FITNESS IDEAS FOR THE HEART AND SOUL
Did you know… that there are a variety of fitness and recreation programs geared towards people with autism and other developmental disabilities in the lower mainland?
The list below is a starting point for families who are searching their parks and recreation centres and more broadly for suitable programs. Though MAPCL does not endorse individual service providers, we have developed a list of programs that families may find useful.
Some of the programs and services listed below may be funded through existing government programs for autism treatment or distance education, please enquire with the service provider directly.
SPORTS
Developmentally Challenged Youth Basketball Association (DCYBA)
Promotes and supports the development of youth with developmental challenges through basketball for males aged 13-25 years. Contact Ann Carr @ 604-228-9527.
Special Olympics – Summer and Winter Sports
www.specialolympics.bc.ca/
Programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities that “offer life-enriching opportunities to: Train in high-quality sports programs with certified coaches. Exercise regularly and improve their health, motor skills, and coordination. Learn about teamwork and sportsmanship. Set athletic and personal goals. Increase confidence and self esteem. Meet new friends in a fun environment. Compete and travel.” For more info, see web-site.
Special Needs Martial Arts - Sirota's Alchymy
www.sirotasalchymy.com/index.cfm?page=13
This service provider offers Martial Arts & Self-Defense Programs for people with various special needs anddisabilities. The focus of programs is to “facilitate Personal empowerment in all members of Society.” Individualized Training Programs designed for individuals who require a one-on-one training environment with instructors also offered. The service provider claims that. “In addition to enhancing the child's physical and technical development, instructors place great emphasis on communication skills, positive behavior implementation and integration training for the child. This program is suitable for children who are too young for our group lessons or are currently working with extensive disabilities.”
Therapeutic Horseback Riding - North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association
www.nftra.ca
A 10 week program offered quarterly, which service providers claim “provide an opportunity for children and youth with disabilities to develop physical, social and psychological well being.” There are several equestrian centres in the lower mainland offering therapeutic riding. For more information about registration and fees, please contact Barb at the North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association, (604) 462-7786 or see her web-site: www.nftra.ca.
***There may be volunteer opportunities at the barn for people with disabilities, contact instructors for more information.
Gymnastics/Movement Therapy - Club Aviva
www.clubaviva.ca
A gymnastics club located in Coquitlam with recreational, developmental, and competitive artistic and trampoline programs. The Club offers birthday parties, summer camps, and drop-in sessions, including two weekly sessions for special-needs only. One to one Movement Therapy Programs are offered for children with autism and/or other mobility challenges.
Phone (604) 526-4464 for more information.
SPRING BREAK & SUMMER CAMPS
BC Easter Seals
www.eastersealscamps.ca/
Provides summer camping experiences for children aged 6 to 18 with disabilities and a Leader In Training program for young leaders aged 16-22.
YMCA – YWCA Camp Thunderbird- Greater Victoria Area
Special Needs Camper programs provide an opportunity for children with special needs to be integrated. http://www.victoriay.com/campthunderbird/SNC.php
Zajac Ranch For Children – Lower Mainland
Hosts children with serious and chronic illnesses and disabilities (intellectual and physical). For more information, see: http://www.zajacranch.com/
SPORTS, SOCIAL AND VOCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
This non-profit organization aims to “provide high quality, year-round recreational, sports, social and vocational development programs for individuals and families living with autism. The organization also strives to build capacity through community networks across British Columbia. Programs to date have included soccer camps, summer camp, family ice-skating, and more, such as tours of GM Place.” For program registration, please contact CAN by email info@canucksautism.ca or call (604) 685-4049.
RECREATION
Inclusive Recreation and Education – North Shore Connexions
The Summit provides programs and services to children, youth, adults and seniors with developmental disabilities, and support for their families and caregivers. Membership for a small fee is required. The types of programs we offer include: Art, Music and Dance, Cooking and Baking; Social and Life Skills; Sport and Fitness; Youth Specific (Avengers); Seniors Specific (55 years +); Weekend and Evening Community Outings; Supported Volunteer Work. The space is open to members of the public, and is beneficial to individuals with all forms of disability. For more information, please contact: www.nsconnexions.org/summit or download this document:
http://nsconnexions.org/sites/all/files/pdf/Spring_09_leisure_guide_2.pdf
MUSIC AND THEATRE
Music Therapy Association of BC – Hosts a web-site for more information about music therapy and music therapists' professional training, clinical outcomes and current practices. Therapists work throughout the lower mainland.
http://www.mtabc.com/page.php?7
MAPCL Stage Door Theatre Group – “Stage Door consists of a troupe of talented actors who produce theatre events including plays for the Vancouver International Fringe Festival, comedy, and improvisational and educational theatre.” If you have questions about this program, please contact Don Devries at (604) 299-4001.
Dear Readers: If you have had a positive experience in any of these programs, or wish to contribute other suggestions, please contact mnelson@mapcl.org or call Monique Nelson, Family Resource Coordinator at (604) 299-4001.
Canucks Autism Network -