OTTAWA, ON – Active Abilities Canada, formerly the Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability, in partnership with the Canadian Disability Participation Project (CDPP) 2.0, is launching the Municipal Guide for Disability Inclusion in Recreation and Physical Activity. This comprehensive and industry-leading resource provides how-to strategies for staff at all levels in municipal recreation departments to make sure people with disabilities are included in their programs and activities.
Persons with disabilities often have fewer chances to participate in physical activity, recreation and community sports and activities compared to others. This is because they face many barriers, such as physical, social, and emotional challenges. As persons with disabilities want to enjoy recreational activities with their friends and family, or in places close to home, making recreational environments more inclusive is important. This means creating spaces where everyone can participate together, regardless of their abilities. Across Canada, many municipalities aim to provide recreational activities for all residents, including those with disabilities.
“This resource is the most complete set of evidence-informed practices for municipal governments looking to include persons with disabilities in their recreation services and programs” says Mike Arthur, Chair of Active Abilities Canada. As more municipalities across Canada strive to make their programs and services inclusive and accessible, the Municipal Guide offers important ideas and recommendations that improve the quality of recreational activities for everyone.
“I’m incredibly excited about the development of this new resource from Active Abilities Canada”, says Heather Craig from the City of Edmonton. “One of the strongest themes that emerged during our recent staff engagement sessions was the clear need for more support and guidelines for our employees. Many staff shared that while they are committed to doing accessible work, they often feel unequipped to do so. This new Municipal Guide has the potential to fill a significant gap—providing practical guidance, tools, and shared knowledge to empower municipal staff across jurisdictions to deliver more inclusive and accessible services”.
The definition of disability has evolved over time and today it challenges the stereotypical perceptions. Disabilities can be visible or invisible, permanent, temporary or acquired. They can be physical, mental, intellectual, learning, communication or sensory impairments, and they can impact a person’s full and equal participation in society. 27% of Canadians (over 15 years of age) have one or more disabilities which represents an increase of 5% since 2017, in large part due to Canada’s aging population and a significant increase in mental health-related disabilities among youth and working-age adults. Of those who experience disability, the most common type is pain-related disability (62%). Flexibility (40%), mobility (39%) and mental health-related disabilities (39%) were the next most prevalent.
For training on the Municipal Guide, municipalities and community groups are encouraged to contact Taryn Barry, Project Manager, at taryn@activeabilities.ca for tailored educational opportunities. Looking forward, Active Abilities Canada is working on developing additional training initiatives in 2026 and beyond to help municipal recreation leaders use the Municipal Guide in their day-to-day roles.
To access the Municipal Guide, please visit https://activeabilities.ca/municipal-guide/
About Active Abilities Canada
Established in 1989, Active Abilities Canada (formerly the Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability) supports communities and organizations to ensure that persons with disabilities have access and opportunity to meaningful participation in physical activity, recreation and community sport. We do this by:
- facilitating connection between organizations and communities
- ensuring research and knowledge translates into action
- advocating for changes to reduce barriers
About the Canadian Disability Participation Project 2.0
The Canadian Disability Participation Project (CDPP) 2.0 is a research partnership of 43 academics from across Canada, the United States and England and 31 partners from Canadian sport, exercise and play organizations and academic institutions. The goal of CDPP 2.0 is to co-create and mobilize new knowledge to improve quality participation in sport, exercise, and active play and optimize outcomes of participation among children, youth, and adults experiencing disability.
MEDIA CONTACT
Communications Manager
Moji Akande
moji@activeabilities.ca
