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.

Abilities Centre is now accepting abstract submissions for our Community Research Show 'n' Tell, taking place May 26, 20...
03/19/2026

Abilities Centre is now accepting abstract submissions for our Community Research Show 'n' Tell, taking place May 26, 2026, during National Accessibility Week.

We are looking for post-secondary students and recent graduates whose work relates to accessibility and inclusion. Selected presenters will share their research in a Community Poster Hall, with the option to also deliver a short oral presentation.

We welcome work that deepens understanding of accessibility and inclusion, highlights diverse perspectives and lived experiences, or informs policy and practice.

Submit a 250-word abstract by April 10, 2026, at 5 p.m. on our website: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=0wzi4RFPWk2x_EMf2HuS2OlOIqw2qYRMob7VjYSRayRUQjlGV0JDRUFLVVRTRTVTRFpGMTYwWU5MWC4u

Questions? Contact research@abilitiescentre.org



[Image: Text reads - Abilities Centre presents Community Research Show 'n' Tell. Empowering accessibility through education, connection, and action. Call for submissions now open. The top and bottom of the graphic have icons representing different disabilities and accessibility items.]

There is still time to apply for the Abilities Centre Spring Market!If you are a disability-led small business owner, ar...
03/13/2026

There is still time to apply for the Abilities Centre Spring Market!

If you are a disability-led small business owner, artist, maker, or entrepreneur based in Durham Region or the GTA, this one is for you.

We are hosting a Spring Market on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Abilities Centre, 1 Jim Flaherty St, Whitby, to celebrate the close of National Accessibility Week. Booth registrations are open now, and this is a wonderful opportunity to connect with your community, showcase your work, and be part of something meaningful.

Declarations of interest are open until April 1st or until spaces are filled, so we encourage you to reach out soon.

Email us at empservices@abilitiescentre.org for more information.

This is your stage. Come show Durham Region and the GTA what you have got! 🌸



[Image: Floral embellishments outline the promotional graphic for the Spring Market Call for Vendors. Text below reads: Saturday, May 30. Abilities Centre, 1 Jim Flaherty St, Whitby, Ontario. AbilitiesCentre.org.]

Spring is coming. Is your team ready?Abilities Centre can help Durham Region businesses find the right people to hire. W...
03/12/2026

Spring is coming. Is your team ready?

Abilities Centre can help Durham Region businesses find the right people to hire. Whether you need someone for the season or the long term, we are here to help.

Here's what we offer:

• Candidates who are already screened and ready
• Support for you and your new hire after they start
• Help build a welcoming workplace for everyone

It's free. It's local. And we're here all year.
Email us at empservices@abilitiescentre.org to get started.



[Image: A man smiles while cleaning a window. The text around it reads: Employer Services. Hire Smart. Hire Local. Inclusive hiring. Ongoing Support. Real Results.]

In honour of the Paralympics, we're inviting our community to a free Floor Curling Try-It Session at the Abilities Centr...
03/09/2026

In honour of the Paralympics, we're inviting our community to a free Floor Curling Try-It Session at the Abilities Centre!

Floor Curling is one of the most accessible and exciting adaptive sports around. Whether you come to watch, learn, or jump in and play, everyone is welcome, and no experience is required.

Date: Thursday, March 12
Time: 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: Court 2, Abilities Centre

This is a chance to experience firsthand what adaptive sport is all about, bringing people together and having fun doing it. You might discover your new favourite activity.

Register here: https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/abilities/activity/search/detail/4389?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true

Feel free to share this with anyone who might enjoy it!



[Image: A three-image collage featuring curling stones and a curling team with the text below reading: Floor Curling. Thursday, March 12, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Field House Court 2.]

Happy International Women's Day! This year's theme, chosen by the United Nations, is "Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL W...
03/08/2026

Happy International Women's Day! This year's theme, chosen by the United Nations, is "Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.”

This theme hits close to home for us because at Abilities Centre. We see every day what happens when systems are not built for everyone, when people fall through the gaps, and when barriers stack up.

Globally, women hold just 64% of the legal rights that men do. In areas like work, safety, family, and financial independence, the law continues to let women and girls down, and even more so for those facing additional barriers related to disability, race, or age.

Inclusion has to mean all of it. Today, we honour the women in our community, and we recommit to the work of building something better for all of them.



[Image: Text reads: International Women's Day. Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls. In the middle are three various images of women who work at the Abilities Centre.]

Attention Durham District School Board and Durham Catholic District School Board lacrosse and rugby players! A.S.A.D. Du...
03/06/2026

Attention Durham District School Board and Durham Catholic District School Board lacrosse and rugby players! A.S.A.D. Durham is now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 school year, and we're hosting Athlete ID Sessions on March 11th so you can experience the program firsthand before you commit.

Whether you're a lacrosse player or a rugby player, this is your chance to see what being an ASAD student-athlete actually looks like. You'll start the morning at the Abilities Centre for strength and conditioning, then head over to The Whitby Dome. Transportation between locations is provided, and dismissal is at 11 a.m.

The program is open to students in Grades 9-12 across Durham Region who want to develop their game without sacrificing their academics.

When it’s happening: Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Where: Abilities Centre and Whitby Dome

Time: 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Interested? Email Ryan at rstickle@abilitiescentre.org to register. And if you know a player who should hear about this, send it their way.



[Image: A collage of images featuring student rugby and lacrosse players playing, studying, and working out. The text reads: A Day in the Life - Lacrosse and Rugby. When - Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Abilities Centre and Whitby Dome. The A.S.A.D. Durham logo is at the top.]

Today is Employee Appreciation Day, but if we are being honest, appreciating our team is something we try to carry into ...
03/06/2026

Today is Employee Appreciation Day, but if we are being honest, appreciating our team is something we try to carry into every day.

The people at the Abilities Centre do not just show up and clock in. They bring energy, creativity, and genuine care to everything they do. They problem solve, they laugh, they support each other, and they show up for the community we serve in ways that never stop being impressive.

We know the work is not always easy. That is what makes our team so special. They do it anyway, and they do it amazingly.

To everyone on our team, thank you! This place is what it is because of you.



[Image: Text reads: Employee Appreciation Day. Below is a collage of four photos featuring various smiling Abilities Centre staff at events.]

Great news! Community Connections is returning this spring.This 10-week program has made a real difference in the lives ...
03/05/2026

Great news! Community Connections is returning this spring.

This 10-week program has made a real difference in the lives of individuals 14 and older with disabilities, helping them build the confidence and skills to engage fully in the world around them. Participants learn by doing, visiting community locations like grocery stores, restaurants, and the library, taking public transit to get there, and practicing important life skills like money management and decision-making along the way.

None of this happens without the support of our incredible community partners and providers. The connections you help foster are what make this program so meaningful.

If you or someone you know is interested, registration for our Spring Session opens on March 27. To be added to our outreach list in advance, please email commservices@abilitiescentre.org.

We look forward to sharing more soon!



[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 for our Spring session opens March 27!]

Strong core. Better posture. More confidence. Sounds like a good six weeks to us.Abilities Centre is offering a 6-week P...
03/04/2026

Strong core. Better posture. More confidence. Sounds like a good six weeks to us.

Abilities Centre is offering a 6-week Pilates specialty program focused on core strength, flexibility, and mindful movement. It is an hour, once a week, and spots are limited at $180 for the full six weeks.

The program starts the week of March 23. Pick the time that works for you:

- Mondays, starting March 23, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

- Wednesdays, starting March 25, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Visit our website to register and secure your spot before they're gone: https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/abilities/calendars?onlineSiteId=0&no_scroll_top=true&defaultCalendarId=2&locationId=2&displayType=0&view=2



[Image: A person rolls up their yoga mat. The text around it reads: Pilates Program. Register online today! $180 for 6 weeks! Spots limited. Classes start Monday, March 23, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Wednesday, March 25, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.]

03/03/2026

This past weekend at the 2026 Canadian Indoor Track & Field Championships, two of our A.S.A.D. Durham athletes reminded us what dedication looks like.

Airlie Downie-Back claimed gold in the U18 3,000 m, a race that demands endurance, composure, and mental strength in equal measure.

Jayden Robinson had a remarkable meet across three events, finishing 1st in the 4x200m relay, 2nd in the Pentathlon, and 3rd in the 60m hurdles.

Two athletes. Four podium finishes. Both showed up when it counted most.

We are incredibly proud of Airlie and Jayden, and grateful to watch them represent A.S.A.D. Durham on a national stage. Moments like these reflect not just their individual talent, but the community that supports them every step of the way.

Congratulations to you both. We can't wait to see what comes next.



[Video description: Two smartphones sit side by side, with one showing a highlight reel from Jayden Robinson, and the other with a photo of Airlie Downie-Back with her gold medal. Above is the text: Congratulations to Jayden Robinson and Airlie Downie-Back!]

We're thrilled to announce that the Abilities Centre is hosting a Spring Market to celebrate the close of National Acces...
03/03/2026

We're thrilled to announce that the Abilities Centre is hosting a Spring Market to celebrate the close of National Accessibility Week and we're looking for vendors!

If you're a disability-led small business owner, artist, maker, or entrepreneur based in Durham Region or the GTA, we want to hear from you. Booth registrations are now open, and this is a wonderful opportunity to connect with your community, showcase your work, and be part of something meaningful.

Interested? Email us at empservices@abilitiescentre.org for more information. Declarations of interest are open until April 1st, or until spaces are filled, so we encourage you to reach out soon.

This is your stage. Come show Durham Region and the GTA what you've got!



[Image: Floral embellishments outline the promotional graphic for the Spring Market Call for Vendors. Text below reads: Saturday, May 30. Abilities Centre, 1 Jim Flaherty St, Whitby, Ontario. AbilitiesCentre.org.]

Last year was just the beginning. This year, we are bringing everything we have got!The Abilities Centre is returning fo...
03/02/2026

Last year was just the beginning. This year, we are bringing everything we have got!

The Abilities Centre is returning for its second year of National Accessibility Week celebrations with a full week of events from May 24 to 30. Last year our community showed up in a wonderful way, and that energy has stayed with us as we have been planning this year's programming. We are really proud of what is coming together.

National Accessibility Week is a time across Canada to celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities and take meaningful steps toward a more inclusive and accessible world. It is one of our favourite weeks of the year, and we believe everyone deserves to be part of it.
Save the dates, share this with someone who would want to know, and keep an eye on this page for updates soon.



[Image: The Abilities Centre logo is on the left of the text that reads: National Accessibility Week Conference. May 24 to 30, 2026. Around the text that reads “Save the Dates” are colourful icons representing various disabilities and accessibility features. Underneath is the text: abilitiescentre.org.]

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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