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.

BabyTooth is the pediatric dental practice of Dr. Kari Badwi and her team specializing in dentistry for children at our office in the southeast Midnapore area of Calgary. While we are serious about providing high-quality dental care - with special pediatric training and experience working with children and their unique dental needs - we also inject a little fun along the way. Our goal is to help kids feel good about visiting the dentist and lay the foundation for good oral health over the course of their lifetimes. Now accepting new patients. No referral required.

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. This Alberta Education funded program provides specialized and individualized home, community and school-based education. A team of experienced professionals work in collaboration with parents to provide an effective and dynamic educational experience. With the core belief that communication is the foundation for lifelong learning, the multidisciplinary team supports all developmental areas of need and endeavors to ensure that children become full participants at home, school and in their community. 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. Visitors can explore a nature-inspired interactive play space, with accessible and inclusive play features, located in the Canadian Wilds.

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.

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.

Kids@ Churchill Park proudly offers accountable, trust-based early learning and child care to Calgary families. With eight different programs in the city, we have options for everyone including full-time, part-time and drop-in care, out-of-school care, and over 45 Family Day Home options. Kids@ Churchill Park has been Calgary’s best-kept secret for over 50 years! Join our family and experience the difference that loving and compassionate care makes.

New Heights School & Learning Services is a registered charitable organization and a Designated Special Education Private School.

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 child care programs (our LEARN Program). Both programs are designed to support children identified with a delay or disability from ages 2.8 to six year. 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 (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 six to 18, which is designed to develop acting skills, self-confidence, teamwork, and stagecraft abilities.

Everyone is welcome at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre. Across five floors of exhibitions, visitors can discover Canada's music story, enjoy interactive activities, and catch regular weekend performances. Visitors will enjoy interacting with exhibits in a range of visual, tactile, and auditory ways that bring music to life. All exhibition galleries and performance areas are fully accessible, and two large elevators make getting around easy. Studio Bell also offers various accessibility services, including wheelchair rentals, complimentary access for attendants of individuals with disabilities, and certified service dog entry. To learn more, visit the website.

The Centre for Wellbeing’s Integrated Services in Education Clinic offers high-quality psychoeducational assessments and interventions for children and youth. Is your child losing interest in school, excessively sad or worried, not readily grasping new skills? Are you concerned that they may have a learning disability? We can help. Services are facilitated by Werklund School of Education graduate student-clinicians under the direction of registered Supervising Psychologists. Assessments provided at reduced rates. Certain interventions are free of charge.

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.

Asylum for Art offers group classes, one-on-one lessons and clinics for all ages and interests. Our qualified and dedicated instructors can guide you through your journey to achieve your goals. Whether they are to start your child off on the right musical journey with dedicated preschool classes, educational and fun childhood experiences, youth mentorship, to become a professional musician, or just as an adult hobbyist or weekend warrior, there are a lot of choices for every age and interest.

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

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.

We offer a variety of Registered Programs for all ages and skill levels. Learn to swim programs from ages four 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!

Engage in early brain development with the violin, ukulele, piano, drums and vocal training. Use a variety of instruments to explore the alphabet and numbers.

Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre (NMC), can accommodate students with different learning needs through its education programs. These programs are led by talented musician educators and can be customized to the needs of students. NMC’s hands-on, ears-on, minds-on programs are based on Alberta’s K-12 curriculum and programs of study. Students can watch demonstrations to see instruments come to life and engage in interactive activities that will activate their musical awareness.

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, and hockey arenas. We offer activities for all ages!

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.

Skate, swim, dance, climb, create, connect, and explore. Come in from the cold for family fun at Vivo with a wide variety of unique and innovative programs and activities for parents and children alike. Get active, get healthy, and do it together! Visit vivo.ca and discover your passion today!

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 nine and older) 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.