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December 3, 2025 In Press Release By admin

Toronto Accessible Sports Council (TASC) launches the Adaptive S.T.A.R. Award

For Immediate Release

Toronto Accessible Sports Council (TASC) launches the Adaptive S.T.A.R. Award

Toronto, ON – December 3, 2025. The Toronto Accessible Sports Council (TASC) is pleased to announce the Adaptive S.T.A.R. Award to be presented annually to an emerging Toronto adaptive athlete who demonstrates Strength, Tenacity, Achievement, and Resilience. $500 will be awarded annually in the first week of June to coincide with National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) in Canada. Toronto residents with a disability up to the age of 25 are eligible to be nominated by a coach/teacher/instructor in pursuit of their athletic pathway. Nominations run from March 1 – May 15.

Initial funding for this award was contributed by the Sport for Development Fund as a legacy of the TEAM Fund managed by the former Toronto Sport Council.

“Participating in adaptive sport and recreation brings several challenges, including numerous financial ones. From registration fees to specialized adaptive sports equipment, barriers to participation can be more prevalent within the disability sport community”, said Jonathan Wood, Chief Engagement Officer for the Toronto Accessible Sports Council (TASC). “Our hope is that this Award will assist, in some small way, in reducing those financial barriers.”

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About Toronto Accessible Sports Council (TASC)

Toronto Accessible Sports Council (TASC) brings together people with disabilities, their support networks, and the organizations that deliver adapted sport and recreation across the city. We connect this diverse community, strengthen collaboration among program providers, and raise awareness of accessible sport opportunities throughout Toronto.

Our mission is to champion and expand accessible sport and recreation. We work to highlight existing programs, improve communication among organizations, and advocate for the development of new accessible facilities and activities.

By fostering strong partnerships and amplifying the reach of adaptive sport, TASC inspires greater inclusion in Toronto and beyond — opening the door for more people with disabilities to experience the benefits and joy of active participation.

To learn more visit https://torontoaccessiblesports.ca

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November 5, 2025 In Annual Report By admin

2024 Annual Report

2024 continued to be a capacity building and barrier busting year. Building on previous gains and successes with several local and regional partners, TASC continues to be the voice for inclusion through sport in Toronto and beyond.

The Adaptive Sports & Recreation in Post-Secondary Institutions in Ontario (Working Group) continues to grow and increase awareness and participation beyond the original cohort of participants. Our partners at the City of Toronto (Parks & Recreation), Variety Village and numerous local and provincial sport organizations continue to work to reduce barriers increase opportunities for individuals with disabilities across the city.  TASC has continued to engage with the City of Toronto in their Facilities Master Plan and Parkland Strategy review to ensure that ‘accessibility’ is captured in all aspects of the design and development phase.

Some additional highlights from 2024 that capture our 3 guiding pillars of Awareness, Advocacy and Convening are captured below:

Committees & Collectives Engagement
We actively contributed to and consulted with a variety of local, regional and national committees to strengthen inclusive and adaptive sport access:

  • National Adapted Sport Collective
  • Community Disability Steering Committee – City of Toronto Parks & Recreation
  • Community Use of Schools Community Advisory Committee (CUSCAC) – Toronto District School Board
  • Canadian Disability Participation Projects 2.0 – Participated in national consultations and focus groups

Financial Support & Community Impact
When resources allow, we continue to fundraise and donate much needed financial resources to initiatives that directly benefit Torontonians with disabilities while removing barriers to access and participation:

  • 2024 Canada Deaf Games – Toronto
  • S.W.A.M. Toronto – Supporting inclusive swim programs for children with disabilities

Stakeholder Partnerships
We continue to collaborate with organizations committed to inclusive sport development:

  • Ontario Para Sport Network (ONPARA)
  • Wheelchair Basketball & Wheelchair Tennis – Program support & awareness
  • Swim Ontario – Collaborative engagement at the 2024 Ontario Swim Championships to expand Para Swim programming across GTA swim clubs
  • City of Toronto – Golf – Strategic consultation to enhance accessibility under new management structures

Conferences & Seminars
We shared research, participated in thought leadership, and advocated for fun and inclusion in adaptive sports through key events:

  • MLSE Foundation – Research to Practice Symposium
Theme: “Where’s the Fun? Recentering the Fun in Sports”
  • Active Living Conference (in partnership with Variety Village) – Toronto
  • Community Sport Councils Ontario (CSCO) AGM & Conference – Brantford

Looking Ahead
In 2025, we aim to:

  • Expand partnerships in post-secondary institutions across Ontario
  • Increase adaptive sport awareness and participation across all levels
  • Foster stronger institutional accessibility planning through sport

Thank you to all our donors, partners, supporters, and advocates for championing inclusion in sport across Ontario. Thank you also to our Board of Directors for their support and guidance.

—
Jonathan Wood
Chair & CEO

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May 16, 2022 In Research By admin

Volunteers Needed for a Research Study

Exploring the Experiences and Perceptions of Adults Aged 50 Years or Greater with Spinal Cord Injury on Participation in Sport

PURPOSE:

  • To explore the perceptions and experiences of adults aged 50 years or greater with spinal cord injury (SCI) who participate in sport in Canada.

WHO:

  • Anyone aged 50 years of age or older who has experienced a traumatic or non-traumatic SCI more than 1 year ago.
  • Has participated in adapted sport in the community within the past 5 years, for a minimum duration of 3 months.
  • Individuals with previous or current sport experience.
  • Individuals who speak English.

HOW LONG:

  • One 45-60-minute interview.

WHERE:

  • All interviews will be conducted over the telephone or over Zoom (an online video-conference application).

HOW:

  • If you or anyone you know might be interested in participating, please contact Lovisa Cheung (lovisa.cheung@mail.utoronto.ca) for more information! Please note that email should be used for general communication regarding the study only; sensitive or confidential health information should not be shared over email.

Please note, participation in this study is voluntary and will not impact any current therapy you may be receiving.

Lovisa Cheung, MScPT
PhD Student, University of Toronto

Dr. Kristin Musselman, PT, PhD
Assistant Professor, University of Toronto

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June 8, 2021 In Recreation, Uncategorised By admin

City of Toronto to open 2 pools for persons with a disability

Beginning 31 May 2021, the Douglas Snow Aquatic Centre will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, for three hours from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM for this purpose. The Douglas Snow Aquatic Centre is located at 5100 Yonge Street (entrance via the back on Beecroft, beside the North York Central Library). It is fully accessible, with accessible change-rooms and bathrooms and ramped entry into the shallow end of the pool. There are opportunities for swimming in lanes in the deep end or for walking/doing other activities in the shallow end; it’s deliberately flexible to meet the needs of the participants. Covid precautions are taken.

Individuals or groups may book by calling (416) 395-7585. A further contact person is Community Recreation Supervisor Ms. Mary Elmassarany, whose cell phone is (647) 217-2165 or maryelmassarany@toronto.ca.

The York Recreation Centre will also be open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, for three hours from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM for this purpose and is located at 115 Black Creek Dr. Appointments can be booked in advance by calling the centre at (416) 392-9675 or emailing at aiscw@toronto.ca

Participants must bring a note from a “qualified regulated health professional” noting that this activity would be beneficial. The province defines qualified regulated health professional as “physicians, nurse practitioners, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, chiropodists/podiatrists, chiropractors and kinesiologists.” (I imagine that some other trained specialists might likely be acceptable). The note must be shown, but it is not kept by the facility or the City, respecting privacy concerns.

Link to the provincial website:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/guidance-facilities-sports-and-recreational-fitness-activities-during-covid-19-provincewide-shutdown

We’d like to ensure there is sufficient participation in this program so that it can continue for everyone who requires it!

Swimming necessary for persons with disabilities
Swimming and water activities are integral to the mobility of individuals with disabilities. It is low impact, targets the full body, and allows for mobility, exercise, and physical therapy for non-weight bearing individuals. It is used for individuals with many different disabilities and is adaptable to different motor capabilities. Swimming allows for proper body realignment and muscle lengthening, particularly for persons in wheelchairs or with spastic muscles. It also provides resistance training while avoiding the dangers of lay persons getting injured by improperly using weight equipment. It helps with relaxation and stress management and is therapeutic for both the mind and body.

Provincial Support
The province is promoting access to these fitness/recreation services as a way of meeting a human rights need:
“facilities are encouraged to consider the requests of persons with disabilities within their communities to help remove accessibility barriers in accessing critical physical therapy services. Facilities that open would be helping to address community needs and accommodating persons with disabilities based on human rights obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code.”

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March 16, 2021 In Recreation, Sport By admin

Physical Therapy Fitness Centres and Walking Tracks

The following ten (10) community centre locations will be made available to ensure individuals with disabilities can access physical therapy while Toronto remains in lockdown. Call the centre to book an appointment.

Albion Pool and Health Club
1501 Albion Rd.
Open Monday to Friday, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
To book an appointment, call 416-394-8676

  • fitness centre
  • weight room

 

East York Community Centre
1081 Pape Ave.
Open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
To book an appointment, call 416-396-2880

  • fitness centre with accessible equipment
  • gymnasium walk

 

Edithvale Community Centre
131 Finch Ave. W.
Open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
To book an appointment, call 416-395-6164

  • fitness centre
  • walking track

 

Etobicoke Olympium
590 Rathburn Rd.
Open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
To book an appointment, call 416-394-8111

  • fitness centre
  • weight room
  • walking track
  • gymnasium walk

 

L’Amoreaux Community Centre
2000 McNicoll Ave.
Open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
To book an appointment, call 416-396-4510

  • fitness centre with accessible equipment
  • gymnasium walk

 

Parkway Forest Community Centre
55 Forest Manor Rd.
Open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
To book an appointment, call 416-392-6383

  • fitness centre with accessible equipment
  • walking track

 

Port Union Community Recreation Centre
5450 Lawrence Ave. E.
Open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
To book an appointment, call 416-396-4031

  • fitness centre

 

St. Lawrence Community Recreation Centre
230 The Esplanade
Open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
To book an appointment, call 416-392-1347

  • fitness centre with accessible equipment
  • gymnasium walk

 

Wallace Emerson Community Centre
1260 Dufferin St.
Open Monday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
To book an appointment, call 416-392-0039

  • fitness centre with accessible equipment
  • gymnasium walk

 

York Recreation Centre
115 Black Creek Dr.
Open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
To book an appointment, call 416-392-9675

  • fitness centre with accessible equipment
  • walking track
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February 12, 2021 In Award By admin

David C. Onley Award for Leadership in Accessibility

Do you know an individual or an organization who has worked to create opportunities and break down barriers for Ontarians with disabilities?

The David C. Onley Award for Leadership in Accessibility remains open for nominations until February 26, 2021.

There are four award categories:
the Employee Engagement Award
the Role Model Award and
the Youth Leadership Award
Honour Roll Award

The Employee Engagement, Role Model, and Youth Leadership categories are all individual awards, with each recipient receiving an award of $5,000.

The Honour Roll category (formally known as the Champion Award) recognizes organizations that show leadership in integrating and providing barrier-free working conditions for people with disabilities and is compliant with the regulations under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.

The awards were created in 2014 to honour the province’s first Lieutenant Governor with a physical disability.

For more information on the awards and how to nominate an accessibility leader by February 26th, 2021, visit David C. Onley Award for Leadership in Accessibility.

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