We are committed to providing a variety of recreation programs for all abilities and special needs. This includes inclusive and adaptive programs for all ages. Learn how we can help you access our recreation programs today.

Register

Participants may benefit from inclusion supports if they:

  • Require or receive additional support in a school or community setting
  • Have a disability that could affect their safety or the safety of others
  • Require extra support at home for personal care such as feeding or toileting
  • Are currently associated with a support agency
  • Have a safety plan in place with their educational institution

Is the participant group ready?

To support the success, safety and inclusion of all individuals registered in Town of Milton programs and camps, it is important that all participants are ‘group ready’.

Before registering, consider if the participant is able to do the following either independently or with extra support:

  • Follows directions and instructions from a staff person
  • Comfortable and able to interact in a large group environment
  • Participation in programs is based on individual needs; however, participants should have the ability to safely participate in activities outlined in the program description
  • Able to interact and participate in the program in a way that is safe for themselves and others

Types of inclusion supports available: 

Provide a Personal Support Worker to attend with the participant in registered or drop-in programs at no extra cost
  • Support Workers must be a least 16 years of age.
  • Sign off on a Personal Support Worker Expectation form.
  • Support Workers attending camp or registered programs will be required to provide an up to date Criminal Reference Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening

Please contact inclusion@milton.ca to complete a Personal Support Worker form.

Register for Inclusion Care for Assisted Needs (ICAN) support

ICAN support is provided by paid staff and is available at no extra cost. Inclusion staff receive general training on program adaptations, behaviour management and basic personal care; however typically do not have professional qualifications in this field. There are a limited number of spaces available for year round programs and camps.

To register for ICAN support in year-round programs including arts, fitness, general interest and sports:

  1. Register for ICAN Seasonal Program Support at a $0 fee
  2. You will be prompted to identify your program of choice – participant’s must meet the age requirements for the program
    • Complete the All About Me Form
  3. You will be contacted to confirm your program placement and payment details
  4. The program fee will be charged to your account

For ICAN support for swimming:

  1. Select and register in ICAN Swim based on swim ability

For ICAN support in Summer Camps and School Breaks go to our summer camp page for more information.

Register for an adapted program

Adapted programs are designed for individuals with disabilities who want to participate with others who have similar interests and abilities. These programs offer smaller groups, higher staff to participant ratio and flexible programming to meet various needs. 

Please note: ICAN Support is not required for adapted programs

To see a list of current adapted programs, go to the Inclusion/Special Needs section on the registration page.

Sensory kits

Sensory kits are available at the Milton Sports Centre, Milton Leisure Centre and Sherwood Community Centre for use on site, free of charge.

Each kit includes noise-cancelling ear covers, fidget toys, weighted lap pads, and textured seat cushions.

Visitors can request a sensory kit at the customer service desk of a participating recreation centre. Kits are available for use on site, on a first-come, first-served basis during business hours.

Inclusion registration – All About Me Form

After completing the online registration for an ICAN support or adapted programs, all participants are required to fill out an All About Me form. We want to know as much as we can about you or participants, so that we can offer the best possible support.  You only need to fill this out once, unless there are updates or changes that we should know.

Information provided in the All About Me package is confidential and will only be provided to staff working directly with the participant.

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 What’s the difference between Adapted Programs and ICAN Support?

Adapted Camps and Inclusion Programs are specialized, small groups designed to meet individualized needs.  Campers will be supported in a group ranging from a 1:3 to 1:1 staff to participant ratio.  The program will be flexible for participants who need longer breaks from structured activities along with adapted programming.

ICAN Support is for participants who are able manage in a group of 15-30 participants with help from an Inclusion Support Worker within a neuro typical program. Participants need to manage in a faster paced environment with multiple transitions and able to join in structured, large group activities.

 How do I know which camp or program is best for my child?
Inclusion is a team effort and we want to make sure your child is set up for success.  We have many different options to meet varying interests and abilities.  Selecting the right camp or program is the first step for your child’s success. 

When choosing programs and support options consider the following:

  • How does my child do in large groups?
  • What type of environment do they thrive in? (e.g., outdoors, large or small spaces)
  • What activities do they enjoy? (e.g., sports, swimming, arts)
  • How much support will my child need in a full day program that includes structured activities, lunches, snack breaks and transitions between activities?

How do I share information about my child’s support needs?

Fill out an All About Me Form.  To ensure your child’s success and safety, we want to know as much as possible about their strengths, needs and helpful strategies to support them.  Information that you provide is confidential and only provided to the staff that are working with your child. For summer camp programs, you will be invited to sign up for a Meet and Greet session with our Inclusion Coordinator prior to camp.

Do your Inclusion Staff provide personal care supports?
Our Inclusion Support Workers can provide general assistance with diapering, prompting in the bathroom and general feeding assistance. We do not provide g-tube feeding.  If your child has personal care or medical needs beyond what our inclusion staff are trained to provide, please contact us to discuss support options. 

I don’t have a Personal Support Worker to attend with my child, how do I find one?

Consider whether you are connected with any social support organizations that deliver respite services.  These organizations will be able to assess your eligibility for government funded respite supports.  Some places to start include:

My child functions at a lower age range from their peers, can they register for a program with younger kids?
Even with varying levels of ability we feel strongly that participants should be interacting with peers their own age.  We’re happy to provide activity adaptations to the best of our ability to ensure their success.

What else can I do to help my child be successful?

If it’s your child’s first time in a recreation program, or if they benefit from familiar routines it’s a good idea to prepare ahead of time.  You can do this by:

  • Visiting the program space before the first day and attend a meet and greet with Camp Staff
  • Ask us for a social story about attending Town of Milton camps to review with your child to help get them ready for the new routine.
  • Review the program information and talk about your child about what to expect.  Prior to programs all families will receive a welcome email with details about the scheduled  activities. 

To receive updates on inclusion programs and supports, please email inclusion@milton.ca.