Support & Accommodations

Quick Links:

  1. Integrated Programs
  2. Adapted Programs
  3. Registration guide for accessing inclusion support
  4. PAL Card & Jumpstart

The City of Cambridge is committed to providing accessible and inclusive programs, services, and facilities for participants of all abilities. City‑run programs offer both integrated and fully adapted options.

Some participants may require additional support due to personal care needs, a diagnosed physical, medical, or developmental disability, or support from a formal agency.

Participants must be program ready, meaning they can follow staff direction, engage safely in a group setting, and participate in at least 50 percent of program activities with support if needed.

Integrated Programs

Integrated programs allow participants of diverse abilities to take part together in an inclusive environment. This option enables participants with additional needs to participate in any City of Cambridge program with support from City of Cambridge staff.
Leisure Buddy 

The Leisure Buddy Program provides additional assistance during year-round recreational programs for participants aged 4 to 21. Support is provided by trained program staff known as Leisure Buddies. Leisure Buddies are typically students and do not provide the same level of support as educational assistants or behaviour therapists.

Leisure Buddies may be available for all City of Cambridge programs, including swimming lessons, sports, arts, fitness, and general interest programs. While every effort is made to provide additional support, availability is based on staff capacity. Learn more about how to register below.

Camp Programs (Summer, Winter Break, March Break and PD Day Camps)

The City of Cambridge offers additional support for children with disabilities in camp programs for ages 4 to 12. Support levels may include 1:1, 2:1, or 3:1 assistance based on individual needs. Visit the Camps page for program and registration updates.

Families are encouraged to contact inclusion@cambridge.ca before registration if they are unsure of their child’s support needs. City staff may also reach out to discuss support options during participation. Ongoing communication with families helps support a successful camp experience.

Comparison of Internal and External Support Options
Internal Support (City of Cambridge Staff) External Support Workers (Family Provided)
Support is provided by Inclusion Facilitators—City of Cambridge staff available at no extra cost. They are trained in program adaptations, behaviour management, First Aid/CPR C & AED, and HIGH FIVE®, but do not provide the same level of support as educational assistants or behaviour therapists.
External support workers are arranged by the participant’s family and may attend City of Cambridge programs and camps at no cost. Support persons may be a family member, friend, or agency worker, and must be at least 16 years old.
Support may include program adaptations, behavioural support for safety, opportunities for sensory or emotional breaks, and assistance with personal care.
A support person is fully responsible for the participant’s care, support, and safety during all activities and must remain with them at all times. They may encourage independence, socialization, and participation when appropriate, and must follow all City of Cambridge policies outlined in the Support Worker Agreement Form.
Spaces are limited and fill quickly. We recommend reviewing programs in advance and registering as soon as online registration opens.
For more information or to request an External Support Worker Agreement Form, email inclusion@cambridge.ca

 

Adapted Programs

Alongside accommodations in all programs, we offer adapted programs for children with disabilities. These smaller, flexible programs provide higher staff support and connect participants with peers who share similar interests and abilities.
  • Sunblast & Imagination Station: An inclusive summer day camp for children ages 4–12 with exceptionalities, offering outdoor activities, games, sensory play, and arts and crafts. Programs run daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and are led by trained inclusion facilitators with a reduced staff-to-camper ratio of 1:4.

  • Adaptive Sport Fundamentals: This registered adapted program helps participants develop fundamental movement skills—such as running, throwing, catching, and jumping—through structured sports and low‑organized games. Classes are modified for all abilities and are open to participants ages 6–12 and 13–20.

  • Adapted Leisure Swim offers a fun, supportive, and supervised open swim for children, youth, and adults with diverse abilities. This sensory-friendly environment features no music and whistles used only in emergencies. The diving board, spa, and sauna are available, with two lanes open for lap swimming. See our Swim Schedules page for more details. 

Registration guide for accessing inclusion support

Step 1: Create an Inclusion Portfolio

Before registering for an integrated or adapted program, please fill out our Participant Information Form. By filling out this intake form you will create a portfolio in which:

You only need to share you/your child’s information once We can learn more about how to support you ahead of time Stay informed about inclusive program options, including registration dates and steps.

After your information is reviewed by our team, we will add an inclusion membership to the applicant’s CORAL account. The information shared in this application is confidential and is only shared with the staff working directly with the individual. Any questions you have can be directed to inclusion@cambrdge.ca

Step 2: Register for your Desired Program How to Register

To Register for City of Cambridge Inclusion Support (provided by City of Cambridge Inclusion Facilitators)

  1. Fill out the City of Cambridge Leisure Buddy Application & Child Participant Information  form to request an inclusion portfolio if the participant does not already have one.
  2. Search in CORAL for the Inclusion Support Camp Barcodes
  3. Select the inclusion support barcode for the week(s) of camp you would like to register for
    - Example: “Inclusion Support – Summer Camp 2025 Week 1 (June 30 - July 4)” 
  4. Enroll the participant in the list and identify your preferred camp location, top 3 camp preferences (if applicable), and the level of support requested (1:1, 2:1, or 3:1 support)
  5. A City of Cambridge team member will contact participants to discuss individual needs and complete the camp registration process.  

Important Information

If your preferred support week is full, you may join the waitlist, choose another week, or arrange for an External Support Worker to attend camp with your child (see details above).

Please register only in the inclusion support request barcode. Our team will then work with you to enroll the participant in the camp program that best meets their needs.

Inclusion support is provided by City of Cambridge Inclusion Facilitators at no additional cost. The base camp fee associated with the inclusion support barcode will be applied to your account once enrollment in each specific camp week is completed by our team.

  • Please note: If a kinder or specialty camp with additional fees is selected, those fees must be paid prior to the first day of camp.

To Register with External Support (Family Provided)

  1. Search in CORAL for Camp Program(s) and select the camp you would like to register for
    *Register directly in the camp program and not the Inclusion Support Program
  2. Enroll the participant in the camp program(s)
  3. Email inclusion@cambridge.ca to request a External Support Agreement form to be completed before the participant arrives at camp

  1. Fill out the City of Cambridge Leisure Buddy Application & Child Participant Information to request an inclusion portfolio if the participant does not already have one.
  2. Search in CORAL for Sunblast/Imagination Station Camps
  3. Select the week(s) of Sunblast/Imagination Station Camp you would like to register for
  4. Enroll the participant in the camp program

  1. Fill out the City of Cambridge Leisure Buddy Application & Child Participant Information to request an inclusion portfolio if the participant does not already have one.
  2. Search in CORAL for the desired program (swimming lessons, sports, art, general interest etc)
  3. Select the program you would like to register for
  4. Select "Yes, additional inclusion support is required"
  5. Enroll the participant in the program

Following your enrollment our team will contact you once support has been confirmed for your child. Please note every effort is made to provide additional support, however availability is based on limited staff capacity.

Fill out the Participant Information Form Here

PAL card

For some people with disabilities, it's impossible to go places without someone's help. A PAL card allows an attendant to accompany people with disabilities to events or programs free of charge or at a reduced rate. The PAL card allows people with disabilities to access many services in Cambridge without having to consider the financial implications of having an attendant.

Complete the PAL Card Application to apply for a card and send your application to accessibility@cambridge.ca.

Canadian Tire's Jumpstart

Canadian Tire's Jumpstart program gives kids, who are four to 18 years of age, a chance to participate in sports and recreation. Jumpstart funding helps families who qualify a financial hand with program registration costs.

You don't have to be approved for Activities for Less to qualify for Jumpstart.

To apply or obtain more information, visit: canadiantire.ca/jumpstart