Active Abilities Canada was founded in 1989, following the Jasper Talks, a meeting of organizations and individuals committed to promoting physical activity, sports, and recreation for persons with disabilities. Active Abilities Canada has always been dedicated to promoting inclusivity and accessibility for people of all abilities. We strive to encourage participation in physical activity, sport, and recreation for the purposes of health, enjoyment, and social integration.
Acknowledgements and Notes
This project is led by Active Abilities Canada, formerly known as the Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability.
Active Abilities Canada would like to thank our funding partners:
Thank you to our contributing partners on this project:
Provincial and territorial affiliates
The steering committee for this project included:
Alyssa Grimes
Queen’s University
Amy Latimer-Cheung, PhD
Queen’s University; Principal Investigator, Canadian Disability Participation Project 2.0
Janet Lawson, PhD
University of Manitoba; Co-Investigator, Canadian Disability Participation Project 2.0
Mike Arthur
Active Abilities Canada
Sarah Ane
Parks and Recreation Ontario
Taryn Barry, PhD
Active Abilities Canada
Zainab Naqvi
Queen’s University
Acknowledgement of Indigenous Peoples
We fully acknowledge the unique and enduring relations that exist between Indigenous Peoples and the lands on which municipalities across Canada are located. We encourage all users of this Guide to learn about the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples who have traditionally inhabited these lands.
While this Guide aims to help recreational leaders in creating inclusive physical activities and recreational practices, it may not fully address the unique needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. We therefore urge users to invest in building relations with local Indigenous communities to advance reconciliation.
Rights of Persons with Disabilities
This Guide was developed in consideration of Section 15 of The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which states that every individual in Canada is to be considered equal, regardless of physical or mental disability, race, colour, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, or age.
In 2010, Canada ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Article 30 states that persons with disabilities have the right to participate in cultural life, recreation, leisure, and sports on an equal footing with others.
Note on Intersectionality
This Guide was designed with an intersectional lens that recognizes persons with disabilities may have overlapping identities and be part of several marginalized communities that impact how they participate in recreation and physical activity.
Text Accessibility
This Guide is written in plain language. If it does not meet your accessibility needs, please reach out to us at info@activeabilities.ca and we will arrange suitable accommodations for you.
