Abilities Centre

Abilities Centre is investing in a better experience for its members and community.

From Monday, August 24 to Sunday, August 30, the facility will be closed for planned maintenance, staff training, and a deep clean. All programs, drop-in activities, and facility access will be paused during this time.

Abilities Centre reopens Monday, August 31 at 6 a.m., ready to welcome everyone back.



[Image: Abilities Centre logo above the text that reads, "Reminder Abilities Centre will be closed from Monday, August 24 to Sunday, August 30. Reopening details for Monday, August 31 at 6 a.m. A line illustration of the building is in the middle.]

Coming soon: The HUR Fall Prevention Program.

This 12-week program uses HUR equipment to support strength, balance and confidence through safe, progressive training. Sessions run twice a week, giving participants time to build steady progress and move through daily activities with greater ease.

Classes take place Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., starting September 29 and running through December 17. That's 24 classes over 12 weeks.

Registration is open now: https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/abilities/activity/search/detail/5071?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true



[Image: Abilities Centre graphic for HUR Fall Prevention, September 29 to December 17, 12-week program, above a photo of blue-and-black HUR exercise equipment in a fitness studio.]

What does it really take to dismantle ableism?

During the National Accessibility Week symposium held in partnership with Region of Durham, we heard disability advocates share their perspectives on the barriers people with disabilities still face and what meaningful change can look like.

Watch the full Dismantling Ableism: Durham Accessibility Symposium on our YouTube channel.

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEIT85ZYblI

Accessibility Symposium: Dismantling Ableism Ableism isn't just an attitude. It's built into policies, spaces, a...

Physical activity can look different for everyone.

The Physical Literacy & Inclusion Workshop offers practical ways to make activities more inclusive and meaningful for people of different ages, abilities, backgrounds, and experiences.

Participants learn through discussion and hands-on activities, with strategies they can take back and use with the people they support.

Interested in learning more? visit https://abilitiescentre.org/programs/lead-canada/pl-i-workshop

[Image: Graphic promoting the Physical Literacy & Inclusion Workshop at Abilities Centre. An illustration shows a group of people gathered in a gym during an activity. Text reads, “Making physical activity more inclusive” and “Physical Literacy & Inclusion Workshop.” The Abilities Centre logo appears at the bottom.]

Congratulations to Alex Bevacqua on an incredible debut at the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Medicine Hat, Alberta.

Competing in his first Nationals, Alex delivered results to be proud of: Gold in all-around powerlifting, gold in bench press (300 lbs), silver in deadlift (413 lbs), and bronze in squat weight (281 lbs).

Abilities Centre is proud to celebrate Alex, a Thrive program participant, and this milestone in his powerlifting journey.



[Image: Alex Bevacqua is performing a barbell squat on stage at the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games, wearing a red competition singlet, spotted by an official and a coach.]

Coming soon: The HUR Fall Prevention Program.

This 12-week program uses HUR equipment to support strength, balance and confidence through safe, progressive training. Sessions run twice a week, giving participants time to build steady progress and move through daily activities with greater ease.

Classes take place Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., starting September 29 and running through December 17. That's 24 classes over 12 weeks.

The full program is $132 plus tax, which works out to $11 per week or $5.50 per class.

Registration is now open: http://ca.apm.activecommunities.com/abilities/Activity_Search/5071



[Image: Abilities Centre graphic for HUR Fall Prevention, $11 per week, September 29 to December 17, 12-week program, above a photo of blue and black HUR exercise equipment in a fitness studio.]

Applications are now open for Pathways 2 Employment, Fall 2026.

P.2.E is a person-centered employment program supporting individuals with disabilities who are seeking meaningful and sustainable employment in Durham Region. Participants identify their strengths, interests and career goals while building the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the workplace, guided by the principles of supported employment.

Learning takes place both at Abilities Centre and at host site locations across the community, giving participants real-world experience in communication, time management, problem-solving, teamwork and more.

To be eligible, applicants must identify as having a disability, be 16 years of age or older, and not currently be employed or enrolled in school or training programs.

The program runs from September 9 to the week of November 30, including three weeks of intensive workshops with First Aid and CPR training, followed by an eight-week externship in Durham Region.

Applications close August 12. Contact [email protected] for the full information package, including fees and program details.



[Image: Abilities Centre graphic reading Pathways 2 Employment, Applications now open, above a photo of a young man wearing a mask, beanie, and teal apron working with metal food service trays in a kitchen setting.]

Finding meaningful employment can be difficult when facing barriers that others may not encounter. Abilities Centre's 1-1 Employment Coaching Services are designed to change that.

This program supports individuals in Durham Region who want to work one-on-one with an Employment Counsellor to connect to the labour market.

Using a person-centred approach, Employment Counsellors focus on each individual's skills, goals, values and strengths in relation to work, helping job seekers build the confidence and capability needed to succeed in the workplace.

From preparing for interviews to developing long-term strategies for maintaining employment, this service meets individuals where they are. It's offered online and in-person at Abilities Centre, year-round, and available at no cost thanks to government funding.

To learn more about enrolment, contact [email protected].



[Image: Woman smiles while using a laptop at a table, wearing a brown blouse and smartwatch, with the Abilities Centre logo and text reading Employment Coaching Services.]