Accessibility cultivates inclusivity by eliminating barriers and creating social, physical and economic environments that enable residents to participate actively in the community.

Inclusivity embraces and values diversity in age, culture, ability, gender, language, marital status, religion, sexual orientation and socio-economic status.

For more information on accessibility and related programs, contact Karen Marzocco, the Access Services Program Coordinator:

604-925-7279

Email

Accessibility

Access and Inclusion Policy

Recreation Assistance Program Application

Leisure Access Card Application

Summer Camp Recreation Inclusion Application

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The Role of Access Services
Access Services, within the Parks, Culture and Community Services Division, includes support for people who have disabilities, low income and people who are new to Canada who may face cultural barriers.

Recreation for all:
Community Services builds community programs and services that meet the needs of the community. Our recreation programs and facilities reflect our on-going pursuit to provide meaningful and inclusive opportunities for all people.

Leisure Access Card
The Leisure Access Card is available for individuals who require extra support (assistance of a physical, psychological, emotional, intellectual or sensory nature) in order to participate in recreation programs. The card provides free grants for the individual who is providing support. It also creates the opportunity to meet with an access staff member to discuss any adaptations or ideas you may have to improve your experience in our facilities and programs. It is not intended for your personal trainer, occupational or physiotherapist, or other health care providers. Applications are available at any recreation facility front desk or at westvancouver.ca/accessibility.

If you and/or your child are participating in any program or lesson and are unable to fulfil the typical requirements and require an adapted plan, please contact the Access Services Coordinator to set up a meeting. We will work with you to create an individualized plan that will help to improve skills, increase confidence, bolster the sense of accomplishment and the quality of the recreation experience.

Summer Camps
District summer camps run on a philosophy of inclusion, with the priority being to find ways to help all children have fun with their peers and to participate to the best of their ability in camp activities.

Family Provided Support: Families are welcome to bring their own support person to any program. Please note: a participant in a camp is not considered support for another camper. If your child will be attending with their own support person, please let us know when you have registered by calling 604-925-7279. This will help us plan for the extra person (e.g. for admissions and bus transportation).

Individual Camp Support: Individual camp support is provided through our Summer Camp Inclusion Program (SCIP) and our Support Workers. These programs are supported by an Access Services Coordinator who trains and works with camp staff, SCIP volunteers and Support Workers to provide support and inclusion for children with challenges. This program is available to children 5-15 years, based on availability and funding.

Summer Camp Inclusion Program (SCIP): High school and university-age youth volunteer to provide additional support to camps with children who need assistance engaging with other campers. SCIPs may adapt activities to encourage children to participate, to the best of their ability. If you or someone you know would be interested in becoming a SCIP volunteer let us know by contacting the Volunteer Coordinator at 604-925-7288 or 604-913-2703 or email us at volunteers@westvancouver.ca. This program is proudly presented by the West Vancouver Community Centres Society.

Support Workers: University-age students are trained to provide one-to-one support to children, who receive one-to-one support in their schools. Support Workers are able to modify programs so that all children can participate to the best of their abilities. Children may receive 1-2 weeks of support; although, applications are processed on a first come basis. This program is funded by the District of West Vancouver and has previously received funding through Canada Summer Jobs.

Summer Camp Support registration packages for the SCIP volunteer or Support Worker programs are available at both community centre front desks or online at westvancouver.ca/accessibility. Please fill out an application and let us know when you have registered or are waitlisted by calling 604-925-7279. This will help us plan for support people (e.g. for admissions and bus transportation), assign SCIP volunteers or Support Workers to be in the same camp as your child, train camp staff and start a conversation with you about what we need to do to ensure that your child has a positive and memorable camp experience.

Equipment available this Spring & Summer
Beach Wheeler & Beach Mat
A beach wheelchair and beach mat will be available for use at Ambleside Park during the months of July and August.

Free Outdoor Table Tennis
Located outside the Arena. Paddles and balls available at the West Van Community Centre front desk.

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SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS

Leisure Access Swim Sundays from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p. m
This swim time is a great opportunity for individuals with disabilities to enjoy the freedom of the water with their friends and families. For those who require assistance there are two lift/sling systems, two adjustable beds, water wheelchairs and a pool cart for use in the wheelchair accessible change rooms. Just ask for assistance at the front desk when you pay to enter

Check out our Movement Therapy Summer Camp! This program is designed to help teens and young adults with disabilities improve coordination, spatial awareness, social skills, and communication. Participants attending must attend with their own one-to-one support person. Participant age range is 15-25 years-old. See page XX in the Summer Camp Guide for more details!

Children & Youth

• Shotokan Karate - Empowerment: For individuals with physical disabilities, this martial arts course focuses on mental discipline, adaptability, self-defence and strength from accomplishment. 

Adult

Aqua Arthro: Water exercise in two levels, ideal for individuals with arthritis, osteoporosis, or physical limitations.

Aqua Rehab: Slow moving class designed for individuals with neurological conditions such as Polio, Stroke and MS.

Better Bones: Improve the strength of your bones and reduce your risk of falling and fractures. Classes occur under the supervision of a BCRPA Registered Personal Trainer.

Cancer Thrivers: Looking for a fun, safe and welcoming environment to stay physically active? Join our new exercise program for people with cancer. Become part of a supportive group dedicated to helping each other every step of the way under the guidance of Inspire Health. 

Creative Expressions Activity Program: Many scientific studies recommend creative expression activities for seniors with dementia and for those seniors wanting to prevent the onset of dementia.

Dance for Parkinson's: Explore movement and music in an enjoyable, safe, and creative class for people living with Parkinson's disease. Affiliated with the world-renowned Dance for Parkinson’s program developed by the Mark Morris Dance Group in New York.

Shotokan Karate - Empowerment: For individuals with physical disabilities, this martial arts course focuses on mental discipline, adaptability, self-defence and strength from accomplishment.

FAME for Stroke: Designed specifically and proven to improve fitness, mobility and strength for people after stroke living in the community. The small group class includes functional strengthening exercises, agility and fitness exercises and balance exercises.

Healthy Heart: Designed for people who have had a heart attack or recent heart surgery. 

Joint Replacement: A rehabilitation program for individuals who are awaiting, or who have had, joint replacement surgery. Improve strength, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness.

Osteofit and Standing Strength and Balance: These courses are designed for individuals with osteoporosis and focuses on small movements and light resistance training.

Therapeutic Yoga and Ball: Ideal for those recovering from injury, illness, surgery, managing pain or living with chronic illness.

Yoga for Cancer Thrivers: Reconnect and revitalize your body, mind and spirit with a yoga class specially designed for people coping with cancer (and their caregivers). We will explore asana (postures), pranayama (breathing exercises), relaxation and mindfulness practices. This class is suitable for all abilities. 

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FACILITY ACCESSIBILITY

Check out our facilities before you arrive—take a virtual tour at westvancouver.ca/communitycentres!

West Vancouver Community Centre
• Accessible parking
• Entrances with push-button doors
• Elevators
• Accessible washrooms and change rooms
• Activity and meeting rooms with assisted hearing technology
• Arts studio
• Wheelchair accessible weigh scale

West Vancouver Aquatic Centre
• Accessible change rooms and washrooms
• Accessible viewing area
• Accessible weight room and equipment
• Adjustable height change table
• Ceiling track lifts in change rooms
• Pool mobility cart
• Elevator
• Water wheelchairs
• Zero depth entry leisure pool with warm temperatures
• Remote control access lift into main pool

West Vancouver Ice Arena
• Accessible viewing area

Seniors’ Activity Centre
• Automatic entrances
• Accessible washrooms
• Accessible parking
• Activity and meeting rooms with assisted hearing technology
• Lift assisted vans

Gleneagles Community Centre
• Entrances with push-button doors
• Accessible washrooms and change rooms
• Elevator
• Accessible parking

Get Involved

If you have a disability and want to volunteer to make a positive contribution to your community, join the North Shore Advisory Committee on Disability Issues (ACDI).

The ACDI advises the three North Shore municipalities on issues affecting people with disabilities, responds to requests from Council and staff and makes recommendations that promote, develop and sustain an accessible community, free of physical and social barriers.

The ACDI is a way of being active, contributing to a more accessible North Shore and participating in events that raise awareness about accessibility issues.

For more information, contact the Committee Clerk at 604-990-2407, or acdi@dnv.org.

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RECREATION FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Financial assistance is designed to ensure West Vancouver residents with low income have access to recreation programs and services. The program is available to individuals and families whose financial circumstances make it impossible to pay the full fee for programs and services.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
West Vancouver residents (individuals or families) who:

• receive government assistance
• have fixed or low incomes
• meet the criteria found at “Qualifying for Recreation Financial Assistance Program” at westvancouver.ca/accessibility.

HOW TO APPLY

• Book an appointment just like registering for any program! There is no cost to register.
• Apply online at activewestvanrec.ca, type financial into the Activities box and hit search. Registration requires a valid email address.
• Register in person (front desk)
• Call 604-925-7270
• Bring the completed Recreation Financial Assistance application form along with your original documents to your appointment.
• Our staff help you select opportunities to participate, depending on your goals and interests.

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LOW COST PROGRAM OPTIONS

Available at the West Vancouver Community Centre (WVCC) and the Gleneagles Community Centre (GECC):

Community Fitness Classes: $2
• GECC            Tuesday at 6 p.m.
• WVCC            Saturday at 9:10 a.m.

Toonie Swim: $2 / Aquatic Centre
• Tuesday 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. (Adults 65 yrs+)
• Friday 7 – 10 p.m. (Preteen/Youth)
• Sunday 7 – 10 p.m. (All)

Community Yoga: $5
• GECC            Tuesday 6:30 – 7:15 p.m.  $5/person (16 yrs+)
• WVCC            Sunday 10:30 – 11:45 a.m.  $5/person (16 yrs+)

Community Cycle: $6 (please see XX for information on how to reserve your bike)
• GECC            Thursday 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. $6/person (16 yrs+)
• WVCC            Saturday 9 – 10 a.m. (16 yrs+)

Drop-in Basketball
• Please check the schedules on the Recreation Schedules Website westvancouverrec.ca/recschedules, for the current schedule.

Sports
• Pickleball:             WVCC                    Monday, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.        $4.50
• Badminton:           WVCC                    Friday, 1 – 3 p.m.                                 $4.50

Seniors:
• Low Cost and No Cost Programs for Seniors: see Leisure Guide Adults 55+ section
• Low Cost outings; call: 604-925-7280
• Keeping Connected; call: 604-925-7211

Other Financial Resources
Support for children's participation in amateur and community sports and recreation, consider applying to:
• KidSport™ North Shore kidsportnorthshore.ca. 604-983-6480
• Athletics for Kids (A4K) www.a4k.ca 604-985-5676

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CULTURAL DIVERSITY AND NEW IMMIGRANTS:
Do you need assistance choosing an activity for you or your family?  We can provide leisure access counselling to help you understand the programs and services we offer. There are activities that are suitable for everyone. Call 604-925-7270 for an appointment.