Inclusion Services
The City of Barrie offers a wide variety of recreation programs/camps for people of all ages and abilities in a fully inclusive environment. We are pleased to offer both support services, as well as specialized programming options. 1:1 support staff are available year round through our AIR (Accessible Inclusive Recreation) program for participants who need assistance. Personal support staff are also welcome, we kindly ask you to refer to our Partners in Recreation program for further details.
AIR – Accessible Inclusive Recreation
1:1 support staff are available to facilitate participation in all City of Barrie recreation programs, provide redirection for safety reasons, and allow opportunities for breaks (sensory, emotional, etc). Assistance with personal care is available providing that it can be facilitated by one person.
Partners in Recreation
The City of Barrie welcomes personal support workers into our program environments. All support workers must provide a copy of current Criminal Reference Check and be 16 years or older.
NEW for Winter 2012!
Are you looking for programs with targeted content, modified environments, lower ratios, or specialized instruction? Check out all the new inclusive programs being offered for the Winter starting on pages 80 of the recreation guide!
Child Information Package
To assist us in better planning for a successful experience, we have partnered with Catulpa Community Support Services to develop a Child Information Package. Please follow the link provided to fill out the forms. Once completed you can either print the forms and submit with your registration, or they can be emailed to ynavaratnam@barrie.ca. If you need any additional information or assistance please contact Yhalinie Navaratnam.
Frequently Asked Questions
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| I have received approval for financial support from an agency (i.e. Autism Ontario) for my child’s AIR staff how do I proceed? |
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Register into the AIR program in the brochure, make payment and submit your receipt to the agency. If you encounter any concerns contact Yhalinie Navaratnam at ynavaratnam@barrie.ca
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| How do I know if my child needs support to participate? |
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Contact Yhalinie Navaratnam via phone at 739-4220 ext 5789 or email ynavaratnam@barrie.ca. Yhalinie will discuss with you the individual needs of your child and together you will form a plan to set your child up for success.
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| My child does not meet the age criteria for a class; can we have permission to take it anyway? |
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Although age is not always indicative of a child’s ability level, our courses are designed to be age appropriate. This includes consideration of cognitive and physical development, as well as socialization. Age overrides are considered on a case by case basis and can be directed to Recreation Information recinfo@barrie.ca. If this age requirement is regarding Inclusion please contact Yhalinie Navaratnam ynavaratnam@barrie.ca
In cases where age overrides are granted, the instructor will ultimately assess whether the course is a good fit for the student and may discuss other course options or withdrawal from course with the parent/guardian.
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| If a course is cancelled what happens to my AIR staff? |
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At times courses have to be cancelled due to low registration. The City of Barrie makes every attempt to run a class. If a class is canceled and your child has also registered for an AIR facilitator we will make every attempt to find another program that is of interest to your child. Please contact Yhalinie Navaratnam ynavaratnam@barrie.ca
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| Can we remain in the room with our child? |
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All City of Barrie programmes are independent activities unless otherwise indicated– parents/guardians, siblings and friends are required to be outside of the program space.
Some program spaces have a window or door where you can sneak a peek. We ask that this be done only on occasion as not to distract the participants.
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