Inclusivity Resource Guide

Autism Society Alberta (ASA) is a grassroots organization within the autism community connecting to its provincial members through regional partners and networking with agencies and associations throughout the province and nationwide.

Calgary Adapted Hub (CAH), powered by Jumpstart, is a resource for inclusive and accessible sport and recreation programming in Calgary.

Cause and Effect is a community-based early intervention service for children with developmental delays or exceptional needs within Calgary and surrounding areas.

Staffed by parents that have been there, The Children’s Link Society is Calgary’s first and only special needs connection.

Our mission is to empower families so that caregivers and children build resilience and thrive. Our vision is a connected community in which children and families are nurtured and supported to be happy, healthy and resilient. We offer a variety of free programming designed to promote optimal child development and empower families to be resilient and foster positive family relationships. Programs offered include: Parent classes, parent and child together classes, Perinatal Mental Health supports (postpartum depression), youth programs, home visitation support, young parent supports and father-specific programs.

GRIT Calgary Society is a long-standing program of excellence meeting the diverse needs of preschool children with developmental disabilities in and around the Calgary area.

Inclusion Alberta (formerly Alberta Association for Community Living) is a family-based, non-profit federation that advocates on behalf of children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families.

The Learning Disabilities & ADHD Network provides free resources and helpful, reliable information for individuals with a Learning Disability and/or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), as well as for those who live, play, and work with them. The Network is a collaborative group which fosters action towards meeting the needs of people with LD/ADHD. This non-profit operates through Foothills Academy and is supported by the Calgary Foundation. We're here to help!

Inspiring families on the journey of inclusion for their child with Down syndrome. 

At Calaway Park, it’s all about family fun! For more information, visit the website for Calaway Park’s Special Needs and Special Needs Aide admission rates.

Science is for everyone! TELUS Spark is committed to providing an inclusive experience for all guests.

The Calgary Zoo is proud to offer a safe, inclusive space for visitors of all abilities from across the world to learn about wildlife conservation.

Foothills Academy offers a full-time school program for students with Learning Disabilities from Grades 3 to 12 following the Alberta Education Curriculum. Class sizes are small with a teacher and assistant. A variety of strategies is used to help students find success, ensuring students reach their full potential. A wide range of year-round programs and services are open to the broader community, including assessments, individual instruction, social skills programs, recreation, and more.

Pacekids Programs is a charitable organization that strives to empower children with special needs and their families through excellence in therapy and education. Pacekids provides preschool and Kindergarten programs for children aged 2.8 years to six years that can be accessed through Program Unit Funding (PUF) with Alberta Education. Pacekids also offers six programs for children aged six months to 12 years funded through Family Services for Children with Disabilities (FSCD). Pacekids provides access to immediate private assessment and direct therapy options for children with special needs.

Providence offers two unique Alberta Education-funded program streams: those based in our own six schools across Calgary and those based in approved community preschools or childcare programs (our LEARN Program). Both programs are designed to support children identified with a delay or disability from ages 2.8 to six years. To attend, a child must qualify for special education funding (Program Unit Funding (PUF)).

Rundle is a private, post-secondary preparatory, co-ed, day school. Small class sizes, an enriched curriculum, and diverse co-curricular opportunities are pillars of our three distinct academic programs: the College (Kindergarten to 12), Academy (4 to 12), and virtual Studio (7 to 9). Our Academy and Studio programs specialize in teaching students with diagnosed learning disabilities and/or ADHD.

Our play-based, therapeutic, and educational programs are designed to support neurodiverse children and their families during the most critical stages of development - the first five years of a child’s life. Step by Step’s comprehensive approach provides exceptional programming for children 19 months to six years that is intentional and goal-oriented to promote growth and development, while also supporting parents and caregivers on the journey of raising a child with special needs.

For over 42 years, StoryBook Theatre has been entertaining families from all over Calgary with our award-winning professional, quality shows. We also provide a year-round Theatre School for children ages six to 18, which is designed to develop acting skills, self-confidence, teamwork, and stagecraft abilities.

Amicus Recreation programs are designed specifically for youth (ages eight to 16) with Learning Disabilities and/or ADHD to provide opportunities to learn new skills, socialize, and gain self-confidence. A wide variety of activities (technology, sports, arts - just to name a few) are offered. There’s something for everyone! Programs are led by mature, trained staff who provide a welcoming, supportive environment. Financial assistance is available for qualified families.

Between Friends provides quality social, recreation, and self-development opportunities for people with disabilities to connect, grow, and belong.

Virtual reptile shows, reptile show-and-tell birthday parties, and more! Reptile Parties are structured to appeal to different age groups, sizes and abilities Kids meet up close with cold-blooded animals, such as friendly bearded dragons, amazing frilled dragons, colorful geckos, incredible snakes, and even tarantulas and scorpions!

CADS Calgary is a volunteer-based non-profit charity that provides opportunities for people with disabilities to experience the joy of learning and participating in Alpine Snowsports. Our aim is to create a safe, inclusive, and fun learning environment. More than just sliding, our participants learn tangible life skills, gain confidence, and develop lifelong friendships. Participants receive one-on-one, needs-based instruction from trained volunteers. CADS Calgary provides a great experience for all participants and volunteers!

Music lessons for every age, level, and style. At Long & McQuade, we believe every person is capable of acquiring the skills and knowledge required to make playing a musical instrument a rewarding activity. We have a wide variety of carefully-chosen professional instructors offering year-round music lessons. In-studio and online video lessons available.

MNP Community & Sport Centre can accommodate the needs of all Calgarians, regardless of physical ability. Wheelchair access, pool lifts, water wheelchairs and other adaptive equipment is why MNP Community & Sport Centre has won accessibility awards from both the Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta) and The City of Calgary.

Nature Play provides small group, nature-based therapy for kids needing support in the areas of physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and social skills. 

This camp is centred upon giving campers with physical disabilities the opportunity to explore various adapted sport, recreational, and leisure activities. 

Active Living, part of the Faculty of Kinesiology at the University of Calgary, provides health and wellness programs, facilities, and educational opportunities that encourage lifelong active living for all. Our programs are open to the public and include health and fitness programs like group fitness classes and personal training, aquatic and First Aid certifications, sports programs, kids' programs, and University of Calgary Summer Camps.

We have something For everybody at Vecova’s Aquatics, Health and Fitness – inclusive programs for you, your family and friends. Check out our programming for youth and children – including swim lessons, drop-in swim and play times, Adapted Recreation and more! Our programs are made for people of every age, ability and skill level to help meet their wellness goals. Discover the right program for you today!

Skate, swim, dance, climb, create, and connect – together! At Vivo, we’re all about building healthier generations through play, movement, and creativity. Our innovative programs invite families to embrace wellness, learn, and grow side by side. Whether you’re discovering a new passion or strengthening your community connection, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s move forward–together. Visit vivo.ca and join the journey to healthier, happier lives!

YMCA Calgary has seven health and wellness facilities, six child development centres with licensed child care, two outdoor camp sites, and over 60 community program sites serving all quadrants of the city. These spaces and programs allow YMCA Calgary to deliver programs, services, and opportunities to help the Calgary community connect with others, build lifelong skills, and keep active and healthy.

Have fun with music! STAR is a unique music and movement program tailored for youth from Grade 4 to young adults with cognitive disabilities. This interactive experience helps participants explore their abilities in the performing arts through singing, dancing, and playing instruments. STAR fosters a love for music and dance in a safe, stimulating, and fun environment, encouraging confidence, friendship, and personal growth.

Connect with animals! The YYC Nature & Education Centre is an accessible facility. Book a private experience to facilitate your sensory needs. Our staff has experience to provide an inclusive encounter with small groups and can customize your experience. We offer birthday parties and other programs as well! Limited birthday party spots available. Meet reptiles, birds, mammals and more. Experience Nature at the YYC Nature & Education Centre!