodations please call in advance. Location: 915 County Road 50 East RR 1, Harrow On N0R 1G0. Time: Sun-Thurs 11am-4pm, Closed Fri &Sat. Cost: Adults $5.00, children 3-16 $3.00, Family rate $15.00. Contact: (519) 738-2029.
- Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens
Shop, lunch, play mini golf, or explore the petting zoo. Participation: All are welcome. Location: 1550 Road 3 East Kingsville Ontario Canada N9Y-2E5. Time: Mon-Thurs 8am-5pm, Fri-Sun 8am-6pm. Cost: Free to enter, but fees will vary depending on activity. Contact: (519) 326-3287 - Kingsville Events Guide
Kingsville has many attractions and offers a monthly events calendar. - Kingsville Parks and Recreation
Visit their website and see all of the exciting things you can do in the Kingsville community. Find information about skating, swimming, parks, upcoming events and much more! Location: 1741 Jasperson Lane, Kingsville, Ontario, N9Y 3J4. Time: Open daily, Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Contact: Dan Wood, dwood@kingsville.ca or (519) 733-2123 or Maggie Durocher at mdurocher@kingsville.ca or (519) 733-2123.
- Lakeshore/Belle River Parks and Recreation
Visit their website, http://lakeshore.ca/parks_and_rec/, and see all of the exciting things you can do in the Lakeshore Belle River community. Find information about skating, swimming, parks, upcoming events and much more! Contact: (519) 728-1975.
- Fantastic Fridays at the Vollmer
Family Respite Services (FRS), works in partnership with the Parks and Recreation department in LaSalle to offer support for a Friday night recreation program for older youth at the Vollmer Recreation Centre. The purpose of this program is to provide a fun evening, which gives a short break to the youth and the family. The program provides opportunity for the youth to participate in sport, recreation and physical activities, assisting them to develop skills and socialize with others. The Parks and Recreation staff run the program and FRS provides support staff to enable the youth to participate in the program. Currently they provide this program two Friday nights per month. Families pay a registration fee for the program to the Town of Lasalle. Access to the program is limited and must be arranged through the Family Coordinator at FRS, as a part of the overall respite service that we offer. - LaSalle Parks and Recreation
Visit their website and see all of the exciting things you can do in the LaSalle community. Find information in regards to skating, swimming, parks, upcoming events and much more! Contact: (519) 969-7770. - LaSalle Spirit Club
Special Olympics – LaSalle, Spirit Sports Club provides athletic opportunities for persons with intellectual disabilities, ages 8+. Baseball, track and field, bowling, and hockey available. The goal is to bring athletes together for fun, friendship, and competition, but there are certainly some athletes who are not competitive that simply come out for the exercise and socialization. - Vollmer Complex
Come on out for a swim! The Vollmer staff recommends all parties call in advance to reserve a spot in the recreational swim period they wish to attend. All reserved parties must arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of the swim for their reservation to be upheld. The Vollmer complex offers a ramp into the pool, water wheel chairs and slings. Participation: Everyone Location: Vollmer 2121 Laurie Dr, LaSalle On, N9J 0B4. Time: Either call or visit website to view the recreation guide for times. Contact: (519) 969-7771.
- Half Century Club
Half Century Club offers a wide range of activities and services for adults and seniors over 50. Social, recreational and educational activities services are available such as fitness, yoga, Tai Chi, cards, arts and crafts, luncheons, speakers, lectures and income tax clinic. Participation: Adults and seniors 50 years and up. Location: 160 Talbot St E, Leamington On, N8H 1M2. Time: Open Monday-Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm. Cost: Membership fees do apply, call for details at (519) 326-2521 or check out their Facebook page . - Sherk Centre Leamington
Aquatics and other recreation opportunities. Visit their website and view the activity guide for times and details. Location: 249 Sherk St, Leamington ON, N8H 4X7. Contact: (519) 322-2337 Ext. 2001 - Special Equestrians Therapeutic Riding Association (SPEQTRA)
Therapeutic horseback riding for people with special needs. Participation: People with special needs. Location: Windsor Farms Equine Centre, 528 Mersea Rd 7, Leamington, ON N8H 3V8. Time: Call SPEQTRA. Cost: , please contact SPEQTRA at (519) 322-2463 or info@speqtra.ca .
- Dances & Special Event Nights at Knights of Columbus Hall
Dances are sponsored by the McGregor Squirettes of Mary under the guidance of Community Living Essex County. Participation: Age 16+. Location: Knights of Columbus Hall, 9560 Walker Rd, McGregor, ON N0R 1J0. Time: 7:30 pm-10:00 pm. Cost: $5.00, dinner additional cost. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Community Living Essex County, 372 Talbot St North, Essex. Payment with exact change or check at the reception desk. Contact: Nicole Meloche, (519)- 776-6483 Ext 221 or nmeloche@communitylivingessex.org at Community Living Essex County.
- Bowling Empire Lanes Ruthven
Come out and enjoy a fun evening of bowling. Participation: Family fun for all Location: 1771 Talbot St W, Ruthven On, N8H 2G0 Time: Open bowling after 6pm Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays Cost: $14.12 for 3 games, plus shoe rental kids $2.70 adults $3.14 Contact: (519) 326-3442.
- Academie Ste. Cecile, Music Therapy
Private Music Therapy classes are designed to target individualized goals based on social, behavioral, physical, cognitive, emotional and communicative needs. A written program plan is provided after the first three assessment sessions. Sessions typically run for 30-minutes. Lessons are also offered in piano, guitar, violin, voice, flute, clarinet, and more. Participation: Children with disabilities welcome, depending on ability to participate. Call for more details. Two locations: 12021 Tecumseh Rd East. Tecumseh and 2676 Grand Marais Rd West Windsor. Cost: Varies depending on instructor, averages between $18-$28. Contact: (519) 735-7575 for general inquiries and admissions. Email: tecasc@bellnet.ca, For music therapy classes, please contact Emily Finnigan at (519) 478-0060 or email: info@wnmusictherapy.com. - Bowling “Super Bowl Lanes”
Enjoy an afternoon or evening of family fun bowling! Participation: Everyone Location: 10000 Tecumseh Rd East at Forest Glade drive, Windsor ON, N8T 2Z8 Time: Fri, Sat, Sun 12pm- 9pm (Fri & Sat Rock and bowl from 9pm-12pm) Cost: Junior/Senior $4.30 per game, Adult $4.60. Shoe rental $2.75. Contact: (519) 735-7500 - Crock-A-Doodle Pottery painting Studio
Hands-on art fun for everyone! A special place to gather with family and friends to create, laugh, share and grow. Enjoy some creative together-time, transforming ready-to-paint pottery pieces into amazing works of art, glazed and kiln-fired to a brilliant, durable finish. Participation: Everyone. Location: 13458 Tecumseh Rd, Tecumseh, Ontario, N8N 3N7. Time: Drop-in’s welcome however, if you would like to bring in a small group call ahead to schedule appointment. Cost: May vary depending on pottery chosen. (Call to inquire) Contact: (519) 735-2579. - Tecumseh Recreational Services
Visit their website and see all of the exciting things you can do in the Tecumseh community. Find information regarding skating, swimming, parks, upcoming events and much more! Contact: (519) 735-4756.
- Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee
The Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee is a group of young people that seek to connect with youth in Windsor-Essex and listen to the issues that matter to them the most. We engage youth in conversation and propel them towards activism, advocating on their behalf to City Council. We represent youth and build relationships in the community to better serve them. - We Volunteer Windsor-Essex
WEvolunteer.ca is the official database of volunteer opportunities for Windsor and Essex County. By registering with us, we can match you to the right opportunities that will meet your goals. - Where’s it at blog?
This blog by Community Living Essex County is a quick way for one to find out about community-based, inclusive activities, organizations, volunteer opportunities & more in Essex County. - Windsor-Essex County Volunteer Centre Database Student Volunteers
Website dedicated to volunteer opportunities for youth/students.
- Academie Ste. Cecile, Music Therapy
Private Music Therapy classes are designed to target individualized goals based on social, behavioral, physical, cognitive, emotional and communicative needs. A written program plan is provided after the first three assessment sessions. Sessions typically run for 30-minutes. Lessons are also offered in piano, guitar, violin, voice, flute, clarinet, and more. Participation: Children with disabilities welcome, depending on ability to participate. Call for more details. Two locations: 12021 Tecumseh Rd East. Tecumseh and 2676 Grand Marais Rd West Windsor. Cost: Varies depending on instructor, averages between $18-$28. Contact: (519) 735-7575 for general inquiries and admissions. Email: tecasc@bellnet.ca, For music therapy classes, please contact Emily Finnigan at (519) 478-0060 or email: info@wnmusictherapy.com. - Art Indeed
Danah Beaulieu is an Intuitive Artist, Expressive Arts Practitioner and Educator. Through Art In-Deed, she explores the power of the arts for healing, personal growth, fun and self-exploration with children, teens, adults and seniors of various backgrounds. Courses and sessions are fun, uplifting and refreshing! - Cooking Classes at the Real Canadian Super Store
The Real Canadian Super Store offers a wide range of cooking classes for all ages. Participation: All ages. Offers classes for children ages 3-11, Teens 11-16 and for adults, call for details to accommodate people with disabilities. Location: 4371 Walker Rd, Windsor Ontario, N8W 3T6. Time: a selection of times available on website. Cost: fees will vary. Contact: (519) 972-8335. - Dart League
Dart league organized by Harmony in Action and takes place at the Royal Canadian Legion Local # 143, starts second Tuesday in September and ends the last week April/first week May. Come to the legion early for the dinner special-cheeseburger and French fries for around $3. Participation: People with disabilities welcome. Location: Royal Canadian Legion #143, 570 Marentette Ave, Windsor, Ontario. Cost: $1 for darts. Contact: Tanya at Harmony in Action (519) 252-1207. - Department of Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation offer a variety of recreation and leisure activities in their facilities located throughout Windsor and Essex County. A person with a disability will receive 10% off the cost of programs, no discount applies for daily fees, rentals, material fees, memberships, trips, or family fee plans. Financial assistance for day camps and before/after school programs may be available through partnership with social services. Participation: Adults, youth, and children welcome. If prospective participant has special needs you should first contact the center or program manager to discuss what arrangements need to be made to accommodate the individual. The process should be done before the individual registers. Cost: fees do apply (each program priced differently). Contact: Parks and Recreations by phoning (519) 253-2300. For general inquiries call 311. Email: parkrec@city.windsor.on.ca. - District 5 Challenger-Windsor Little League Baseball
League for baseball players who are mentally or physically challenged aged 6-18 years old. Contact: Cathy at (519)735-9180. - Harmony in Action Dinner Dance
Dinner and dance for adults with disabilities Participation: adults with disabilities ages 18+ years, support workers are required to attend. Location: Harmony in Action, 3335 Woodward Blvd, Windsor, Ontario, N8W 2Y7. Time: 3rd Friday of each month from 5:00 pm-8:00 pm, dinner starts at 5 pm, dance at 6 pm. Cost: $2 for dinner plus $2 for the dance. Contact: Harmony in Action (519) 252-1207. - Hockey with Heart – for Children with ASD
Hockey with Heart is for children with ASD, 11 years old and younger, to learn and play hockey. Please email, sdmachan@hotmail.com.
- Italian Canadian Handicapable Association (ICHA)
The ICHA Sports, recreation and conference center features indoor soccer, baseball, lacrosse, ball hockey, flag football, bocce ball, party rooms, and meeting/conference space. Social/recreational: bingo, arts and crafts, movie nights, dinners/dances and barbeques, open to all ages and abilities. Participation: Open to individuals with a physical or intellectual disability in Windsor and Essex County. Ages 8+ Location: 3939 Carmichael Drive, Windsor Ontario, N9C 0C3 (Novelletto Rosati Complex). Time: See website for more information, activities all year round. Cost: Membership fee; $25 for individuals, $40 for families (3+ members at the same address). Contact: (519) 977-1209 or icha@thesoccerplace.ca. - LeeLee Hats
Learn to knit, crochet, or loom. LeeLee Hats is dedicated to providing NICU babies with soft, cozy, colorful hats, at no cost to the families. Hats are knitted and crocheted by volunteers who donate their time to our cause. With the help of fantastic volunteers and amazing local businesses, they host knitting clubs free to all in the community. To date, LeeLee Hats have donated over 12,812 beautiful hats to NICU babies, and strive to offer many more, for many years to come. They have over 140 active volunteers making hats to offer a healthy start for these babies in need at no cost to families. Please see their calendar of events and locations available throughout Essex County. Participation: Everyone. Location: contact LeeLee Hats for events/locations. Time: contact LeeLee Hats for times/locations. Cost: Free. Contact: Tracy Summerfield (226) 280-9114 or leeleehats@gmail.com . - Maple Leaf Cycling Club
Maple Leaf Cycling Club is a volunteer based, non-profit recreational and competitive cycling organization founded in 1985. It operates out of Windsor, Ontario, Canada and is affiliated with the Ontario Cycling Association. Contact, (519) 915-1653. - Pin Pals
Bowling for people with special needs and their families, opportunities to form friendships. Participation: people with special needs. Location: SuperBowl Lanes, 10000 Tecumseh Rd E, Windsor, Ontario, N8R 1A2. Cost is $3.00 per game including shoes. The alley is fully accessible. The group meets on Thursdays at 6:00 pm. Contact: Shawn Gaudette at sgaudette5@cogeco.ca or on Facebook.
- Reach for the Rainbow
Since 1983, Reach for the Rainbow, a not-for-profit organization, has pioneered the integration of children and youth with disabilities into the mainstream of society through summer camp programs throughout Ontario. Our programs provide environments of inclusion for kids and youth while offering much needed respite for parents. Contact: For more information call, Cathy Nada, coordinator for integrated camp opportunities at (519)250-0805. - Windsor Centre for seniors
Windsor Centre for seniors offers a wide range of activities for adults and seniors age 50+. Social, recreational and educational services are available. Activities such as fitness classes, yoga, Tai Chi, cards, art and crafts, luncheons, speakers, lectures are available. There are two locations in Windsor to serve you. Participation: All adults or seniors 50 years or older are welcome. Location 1: McEwan Street Centre, 635 McEwan Ave, Windsor Ontario, N9B 2E9. Time: Monday –Thursday 8:30am-8:30pm; Friday 8:30- 4:30pm. Cost: $90.00 per year or $150.00 per married couple. Contact, (519) 254-1108 or info@centresforseniors.org . Location 2: East side Centre 8781 McHugh St, First floor, Windsor Ontario, N8S 0A1. Time: 8:30am-4pm. Cost: $90.00 per year, or $150.00 per married couple. - Windsor Family Aquatic Complex
The City of Windsor has a signature family aquatic complex that can accommodate both 50-metre and 25-metre events, along with a diving well and a family water park. - Windsor Public Library
The library offers a variety of programs for children, teens, and adults that range from book clubs, film reviews, literacy programs, and more. Literacy programs are listed under “visting the library” here and other programs are offered under the “programs” listing. Adult Sensory Reading Circle runs at Riverside Library on Tuesdays from 10:30 to 11:30 and at Budimir Library on Wednesdays from 2:00 to 3:00. Email Fiona Bruce for more information at fbruce@windsorpubliclibrary.com. - Windsor Special Olympics
Special Olympics Ontario is a non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to providing year-round sports training and competition opportunities for individuals with an intellectual disability. Sports activities offered are; bowling, curling, rhythmic gymnastics, swimming, and track and field. Participation: All individuals with intellectual disabilities.Location & Time: Varies depending on sport activity chosen. Contact: Cindy LaBrecque Community Coordinator at clabrecque@cogeco.ca. - Windsor Vista Gymnastics
Windsor Vistas Gymnastics is proud to offer an exclusive program to children with special needs. Our goal is to provide gymnastics training and competitive opportunities for athletes with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Participation: Programs available for children 12 and under, and children 12 and up. Children are welcome to have their workers attend their class. Location: 2996 Denzel Drive, Windsor, ON, N8W 5H8. Contact: Melynda Outram at (519)948-4386. - Windsor-Essex County Family YMCA
The YMCA offers many different programs for all ages and abilities, form swimming, sports activities and learning programs. Visit their website for more details. Participation: Depends on program selected, call for details. If prospective participant has special needs you should first contact the center or program manager to discuss what arrangements need to be made to accommodate the individual. Location: 500 Victoria Ave. Windsor, Ontario N9A 4M8. Time: Mon-Fri 9am-9pm, Sat 8am-6pm, Sun 8am-4pm. Cost: Memberships, day passes, and financial assistance available, call for details. Contact: (519) 258-9622. - Windsor-Essex County Special Stars Soccer League
This is a sanctioned soccer league for people with Autism. There are five different divisions based on age and skill level. Parent or support worker is required to attend with the person participating. Participation: ages 6+. Time: Call Cost: $40-$70, it depends on division and skill level. Contact: Patrick Roberts at (226) 345-0228 or email, wec.specialstars@hotmail.com. - Yoga for individuals with Down Syndrome
Participation: Women and girls with Down Syndrome. A parent, friend or support is always encouraged to attend and participate. Location and times will vary. Contact: Coco Nicole Daignault at coconico73@yahoo.ca.