Due to the fact that TDSB Developmental Disabilities Summer School is offered on a lottery basis (there are always more applicants than available spaces), we encourage all of our parents and guardians to explore a variety of summer options. This list is not exhaustive but provides links to organizations that may provide programming for your children. Every effort was made to ensure that this information is up to date, however, best to contact the community programs directly to verify applications and criteria for enrollment.
City of Toronto Recreation Programs
Summer Camps: Various programs and activities for Summer - including Adapted and Specialized programs available. Locations vary throughout the City of Toronto
See a list of Accessible Recreation options with Adapted and Integrated services
For full listings, please refer to the FUN GUIDE for your district.
*A Family Number and Client Number is required prior to sign up for any selected program (contact 416-338-4386 for assistance).
*If you haven’t used adapted services before, please contact us at least four weeks in advance so that we can assess your needs.
Registration/Sign up for programs begins first week of March 2019:
Etobicoke - Sat March 2
Scarborough- Sun March 3
North York - Tues March 5
Toronto and East York- Wed March 6
Limited support staff is available for special needs at no additional cost. For questions regarding 1:1 support person contact community recreation programmer:
District Telephone
Etobicoke York 416-394-8746
North York 416-395-6183
Scarborough 416-396-7760
Toronto & East York 416-397-4923
Some funding is available through the Welcome Policy. For application questions contact 416-338-8888
Variety Village
3701 Danforth Avenue, Scarborough ON M1N 2G2
Variety Village offers a broad range of integrated full-day camps for participants of all abilities, ages 4 to 20+.
See the Summer camp brochure and the Summer camp registration form.
For questions or concerns contact the Camp Coordinator, Carly Cookman at ccookman@varietyvillage.on.ca or 416-699-7167 ext. 254.
For 1:1 support inquiries and requests contact the Support Supervisor at varietycamps@varietyvillage.on.ca.
Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
150 Kilgour Rd., Toronto, ON M4G 1R8
Therapeutic Recreation, Life Skills Development and Transitions (Age 7-18 - up to 21 if in highschool) – various programs.)
- Recreation Equipment Loan Service also available
- Locations vary by program
- If you have questions, please call 416-425-6220 ext. 6208
Summer 2019 brochure
Summer Camp application form
Timeline:
Summer application date: February 28, 2019
Notification date: April 5, 2019
Payment date: May 10, 2019
*Funding application date: May 10, 2019
For funding information/application please contact our Family Resource Centre at resourcecentre@hollandbloorview.ca or 1-877-463-0365
Overnight Respite Camp (Age 0-18)
Offered over the school break in March and throughout July and August. It provides clients and families with one week of camp experience, supported by health care providers and therapeutic recreation staff under the supervision of registered practical nurses.
Learn more about respite registration.
Registration Form
Spiral Garden
Integrated outdoor art, garden and play program run by professional artists, support and medical staff, brings together children ages 6 to 18 with and without disabilities from the community and Holland Bloorview. Learn more.
Age 6-18 (limited spots for age 19-21).
Registration Form
Deadline to apply is Monday, March 18, 2019.
Contact the Program Administrator at musicandart@hollandbloorview.ca or 416-425-6220, ext. 3317
Easter Seals
Contact the recreation coordinator at camp@easterseals.orgor 416-421-8377 ext 325 or toll free at 1-800-668-6252 ext 325
Family Camp
Families must have a child with a physical disability between the ages of 1-18 years, who is registered with Easter Seals Ontario. At Family Camp the whole family can enjoy activities such as crafts, games, archery, swimming, campfires and much, much more. While at camp, parents are responsible for supervising and providing the daily care of their children. However, supervision is available during scheduled children’s activities so parents can attend adult only programs or just relax. Childcare is available in the evening.
Family Camp Application
*Families need to register with Easter Seals prior to camp sign up.
*Funding is available for campers who will be 18 and under as of July 1st and are not a Crown Ward of the government
Contact: Holly Guthrie, Recreation Co-ordinator at hguthrie@easterseals.org or 416.421.8377 x325
Individual Camp
A 10-day overnight program at fully accessible camp for children and youth between the ages of 8 – 18 years (as of July 1st of the program year).
Campers live in a group setting with many other children/youth who have a physical disability.
Individual Overnight Camp Application.
Steps Programs
SummerSkills is located at WillowWood School, 55 Scarsdale Rd, Toronto (east of Leslie, north of Lawrence)
SummerSkills Day Camp offers opportunities for skill development and independence, physical activity, biking, adventures in the community and social skills and group inclusion. Includes ages 3 to 24 of all abilities
Sessions run from July 2 to August 9. See overview.
Additional links:
Regarding Summer Camp listings, other Community Programs and funding sources for children with special needs:
Funding Option:
Toronto Foundation for Student Success - Dream Serenade Fund
Packages are to provide some respite time for parents, guardians and families of children with developmental or physical disabilities. TDSB Staff apply on behalf of families for up to $200 (if you are interested in this, please contact your school staff). Summer Bursary opportunities will become available in the Spring. Learn more.