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.

Join us in the lobby on Friday, March 6, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for our Winter Paralympics Opening Ceremony Watch Party. ...
02/26/2026

Join us in the lobby on Friday, March 6, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for our Winter Paralympics Opening Ceremony Watch Party.

Settle in with the Abilities Centre community as we watch the introduction to the Paralympics together and show our support for Team Canada during the opening ceremony.

Tuques optional, enthusiasm mandatory. Come celebrate our athletes and kick these Games off with some serious Canadian energy.

[Image: The Olympic rings and Paralympic logo sculpture in front of snow‑covered mountains. Red maple leaf graphics frame the design, with text reading: Cheer on Team Canada! Friday, March 6, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Abilities Centre Lobby. Everyone is welcome!]

02/25/2026

It’s TR Awareness Month and we’re turning it over to the people who know it best, our participants!

We asked some of the incredible people in our Therapeutic Recreation programs to share how TR has impacted their lives, and their answers will warm your heart.

Watch the video and visit our website to learn more about the TR programs we offer. Link in bio!



[Video Description: Various Therapeutic Recreation participants share what they love about TR.]

The energy is building, and the Abilities Centre is gearing up for something big!The 2026 Winter Paralympics are on thei...
02/24/2026

The energy is building, and the Abilities Centre is gearing up for something big!

The 2026 Winter Paralympics are on their way, and from March 6 to 15, 2026, we're throwing open our doors for a celebration our community won't forget. We're putting together an incredible lineup of activities in the true spirit of the Games, and we can't wait to share every last detail with you.

Mark your calendars, keep an eye on this page, and get ready to join us. Whether you're a longtime part of the Abilities Centre family or connecting with us for the first time, there is a place for you in this celebration.

Details dropping soon. Stay tuned!

[Image: The Abilities Centre logo and a photo of a sledge hockey team. The text surrounding them reads, “2026 Winter Paralympics. Coming soon: Abilities Centre’s Paralympic celebrations and activities. Stay tuned for ways to get involved. The Paralympic Games, March 6 to 15, 2026. Abilitiescentre.org.]

We are thrilled to announce that Community Connections is coming back this spring!This beloved 10-week program supports ...
02/23/2026

We are thrilled to announce that Community Connections is coming back this spring!

This beloved 10-week program supports individuals 14 and older with disabilities in building the confidence and skills they need to engage fully in their community. From money management and decision-making to navigating public transit and exploring local spaces like grocery stores, restaurants, and the library, participants grow in a hands-on, real-world setting, with support from Abilities Centre staff and the people around them.

Community Connections is a true reflection of what is possible when a community comes together. To our partners and providers, thank you for being a part of that.

Registration for our Spring Session opens on March 27. If you or someone you know would like to be added to our outreach list, please reach out at commservices@abilitiescentre.org.

We will be sharing more in the coming weeks. We hope you will follow along!



[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 for our Spring session opens March 27!]

02/20/2026

Yesterday’s Tai Chi class was a wonderful success! 🎉

Thank you to everyone who came out and moved with us. The energy in the room was truly special!

Registration is now open for our next two classes:

Thursday, February 26 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Thursday, March 5 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Tai Chi is a gentle, low-impact activity that supports balance, flexibility, and overall well-being. It is open to all abilities and experience levels.

Register through the link in our bio and save your spot.

We hope to see you there!

Abilities Centre Summer Camp 2026 is coming! If you're looking for a summer camp where every child belongs, this is it.A...
02/17/2026

Abilities Centre Summer Camp 2026 is coming!

If you're looking for a summer camp where every child belongs, this is it.
Abilities Centre runs inclusive summer camps in Whitby, Ontario for kids ages 5 to 12 of all abilities. Each week has its own theme, and every activity is adapted so every camper can take part and have fun.

Camp runs June 29 to August 21, 2026, and registration is open now!

Here's a peek at the weekly themes: Summer Blast, Sportsmania, Mystery Week, Little Adventures, Lights Camera Action, Discovery Week, Olympics and Paralympics, and Spirit Week.

There's something exciting for everyone!

Spots fill up fast, so don't wait too long to register. Head to our website through the link in our bio to learn more and sign up.

Can't wait to see you there! ☀️

Try It for FREE! We’re excited to launch our NEW Stroller Strong format, and you’re invited to test it out!  Join us for...
02/14/2026

Try It for FREE!

We’re excited to launch our NEW Stroller Strong format, and you’re invited to test it out!

Join us for one of our FREE pilot classes happening on Tuesday, February 17 at 10:15 a.m. (1-hour class) and Thursday, February 19 at 10:15 a.m. (1-hour class).

These sessions are complimentary, but registration is still required.

Spots are limited to 10 participants per class, and they will fill quickly.

Make sure you reserve your spot today: https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/abilities/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&activity_select_param=2&activity_keyword=stroller%20strong&viewMode=list

02/13/2026

Celebrating TR awareness month this February! We asked the Therapeutic Recreation Specialists at Abilities Centre why they chose Recreation Therapy. Check out our website to learn more about the Therapeutic Recreation programs offered!

Looking for work and would appreciate some 1-1 support along the way? 💼Abilities Centre offers Employment Coaching & Job...
02/05/2026

Looking for work and would appreciate some 1-1 support along the way? 💼
Abilities Centre offers Employment Coaching & Job Development Services for persons living with disabilities in Durham Region!

You’ll work with an Employment Counsellor to explore your skills, strengths, goals, and interests, and get practical support to help you prepare for, find, and keep meaningful work—at your own pace.

✅ Available year-round
📍 Online or in-person at Abilities Centre
💲 Free to access (government-funded)

Curious if it’s a fit for you? Give us a call or check out our website to get started!

Ready to play? 🏉Join us at Abilities Centre for Wheelchair Rugby (Feb 7–Mar 15) — an inclusive sport program designed to...
02/02/2026

Ready to play? 🏉
Join us at Abilities Centre for Wheelchair Rugby (Feb 7–Mar 15) — an inclusive sport program designed to build confidence, skills, and community through movement and teamwork. All ages and experience levels are welcome, and equipment is provided at no cost!

✅ All ages, abilities & experience welcome
📅 Saturdays & Sundays | 6:30–8:00 PM
📆 Starts Feb. 7
💲 FREE – All equipment provided
📍 Abilities Centre, 1 Jim Flaherty St, L1N 0J2

Learn more at https://abilitiescentre.org

Curious about Tai Chi but not sure it’s for you? The Abilities Centre is offering a 3-week “Introduction to Tai Chi” min...
01/28/2026

Curious about Tai Chi but not sure it’s for you? The Abilities Centre is offering a 3-week “Introduction to Tai Chi” mini series—a beginner-friendly experience of foundational movements and key concepts!

Tai Chi is a gentle practice that supports balance, circulation, and overall well-being; benefiting body, mind, and spirit. Classes will also include the 8-Strand Brocade (Qi Gong) warm-up series.

Interested in joining? Register online today: https://ow.ly/zaAM50Y51lW

At Abilities Centre, we believe that every person carries unique strengths, perspectives, and possibilities.  On the Int...
12/03/2025

At Abilities Centre, we believe that every person carries unique strengths, perspectives, and possibilities.

On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we celebrate the power of inclusion and the limitless potential that emerges when every voice is heard and every ability is valued.

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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