Special Needs - Integration Services
Many City of Ottawa Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services programs may be eligible for the federal Children's Fitness Tax Credit. The Children's Fitness Tax Credit is a federal, non-refundable, personal tax credit of up to $500 per eligible child (under the age of 16 years).that lets parents claim up to $500 per year for eligible fitness expenses paid for each child who is under 16 years of age at the beginning of the year in which the expenses are paid.
If a child qualifies for the disability tax credit, parents can claim up to $500 per year in eligible fitness expenses paid for the child who is under 18 years of age at the beginning of the year. Also, if at least $100 in eligible fitness expenses has been paid for the child, an additional amount of $500 can be added to the eligible fitness expenses actually incurred.
Fees paid by parents must relate to the cost of a registration or facility pass membership or registration in an eligible physical activity program. Your program receipt will indicate whether the program that your child is registered in is considered eligible (see receipt wording).
For more information on this credit, please see the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The authority to determine whether any claim for a credit will be approved rests with the CRA. The City of Ottawa disclaims any responsibility or liability in connection with any determination of the CRA.
All recreation programs offered within the City's Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services department are open to participants with disabilities. To help you find the appropriate program or to determine the level of support needed, the City offers Integration Services. Our Portfolio Coordinators, Special Needs, provide Leisure Counselling (an assessment and referral process) that connects children, youth, adults and seniors with disabilities to recreation programs.
Spring/Summer 2010
Special Needs Camps Fair
The Special Needs Camps Fair offers children, youth and adults with disabilities and their families with the opportunity to explore the many options available for recreation in the summer. Secure your child’s spot in Shared Care! Special Needs staff, from the City of Ottawa and other area camps, will be on hand to answer your questions. More than 50 camps have been invited, including some residential camps.
Saturday, May 22
10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Jim Durrell Arena – 1265 Walkley Road
For more information, please call 613-580-2424 ext. 29283
Camp - Shared Care
As part of our regular day camp program, children with special needs are integrated into camp at 1:3 staff-to-child ratio. If your child has special needs and you are interested in our shared care program, please contact the Special Needs Portfolio Coordinator noted beside each facility for information. Please note that a child can only be registered for up to three weeks of this camp program. Shared Care is based on a first-come, first-served basis and can only accommodate up to three children per week per designated site. A minimum of one-month notice is required.
The following are the locations where camps with “Shared Care” spots are available for the summer of 2010. Check the Recreation Guide Spring/Summer 2010 - Special Needs Section for more details.
East |
West |
|---|---|
Albion-Heatherington R.C. |
Alexander C.C. |
Overbrook C.C. |
Dovercourt C. C. |
Ray Friel R.C. |
Foster Farm C.C. |
Richelieu-Vanier C.C. |
Goulbourn R.C. |
Sandy Hill C.C. |
Hintonburg C.C. |
Sawmill Creek C.C. |
Bridlewood C.C. |
South Fallingbrook C.C. |
Pinecrest R.C. |
St-Laurent Complex |
Stittsville C.C. |
Greenboro C.C. |
Walter Baker Sports Centre |
Therapeutic Recreation Programs:
In partnership with the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, Service Coordination, Ottawa Children's Treatment Centre and several community organizations, the City of Ottawa hosts Therapeutic and Recreation Day Programs throughout the city. This service represents three major areas of specialized programming.
- Treatment:
The focus of the treatment component is to improve functional and behavioural abilities of the participant.
- Leisure Education:
Emphasis on participant developing and acquiring leisure knowledge, skills and attitudes.
- Recreation participation:
Structured group recreation experiences.
Day programs currently being offered include
- ABI – Acquired Brain Injury Program
- SCEL – Support Community Enhanced Learning
- VARIETY – Adult day programs for people with developmental delay
- SPIRIT – for medically fragile children
- SNAP – for children and youth with autism
- Post Stroke – therapeutic recreation program for stroke survivors
For assessments and referrals, call your district's Portfolio Coordinator, Special Needs.
Social/Recreation Programs:
Programs offered in various community centres give children, youth and adults with special needs the opportunity to participate in year-round recreation and social activities. The programs take place throughout the city during the day, evening and weekends, and include a wide range of options: community outings, social clubs, fitness, aquatics, summer camps for children, youth and adults, health and wellness and other leisure activities.
Information
For more information, assessments, referrals, integration and volunteer opportunities, contact the Portfolio Coordinator, Special Needs within your district/community.
City Wide Special Needs 580-2424 ext. 29283
East District:
Diane Cyr, 613-580-2424, ext. 29300
Claudelle Crowe (RN), 613-580-2424 ext. 29320
West District:
Jodie Gilvear 580-2424 ext. 41226
Katie Jacobson-Lang/Christina McCormick at 580-2424 ext. 29291
