Abilities Centre

Abilities Centre 125,000 sq.ft. state-of-the-art fully accessible centre offering sports, fitness, arts & life skills. ft. facility in Whitby, Ontario.
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Abilities Centre is a vibrant, inclusive community hub where people of all ages and abilities come together to connect, learn, and grow. From sports, fitness, and arts to education, research, and life skills programs, everything we do is about creating opportunities in a welcoming, energetic space. Our story began in August 2000, when Christine Elliott and the late Honourable Jim Flaherty imagined a place that would break down barriers and open doors for the over 15% of Canadians living with a disability. They dreamed of a state-of-the-art facility where inclusion was the standard and where people could thrive together. With the support of dedicated volunteers, all levels of government, private donors, and our community, that dream became reality. Ground broke in May 2010, and by June 2012 we opened the doors to our 125,000 sq. Fast forward to today, and our facility has been recognized as one of the most accessible buildings in the world! Abilities Centre is a not-for-profit and registered charity, proudly recognized with the 2016 Ontario David C. Onley Award for Leadership in Accessibility. Our work is fuelled by the belief that when everyone can participate, our whole community benefits - and that’s the future we’re building, every day.

Registration is now open for Community Connections Spring Session 2026!At Abilities Centre, we believe everyone deserves...
04/08/2026

Registration is now open for Community Connections Spring Session 2026!

At Abilities Centre, we believe everyone deserves the tools and confidence to engage fully in their community. That's exactly what Community Connections is built for.

This 10-week experiential learning program supports individuals aged 14+ with disabilities in developing real, practical life skills, out in the world, where it counts.

Participants gain hands-on experience in:
• Community navigation and transit awareness
• Money education and decision-making
• Real-world learning at grocery stores, restaurants, the library, and more

Every session is supported by Abilities Centre staff and community members in an inclusive, empowering environment.

Program Dates: May 12 to July 17, 2026
Schedule: Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Abilities Centre and nearby community sites
Note: This is a fee-for-service program

Registration closes April 17, 2026. Spaces are limited and fill up fast. Early registration is strongly encouraged!

To register or learn more, reach out to: commservices@abilitiescentre.org

Know someone who could benefit? Please share this post. Together, we can help more individuals build the skills and confidence to thrive.



[Image: The Abilities Centre and Community Connections logos sit above two pictures from past Community Connection events. The picture on the left is from a group dinner, and the one on the right is of a person holding a bowling ball. Underneath is the text: Registration is now open!]

There is someone in your network who has been quietly changing what accessibility looks like, locally, provincially, nat...
04/06/2026

There is someone in your network who has been quietly changing what accessibility looks like, locally, provincially, nationally, or even internationally. They do not do it for recognition. They do it because they believe in a world where everyone belongs. It is time we recognized them.

The Abilities Centre Accessibility Awards exist for exactly that. To shine a light on the people doing this work, and to make sure their story is told.

Nominations are open until April 29, 2026: https://ow.ly/Ocon50YEEw0



[Image: The Abilities Centre Accessibility Awards logo sits at the top with the text below reading, "Submit your nominations today!"]

Abilities Centre is launching a brand-new 4-week Pickleball Conditioning Program, and we want YOU in it!Whether you're j...
04/06/2026

Abilities Centre is launching a brand-new 4-week Pickleball Conditioning Program, and we want YOU in it!

Whether you're just picking up a paddle or looking to sharpen your game, this program is designed for all skill levels. Over 8 sessions, you'll work on strength training, hand-and-foot coordination, and on-court movement drills to help you play stronger and longer.

Starts: Tuesday, April 14
Time: 6 to 7 p.m.
Tuesdays in our HUR Room and Thursdays on the courts
Cost: $150 for the full 4-week program

Spots are limited. Register today:
https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/abilities/activity/search/detail/4391?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true



[Image: Text reads: Pickleball Conditioning Sessions. Register online today! Classes start Tuesday, April 14 at 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. $150 for 4 weeks! Spots limited. In the middle of the graphic, a pickleball sits on the ground in front of a person's feet.]

We're open this Good Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with plenty of activities to keep you moving throughout the morning a...
04/02/2026

We're open this Good Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with plenty of activities to keep you moving throughout the morning and early afternoon!

Body Blast - 9:15 to 10:00 a.m. on Court 1
Pickleball - 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Court 2
Open Court Time - 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Court 3

Whether you're looking to get a workout in or enjoy some free court time, join us and make the most of the long weekend!



[Image: The Abilities Centre logo and a line drawing of the centre sit above the text: Hours of Operation on Good Friday (Friday, April 3), 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.]

We're so excited for Family Zumba, which is starting on April 2nd!Get the whole family moving with a fun, high-energy wo...
04/01/2026

We're so excited for Family Zumba, which is starting on April 2nd!

Get the whole family moving with a fun, high-energy workout that combines exciting dance moves with upbeat music for a full-body cardio session, all in just 45 minutes.

Join us every Thursday from 7 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. and make fitness a family affair. Whether you've got two left feet or think you're the next dancing star, all levels are welcome!

Register today: http://ca.apm.activecommunities.com/abilities/Activity_Search/4417

[Image: Text reads, "Family Zumba, Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Get the whole family dancing and having a blast together!" At the bottom of the graphic, a group of people is participating in a Zumba class together. ]

Our president and chief executive officer, Michael Cvitkovic, had the pleasure of connecting with MP Ryan Turnbull yeste...
03/31/2026

Our president and chief executive officer, Michael Cvitkovic, had the pleasure of connecting with MP Ryan Turnbull yesterday for a meaningful conversation about the progress at Abilities Centre and to learn about the important work being advanced on Parliament Hill.

Engaging with our elected officials allows us to share our mission, celebrate our milestones, and strengthen the connections that help us better serve our community.

We are proud of the work being done and grateful for the opportunity to keep these conversations going.



[Image: Michael and MP Turnbull pose in front of a red wall at MP Turnbull's office.]

Nominations are OPEN. The 2026 Abilities Centre Accessibility Awards are officially calling for nominees, and you have u...
03/30/2026

Nominations are OPEN.

The 2026 Abilities Centre Accessibility Awards are officially calling for nominees, and you have until Wednesday, April 29 to put forward someone who is making accessibility happen.

This is the moment to shout out the employers, advocates, and community champions who show up every single day for people of all abilities. They are doing the work.

Let's make sure everyone knows it.

Nominate now: https://abilitiescentre.akaraisin.com/ui/accessibilityawards2026



[Image: The Abilities Centre Accessibility Awards logo sits at the top with the text below reading, "Submit your nominations today!"]

That's a wrap on our Wheelchair Rugby Beginner Program!This month, we marked the final session of our six-week introduct...
03/30/2026

That's a wrap on our Wheelchair Rugby Beginner Program!

This month, we marked the final session of our six-week introduction to one of Canada's greatest Paralympic sports, and what a journey it has been. A huge thank you to Wheelchair Rugby Canada and the Canadian Paralympic Committee for making this program possible and for helping bring this incredible sport to our community.

From first-timers figuring out their chairs to participants making plays they never thought possible, this group showed up every week and gave it everything they had. Wheelchair Rugby is fast, physical, and incredibly fun, and watching our community embrace it from the very first session has been a highlight of our winter programming.

This initiative is made possible through financial contributions from the Canadian Paralympic Committee, Paralympic Foundation of Canada, and the Government of Canada.

We are so proud of everyone who took part and grateful for the energy and enthusiasm you brought to the court each and every week.

Think you might want to give it a try? Stay tuned as we hope to see this program back again soon. In the meantime, follow us for updates on all our upcoming adaptive sport opportunities.

Thank you to all our participants and to Wheelchair Rugby Canada!

https://ow.ly/usNJ50YAAJv



//

C'est la fin de notre programme d'initiation au rugby en fauteuil roulant !

Ce mois-ci, nous avons tenu la dernière séance de notre programme d'initiation de six semaines à l'un des plus grands sports paralympiques du Canada, et quelle aventure cela a été ! Un immense merci à Rugby en fauteuil roulant Canada et au Comité paralympique canadien d'avoir rendu ce programme possible et d'avoir contribué à faire découvrir ce sport incroyable à notre communauté.

Des débutants qui apprenaient à maîtriser leur fauteuil aux participants qui réalisaient des actions qu’ils n’auraient jamais cru possibles, ce groupe s’est présenté chaque semaine et a donné le meilleur de lui-même. Le rugby en fauteuil roulant est un sport rapide, physique et incroyablement amusant, et voir notre communauté l’adopter dès la toute première séance a été l’un des moments forts de notre programmation hivernale.

Cette initiative a été rendue possible grâce aux contributions financières du Comité paralympique canadien, de la Fondation paralympique du Canada et du gouvernement du Canada.

Nous sommes très fiers de tous ceux qui y ont participé et reconnaissants de l’énergie et de l’enthousiasme que vous avez apportés sur le terrain chaque semaine.

Aimeriez-vous essayer ? Restez à l'écoute, car nous espérons proposer à nouveau ce programme très bientôt. En attendant, suivez-nous pour rester informés de toutes nos prochaines activités sportives adaptées.

Merci à tous nos participants et à Rugby en fauteuil roulant Canada !

https://ow.ly/usNJ50YAAJv

A.S.A.D. applications are open for the 2026-2027 school year!The Academy for Student Athlete Development (A.S.A.D.) is n...
03/29/2026

A.S.A.D. applications are open for the 2026-2027 school year!

The Academy for Student Athlete Development (A.S.A.D.) is now accepting applications, and we want to hear from you!

To be eligible, student-athletes must be currently competing at a competitive club, provincial, or national level, or show the potential to do so.

Who can apply? Student-athletes from Durham Region.

What you'll need:
• Student Athlete & Parent/Guardian Information
• Athletic profile (primary sport & competition level)
• Short answer questions
• Reference letter (for new applicants only)

Please note: The application form cannot be saved and returned to, so we strongly recommend drafting your responses ahead of time before submitting.

There is no cost to apply. We are committed to making our process as accessible and inclusive as possible. If you have any accommodation needs, please don't hesitate to let us know.

Have questions? Contact us at ASADadmissions@abilitiescentre.org

Ready to apply? Visit: https://abilitiescentre.org/programs/asad/admissions

We can't wait to meet our next class of student-athletes!

[Image: Text reads: Now accepting 2026-2027 applications. The text is surrounded by a collage of photos featuring A.S.A.D. students both in the classroom and at practice.]

We're so excited to bring a brand new class to the schedule and we think you're going to love it. Barre Strong is a low-...
03/28/2026

We're so excited to bring a brand new class to the schedule and we think you're going to love it.

Barre Strong is a low-impact, high-burn workout that blends strength, balance, and core work into one seriously effective class. It's the kind of workout that challenges you without beating up your joints, and it's designed for all fitness and ability levels, so whether you're just getting started or you've been at this for years, you're welcome here.

You'll build real, functional strength, improve your balance and stability, and leave feeling like you actually did something. It's one of those classes that sneaks up on you in the best way.

Classes start Thursday, April 2nd, at 8:30 a.m. in Studio 1.

Ready to give it a try? You can grab your spot: https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/abilities/activity/search/detail/4422?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true

We'd love to see you there!

[Image: Text reads, "Barre Strong. Classes Weekly! Starting Thursday, April 2 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Register online today!" On the bottom of the graphic, a group of people are doing a barre exercise together.]

We are excited to announce that registration is now open for the Community Connections Spring Session at Abilities Centr...
03/27/2026

We are excited to announce that registration is now open for the Community Connections Spring Session at Abilities Centre!

Community Connections is a 10-week experiential learning program designed for individuals aged 14+ with disabilities. The program focuses on developing practical, functional skills that build confidence and support meaningful participation in the community.

Participants work toward goals in:
• Community navigation and transit awareness
• Money education and decision-making
• Real-world experiential learning at local destinations including grocery stores, restaurants, the library, and more

All activities are supported by Abilities Centre staff and community members, creating an inclusive and empowering environment for growth.

Program dates: May 12 to July 17, 2026
Schedule: Tuesdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Abilities Centre and nearby community sites

Note: This is a fee-for-service program

Registration closes April 17, 2026. This is a first-come, first-served program and spaces are limited. Early registration is strongly encouraged.

To register or learn more, please contact: commservices@abilitiescentre.org

Know someone who could benefit from this program? Please share! Together, we can help more individuals build the skills and confidence to thrive in their communities.



[Image: The Abilities Centre and Community Connections logos sit above two images from past Community Connection events, including the GO Train into the city and a visit to the Whitby Public Library. The text underneath reads: Registration is now open!]

Accessibility is not just a conversation. It is a movement. And this May, that movement comes home.Abilities Centre is t...
03/27/2026

Accessibility is not just a conversation. It is a movement. And this May, that movement comes home.

Abilities Centre is thrilled to announce the return of the National Accessibility Week (NAW) Conference, taking place May 24 to 30, 2026!

This is a week-long gathering of researchers, advocates, athletes, community builders, and changemakers from across Canada, all committed to pushing past awareness and into real, meaningful action.

Highlights include:

• A full week of programming dedicated to advancing accessibility and inclusion.

• Conversations that tackle systemic barriers head-on.

• The Accessibility Awards Ceremony on the evening of May 28, celebrating the people and organizations doing extraordinary work across Durham Region and beyond.

• Nominations for the Accessibility Awards are now open. Know someone quietly making a massive difference? This is their moment to shine.

As Abilities Centre President Michael Cvitkovic puts it, "Whitby is where the accessibility conversation happens, and this May, we want everyone to be part of it."

Come to NAW. Be part of what comes next.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/m3nQ50YzuHY



[Image: Text reads: NAW 2026. The top and bottom of the graphic have icons representing different disabilities and accessibility items.]

Address

1 Jim Flaherty Street
Whitby, ON
L1N0J2

Opening Hours

Monday 6am - 9pm
Tuesday 6am - 9pm
Wednesday 6am - 9pm
Thursday 6am - 9pm
Friday 6am - 9pm
Saturday 8am - 3pm
Sunday 8am - 3pm

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