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.

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

Mission: To promote optimal child development by empowering families to be resilient and fostering positive family relationships. Vision: A connected community in which children and families are nurtured and supported to be happy, healthy, and productive. Offering programming for perinatal mood disorders (postpartum anxiety and depression), parenting classes, young parents program, youth programming, parent and child together classes, home visitation, and fathering programs.

The G.R.I.T. program is a non-profit home and community-based Early Childhood program for young children with disabilities.

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 is a collaborative initiative of a broad group of organizations, which is operated through Foothills Academy and supported by a grant from the Calgary Foundation. The Network fosters collaborative action toward more effective and coordinated responses to meet the needs of people with Learning Disabilities and/or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Find reliable information, resources, and support on our website.

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.

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. In addition to the nearly 1,000 creatures you’ll find at the zoo, visitors can explore a nature-inspired interactive play space, with accessible and inclusive play features, located in the Canadian Wilds. The Calgary Zoo also offers a wide range of accessibility services, including wheelchair and power chair rentals, complimentary access for qualified attendants (with ID), and certified service dog entry. To learn more, visit the website.

BTLC is the only school in Calgary using the established and well-researched principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) to teach preschool and kindergarten students with the unique learning needs and challenges associated with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. BTLC’s success is based on small class size, intensive and individualized programming using effective, research-based teaching strategies, a high ratio of adult support, and opportunities for integration in community schools.

A Calgary’s Child Parents’ Choice Award winner for “Best Preschool” and “Honourable Mention” for 13 years! We offer STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math), Jolly Phonics, Learning Without Tears curriculum, weekly Music classes, Science experiments with Captain Science, Spanish classes, daily Gym equipment and games, creative movement, and Yoga. Our literacy-rich program includes an Author of the Month study, author readings, journaling, and a Home Reading program. We have a monthly Virtues Program, Environmental Awareness program, Outdoor Education, Cultural, and Art presentations, and class field trips. Register for two-day preschool (for three year olds); two-, three-, or five-day Jr. Kindergarten (for 4 year olds); or kindergarten.

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.

New Heights School & Learning Services is a registered charitable organization and a Designated Special Education Private School. We opened our doors in 1999 to 12 students in our preschool and early intervention programs, with the simple goal of giving families a safe and friendly community to support their needs and build their capacity. Our goal is to equip each student with the skills they need to engage in and contribute to the community around them.

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 6 years that can be accessed through Program Unit Funding (PUF) with Alberta Education. Pacekids also offers six programs for children aged 6 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 child care programs (our LEARN Program). Both programs are designed to support children identified with a delay or disability from ages 2 years-8 months to 6. To attend, a child must qualify for special education funding (Program Unit Funding (PUF)).

River Valley School is proud to offer an At-Home Arrowsmith Program, now available to all Alberta students age 7+. This personalized, online program harnesses the power of neuroplasticity to strengthen areas of the brain that underlie learning difficulties: memory, attention, problem-solving, comprehension, and more! Instead of working around a student’s challenges, this personalized program uses proven methods to get to the root of them - resulting in self-directed learners for life!

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 (K 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.

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 6 to 18, which is designed to develop acting skills, self-confidence, teamwork, and stagecraft abilities.

Unique Education Academy is a premier and multi-faceted provider of child care services, education, and extracurricular programs, all in one location. It comprises two centres: an Early Education Centre that offers child care, preschool, and a gifted children’s program for kids up to age 5, and an Enrichment Centre that offers diverse scholastic, artist, and physical excellence programs for children of all ages.

Amicus Recreation programs are designed specifically for youth (ages 8 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.

The Calgary Zoo hosts a variety of family- and kid-friendly programs including camps, birthdays, sleepovers, and school programs. These programs run year-round and offer an opportunity to experience our animals and wild spaces.

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

The City of Calgary Recreation wants to welcome participants of all abilities. Call 311 to find out how we work together to make adaptations in the program.

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.

We offer a variety of Registered Programs for all ages and skill levels. Learn to swim programs from ages 4 months to adult. More advanced swimmers can join one of our Swim Clubs or take their interest in lifesaving to the next level with organized Lifesaving Leadership courses. Get them active early in the Active Living Program for preschool-aged children. Keep active during PD Camps, including Winter Break. A Membership at MNP Community & Sport Centre gives you unlimited access to all group fitness classes, fitness centre, five gyms, two pools, hot tub, cold tub, steam room, two tracks, and so much more - all under one roof at a great rate!

Trico Centre for Family Wellness wants your family to be #tricotough and active! Come swim with us in our wave pool with waterslide, water features, hot tub, and steam rooms. We offer many children’s programs: skating, swimming, dance, gymnastics, and martial arts to teach children the fundamental movement skills, confidence, and how fun it is to be active. Huge, clean fitness centre, bright pool, hockey arenas. We offer activities for all ages!

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

Visit WP Puppet Theatre’s website for DIY Puppet Projects that are free, fun for the whole family, and sure to spark creativity! Make sure to tag @WPPuppet in your DIYs to be featured on social media. Plus, information about puppet-infused educational programming! Check out the online store for unique items.

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.

Youth Singers of Calgary offers programming for youth (ages 9 and up) and young adults with cognitive delays to participate in the performing arts. STAR (Special Talents in Arts and Recreation) provide an interactive experience using voice, movement, and instruments to foster a love of music and dance in a safe, stimulating, and fun environment.

At Calgary Youth Physiotherapy (CYP), we think kids are pretty cool! Our skilled team of physiotherapists understand that kids’ bodies are different from adults, and their development, pain, and injuries need to be treated differently. With clinics in north and south Calgary, we have provided expertise in pediatric physiotherapy for more than 30 years. Our goal is to help children and families feel their best and develop to their full potential while having fun!

Through Discovery Psychological Services, your child or youth can receive a psychoeducational assessment to identify their learning strengths and challenges. Intervention and therapy services are also provided to help children, youth, and/or parents discover understanding about emotions, behaviors, or challenges, and develop strategies to help make life easier. Bobbi-Jo Gaetz, psychologist, draws on her knowledge and experience as a psychologist for over 20 years, working in a variety of educational and mental health environments with children, youth, and families.

Just 4 U Family Services provides care for special needs/typical infants, children, youth, and adults.

We are passionate about supporting children and families in finding peace, calm, dignity, and understanding in their lives. We are strength-focused. We believe in being creative and cost-effective, while holding to high standards. Along with the services you might expect from a psychology practice (assessment, counselling, behavior/developmental therapy, gifted learners), we offer various programs. Programs include our outdoor camps, six-week family program, mind-body transformation, educational consultation, and more. Check us out!