Our Programs and Services
Para Sport Education Outreach Programing
Abilities Ottawa offers Para Sport Education programming to schools and communities in the National Capital Region and beyond (Renfrew, Petawawa, Kemtpville, Cornwall).
This is a full-day experiential learning opportunity for students and staff alike to gain a better understanding of the inclusive nature of para sport. Through an initial introductory presentation, students gain knowledge about the importance of physical activity for all, they get an opportunity to meet local para-athletes and they acquire a hands-on experience as they jump into para sport equipment and play.
This program also offers teachers an opportunity to gain a better understanding of how they can adapt and modify their own class curriculum to meet the needs of students with a disability.
Check out this article in ParaSport Magazine by Parasport Ontario highlighting the work and dream of Abilities Ottawa! (Winter Edition, pages 37-40)
Parasport Ontario - ParaSport Magazine - Winter Edition 2026
Academy for Student Athlete Development (ASAD)
Abilities Ottawa is pleased to extend the ASAD programming to the National Capital Region. We work with experts in various fields such as nutrition, mental performance and strength & conditioning to bring the athletes’ training to the next level. We strive to create a community between our para athletes across various different sports. Athletes have the opportunity to learn about other sports, other athletes and themselves through the classroom and weight room sessions.
“The Academy for Student Athlete Development (ASAD) programs support student athletes on able-bodied, Paralympic, and Special Olympic performance pathways by creating equitable access to high performance sport training.
Our mission is to deliver a high performance program that goes beyond the field of play, empowering individuals to achieve personal goals in athletic performance, academics and life. ASAD works in collaboration with a team of experts and leaders in the Canadian Sport system to create a dedicated training environment where student athletes can elevate their game.” (ASAD, n.d.).
In Ottawa, our ASAD program is dedicated to Para Athletes who are striving to compete at the provinical, national and international level. We are comprised of experts in the following fields: nutrition, strength and conditioning, mental performance and recreation therapy. The sessions are half a day and occur once a month. The nutrition and mental performance sessions are an in-class setting, while strength and conditioning is an in-gym session, where athletes complete workouts specific to them and their sport.
ASAD. Abilities Centre. (n.d.). https://abilitiescentre.org/programs/asad
Collaborative Programming in the Community
Primary Collaborative Project:
Our collaborators:
- CHEO – Support to the Recreation Therapy Department through program development and delivery
- The Ottawa Hospital Rehab Centre - Support in outreach and community programming
- ORCC (Ottawa River Canoe Club) – Para Paddle Program
- Carleton University – Inclusive Recreation Program Development/Delivery and support to Summer Camps
- uOttawa – Faculty of Medicine, Human Kinetics and Athletics
- Algonquin College – Recreation Therapy
- Wheelchair Basketball Canada in the delivery of school and community-based programming
- Various School Boards around the NCR (National Capital Region) - OCDSB, OCSB, CEPEO, CSDCEO, UCDSB, RCDSB, Ashbury College, Kanata Academy
Disability Inclusion Workshops
Abilities Ottawa and, at times, in collaborations with Abilities Centre Durham, provide Disability Inclusion Workshops to multiple sport organizations, community-based organizations, foundations, and municipalities in Ottawa and across the country. The focus of the training is to support and encourage social inclusion, quality participation and a sense of belonging for all.
LEAD (Leading Equitable and Accessible Delivery)
In collaboration with Abilities Centre Durham, Abilities Ottawa is supporting the development and facilitation of LEAD Canada which is a methodology to help governments, public and private sector organizations to define and embed inclusion and accessibility objectives into strategic plans, operating plans, program environments, and organizational culture.
Other services include
Abilities Ottawa offers Disability Inclusion workshops to summer staff of local sport and community organizations.
Abilities Ottawa is grateful for numerous hours of support from our volunteers/students and athlete ambassadors.
Abilities Ottawa supervise and mentor college and university students during their internship.
What People Say
“We absolutely love your workshops and would be thrilled to be able to participate in any other workshops you run. Your energy and enthusiasm are unmatched and we love your passion for what you do.”
- Tracey Cochrane, Kanata Academy
“I had students begging me to book you in again this year. They loved it so much!!”
- Andrea Westbrook, Kars on the Rideau Public School
“Everyone raved about the workshop. We had one teacher note that it was the first time this school year that the entire class participated in PE without being forced.”
- Karen Horner, Broadview Public School
“We love how the wheelchair basketball tournament provides students who enjoy sport but don't get the opportunity to play on a sports team the chance to wear a jersey and compete while modeling sportsmanship and inclusion.”
- Deanne McTiernan, Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School
“That the Instructors were skilled, passionate about the skills and knowledge that they were passing along to us, displayed amazing classroom management, and were extremely positive and filled the gym with high energy that was contagious.”
- Kelly Niedre, St. Michaels Catholic High School