Special needs

Integration services

To safely include participants of all ages with special needs into mainstream programming, an assessment may be required to determine the most appropriate program or level of support. .

If a support person is required, he/she may be required to fill out a 1:1 Support Worker Agreement and release form.

Therapeutic recreation programs

Our therapeutic recreation programs include:

  1. Treatment: To improve functional and behavioural abilities of the participant
  2. Leisure ducation: To develop and acquire leisure knowledge, skills and attitudes
  3. Recreation participation: To include structured group recreation experiences

The City of Ottawa, in partnership with the Ministry of Health Promotion, Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, Service Coordination, Ottawa Children’s Treatment Centre and several community organizations, hosts Therapeutic Recreation Programs throughout the city.

Children and youth therapeutic recreation programs

  • SPIRIT – for medically fragile and technologically dependent children and youth ages 7 to 18
  • SNAP – for individuals ages 6 to18 with Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Summer Camps
    • Shared Care (ages 5 to13) – specialized support in mainstream summer camps
    • Summer Success –for individuals ages 8 to12 with ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities and behavioural difficulties
    • SNAP – for individuals ages 6 to 18 with Autism Spectrum Disorder

After four program

  • Promotes physical activity, healthy eating and nutrition
  • For ages 6 to 18 with special needs
  • Participant in a 1:3 staff to participant ratio at various sites across the city

Adult and senior adult therapeutic recreation programs

  • Day Programs funded through Service Coordination (613-748-1788)
    • SCEL – Support Community Enhanced Learning for adults ages 21 to 55 with developmental disabilities
    • VARIETY East and West – for adults ages 21 to 55 with developmental disabilities
    • Rendez-Vous – francophone program for adults ages 21 to 55 with developmental disabilities
  • ABI – day program for adults ages 21 to 80 with Acquired Brain Injuries
  • Post Stroke – day program for stroke survivors ages 21 to 80
  • Friends for Fun – a weekly program for people ages 21 to55 with developmental disabilities
  • Summer Camps
    • Good Vibrations – for medically fragile youth and adults ages 15 to 35
    • Summer Sizzler – for people ages 21 to 50 with developmental disabilities

Social and recreation program

  • Offered year round through various community centres for children, youth, adults and seniors with special needs.
  • Activities include community outings, social clubs, fitness, aquatics, summer camps, health and wellness and other leisure activities

For more information:

Keep receipts for income tax purposes

Many City of Ottawa programs may be eligible for the federal Children's Fitness Tax Credit. The Children's Fitness Tax Credit is a federal, non-refundable, personal tax credit that lets parents claim up to $500 per year for eligible fitness expenses paid for each child who is under 16 years of age at the beginning of the year in which the expenses are paid.

If a child qualifies for the disability tax credit, parents can claim up to $500 per year in eligible fitness expenses paid for the child who is under 18 years of age at the beginning of the year. Also, if at least $100 in eligible fitness expenses has been paid for the child, an additional amount of $500 can be added to the eligible fitness expenses actually incurred.

Fees paid by parents must relate to the cost of a registration or facility pass membership or registration in an eligible physical activity program. Your program receipt will indicate whether the program that your child is registered in is considered eligible (see receipt wording).

For more information on this credit, visit the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The authority to determine whether any claim for a credit will be approved rests with the CRA. The City of Ottawa disclaims any responsibility or liability in connection with any determination of the CRA.

Contact information

To discuss programming needs, suggest interesting program ideas or to leave a question or concern about our services, email us at SpecialNeedsCityWide@Ottawa.ca.

City Wide Special Needs Inquiries 613-580-2424 ext. 29283

Donna Quiggin – Portfolio Manager 613-580-2424 ext. 29289

Diane Cyr – Portfolio Coordinator 613-580-2424 ext. 29300

  • Adult and Youth Integration
  • Summer Integration (East)
  • After Four Program

Jodie Gilvear – Portfolio Coordinator 613-580-2424 ext. 41226

  • Autism Programs (SNAP)
  • Aquatic Integration
  • Summer Success

Melody Johnson – Portfolio Coordinator 613-580-2424 ext. 29292

  • AODA Specialist
  • Service Coordination Day Programs
  • Summer Sizzler

Katie Jacobson-Lang – Portfolio Coordinator 613-580-2424 ext. 29320

  • ABI
  • Post Stroke
  • SPIRIT
  • Good Vibrations

Christina McCormick – Portfolio Coordinator 613-580-2424 ext. 29291

  • Children Integration
  • Summer Integration (West)
  • Shared Care
Permalink: http://ottawa.ca/e/CON060562