Abilities Centre

Abilities Centre 125,000 sq.ft. state-of-the-art fully accessible centre offering sports, fitness, arts & life skills. ft. facility in Whitby, Ontario.
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Abilities Centre is a vibrant, inclusive community hub where people of all ages and abilities come together to connect, learn, and grow. From sports, fitness, and arts to education, research, and life skills programs, everything we do is about creating opportunities in a welcoming, energetic space. Our story began in August 2000, when Christine Elliott and the late Honourable Jim Flaherty imagined

a place that would break down barriers and open doors for the over 15% of Canadians living with a disability. They dreamed of a state-of-the-art facility where inclusion was the standard and where people could thrive together. With the support of dedicated volunteers, all levels of government, private donors, and our community, that dream became reality. Ground broke in May 2010, and by June 2012 we opened the doors to our 125,000 sq. Fast forward to today, and our facility has been recognized as one of the most accessible buildings in the world! Abilities Centre is a not-for-profit and registered charity, proudly recognized with the 2016 Ontario David C. Onley Award for Leadership in Accessibility. Our work is fuelled by the belief that when everyone can participate, our whole community benefits - and that’s the future we’re building, every day.

A huge thank you to our Helping Hands class and the entire Abilities Centre community.From April 16 to 23, our Thrive He...
05/04/2026

A huge thank you to our Helping Hands class and the entire Abilities Centre community.

From April 16 to 23, our Thrive Helping Hands class led a food drive in support of Feed the Need in Durham, and the response was incredible. Together, we collected over 250 items, totalling 404 pounds of food, which translates to 337 meals for families and individuals across our community.

What makes this even more special is what it represents. Our Helping Hands participants didn't just organize a drive. They led it. They rallied their colleagues, classmates, and neighbours, and showed what's possible when people come together with purpose.

To everyone who donated, volunteered, or cheered them on, thank you. And to our Helping Hands class, we are so proud of you.

This is community at its best.



[Image: Thrive participants smile as they hold up various food products around the Food Drive donation bin.]

National Accessibility Week is one of our favourite times of year, and this one is shaping up to be something special.Fr...
05/04/2026

National Accessibility Week is one of our favourite times of year, and this one is shaping up to be something special.

From May 25 to 30, we're filling the Abilities Centre with six days of conversations, celebrations, and community. Some of it will challenge you. Some of it will move you. Some of it is just plain fun.

Here's what we've got lined up:

Monday, May 25 - Removing Barriers in Sport. A forum with some of the most passionate voices in adaptive sport, followed by a live demo with Lacrossing Barriers that genuinely has to be seen to be believed. The Oshawa FireWolves will be there too, so come ready to meet players, ask questions, and maybe even jump in. Register: https://ow.ly/ugjq50YUCm6

Tuesday, May 26 - Community Research Show 'n' Tell. A morning of researchers and community members sharing the work they're doing to make the world more accessible. Come curious. Register: https://ow.ly/yn2750YUCm7

Wednesday, May 27 - Dismantling Ableism Symposium. Ableism isn't just an attitude. It's baked into our policies, spaces, and institutions. Together with the Regional Municipality of Durham, we're hosting an honest conversation with David Lepofsky, Magda Madsen, Rick Watters, and MissNatasha Connects. Register: https://ow.ly/5JbY50YUCm5

Thursday, May 28 - The Accessibility Awards. Our signature night. Every year, people across Durham Region and Canada quietly change lives by refusing to accept barriers as the status quo. This is the night we put them in the spotlight. Purchase a ticket: https://ow.ly/fc2v50YUCm8

Friday, May 29 - Our 14th Birthday Bash. We wouldn't be here without this community. Come help us celebrate everything we've built together since 2012. Register: https://ow.ly/SwMz50YUCm9

Saturday, May 30 - Spring Market. Disability-led small businesses, artists, and makers from Durham Region and the GTA. Pay-what-you-can entry, or bring a non-perishable food item for Feed the Need in Durham.

Come to one event. Come to all of them. Whether you're an athlete, an advocate, an ally, or just someone who believes a barrier-free Canada is worth building, there's a seat here for you.



[Image: Promotional graphic for Abilities Centre's National Accessibility Week 2026. Text reads, "Join us May 25 to May 20, 2026."]

We're turning 14! 🎉 On Friday, May 29, Abilities Centre is throwing a Birthday Bash, and we'd love for you to be part of...
05/01/2026

We're turning 14! 🎉

On Friday, May 29, Abilities Centre is throwing a Birthday Bash, and we'd love for you to be part of it.

Since opening our doors in 2012, we've watched this community grow into something pretty special. Every member, partner, staff member, and supporter has helped shape who we are today. This celebration is for all of you.

Here's what's happening, starting at 5:30 p.m.:

• 6 p.m. Thrive Dance Fit
• 6:30 p.m. Zumba
• 7 p.m. Line Dancing with Rob

Plus food, drinks, cupcakes, and good company all evening.

Register in advance, and your name will be entered for a chance to win a 30-day Abilities Centre pass: https://ow.ly/GPih50YSYF3

Everyone is welcome. Hope to see you there!



[Image: An illustration of a balloon arch lines the right side of the graphic. The text on the right reads: Abilities Centre Birthday Bash! Friday, May 29, 2026. Help us celebrate an incredible 14 years!]

Member Appreciation Week starts TODAY, and it's all about you.From April 30 to May 6, we're filling the Centre with surp...
04/30/2026

Member Appreciation Week starts TODAY, and it's all about you.

From April 30 to May 6, we're filling the Centre with surprises, giveaways, and moments to connect, because you're the reason this place feels like home.

Here's what's on this week:

All Week: Enter to win a personal training session. Drop your name in the lobby anytime for your chance to win.

Friday, May 1 - Bring a Friend: Know someone curious about the Centre? Bring them along. Your guest will be entered for a chance to win a 30-day pass.

Saturday, May 2 - Friends and Family Day: Bring the people who matter most. Tour the space, explore everything we offer, and share what you love about this place.

Wednesday, May 6 - Wellness Wednesday: We're wrapping up the week with wellness-focused experiences and added value all day long. It's also your last chance to enter the personal training draw.

Thank you for being part of this community. See you at the Centre!



[Image: Abilities Centre logo with the text: Member Appreciation Week, April 30 to May 6, 2026. We're celebrating YOU all week long!]

For more than forty years, David Lepofsky has been a driving force behind some of the most important disability rights a...
04/29/2026

For more than forty years, David Lepofsky has been a driving force behind some of the most important disability rights advances in this country. Abilities Centre and Durham Region (The Regional Municipality of Durham) are honoured to welcome him as the keynote speaker at the Accessibility Symposium: Dismantling Ableism on Wednesday, May 27.

A retired lawyer and Chair of the AODA Alliance, David has shaped accessibility law and policy at both the provincial and federal levels. His leadership helped influence the development of the federal Accessible Canada Act, and his advocacy has reached into the systems that affect daily life. He led reforms to reduce barriers in Ontario's school system and won landmark human rights rulings requiring the Toronto Transit Commission to announce all bus, streetcar, and subway stops, a change that made transit genuinely usable for riders with vision loss.

If you care about how real change happens, this is a morning worth showing up for.

Date: Wednesday, May 27

Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Location: Abilities Centre, 1 Jim Flaherty Street, Whitby

Cost: Free and open to everyone

Register on Eventbrite: https://ow.ly/uKb550YS2KV



[Image: Headshot of David Lepofsky with the text below that reads: David Lepofsky, Keynote Speaker. Dismantling Ableism. May 26, 2026, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Abilities Centre, 1 Jim Flaherty Street, Whitby, Ontario. The logos for Abilities Centre and Durham Region sit in the bottom-right corner.]

Today is the last day to nominate someone for the Accessibility Awards. Nominations close at 5 p.m. ET.Someone in your l...
04/29/2026

Today is the last day to nominate someone for the Accessibility Awards. Nominations close at 5 p.m. ET.

Someone in your life is making the world more accessible. They deserve to be recognized.

This year, we are celebrating five categories:

• The Jim Flaherty Award for Leadership in Accessibility and Inclusion: For those driving change at the provincial or national level.

• Community Champion Award: For advocates turning their vision of an accessible community into reality.

• Accessible Employer Award: For organizations building workplaces where everyone can fully participate.

• Trailblazer Award: For an individual with a disability who has shattered expectations and shifted the way society sees ability.

• Accessibility Moment of the Year: For the moment in the past year that moved accessibility and inclusion forward the most.

Think of who came to mind when you read this. Nominate them before 5 p.m. ET today: https://ow.ly/BL6n50YRFBk



[Image description: Three people pose together, with the woman in the middle holding an Accessibility Award trophy and a painting. Text reads: Accessibility Awards. Celebrate the champions of accessibility. Nominate someone today.]

Sport belongs to everyone. Full stop. This National Accessibility Week, Abilities Centre is hosting an evening that's pa...
04/28/2026

Sport belongs to everyone. Full stop.

This National Accessibility Week, Abilities Centre is hosting an evening that's part conversation, part celebration, and all about one powerful idea: every person deserves a place in the game.

Removing Barriers in Sport: Forum and Demonstration happening on Monday, May 25, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Abilities Centre, 1 Jim Flaherty Street, Whitby.

We are kicking things off with a panel discussion and speaker series featuring some of the boldest voices in accessible sport. Think honest conversations, fresh ideas, and real talk from the people actually moving the needle. No buzzwords. No fluff. Just the good stuff.

Then at 6:15 p.m., we are trading the mic for the floor. We are thrilled to have the Oshawa FireWolves participating in a live Lacrossing Barriers demonstration. This is adaptive sport at full speed, and trust us, you will want to see it for yourself.

Whether you are an athlete, coach, parent, community leader, policymaker, or someone who simply believes sport should be for everyone, consider this your invitation. Come curious. Leave inspired.

A few quick details: Free to attend, but spaces are limited Athleisure encouraged.

Speaker and panellist announcements coming next week!

Register today: https://ow.ly/7Yha50YReIJ



[Image: Abilities Centre logo with the text: National Accessibility Week 2026. Accessible Sports Forum and Demonstration. Monday, May 25, 2026, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Abilities Centre, 1 Jim Flaherty Street, Whitby. Under the text are illustrations of various accessible sports.]

Only three days left to submit your nominations for the Accessibility Awards.Accessibility does not happen by accident. ...
04/27/2026

Only three days left to submit your nominations for the Accessibility Awards.

Accessibility does not happen by accident. It happens because of people who show up, speak up, and refuse to accept the status quo. With the deadline fast approaching, now is the time to recognize the people and organizations raising the bar for inclusion in Ontario and beyond.

Five award categories are open for nominations:

• The Jim Flaherty Award for Leadership in Accessibility and Inclusion

• Community Champion Award

• Accessible Employer Award

• Trailblazer Award

• Accessibility Moment of the Year

Each award recognizes a different kind of impact, but they all share the same message: this work matters, and so do the people doing it.

Don't wait. Submit your nomination by Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 5 p.m.: https://ow.ly/Unpl50YQ28u



[Image: Three people smile and pose, with the woman on the far right holding a painting and the man in the middle holding an Accessibility Award trophy. The text underneath reads: Accessibility Awards. Celebrate the champions of accessibility. Nominate someone today.]

It's almost here! Starting this Thursday, April 30, we're kicking off Member Appreciation Week, and we couldn't be more ...
04/26/2026

It's almost here! Starting this Thursday, April 30, we're kicking off Member Appreciation Week, and we couldn't be more excited to celebrate you.

You make Abilities Centre what it is, and from April 30 to May 6, we're rolling out surprise-and-delight moments, raffles, themed days, and special activations throughout the Centre to show just how much we value you.

Here's what to look forward to:

Bring-a-Friend Friday on May 1. Know someone who's been curious about the Centre? Bring them along for a free visit. It's the perfect chance to share something you love.

Friends & Family Day (Open House) on May 2 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join us for an open house in the atrium. Department booths will be set up from 9 to 11 a.m., plus building tours throughout the morning. Whether your family wants to explore the facilities or learn about our programs, there's something for everyone.

Wellness Wednesday on May 6. Cap off the week by focusing on your well-being. Stay tuned for details on this special day dedicated to health, balance, and feeling your best.

This week is for you. We're so grateful to have you as part of our community, and we can't wait to celebrate together.

See you at the Centre this Thursday.



[Image: Abilities Centre logo with the text: Member Appreciation Week, April 30 to May 6, 2026. We're celebrating YOU all week long!]

Our Spring Market is just around the corner, and we can't wait to introduce you to the incredible vendors joining us dur...
04/24/2026

Our Spring Market is just around the corner, and we can't wait to introduce you to the incredible vendors joining us during National Accessibility Week.

Meet Daniel, a 19-year-old artist who discovered his love for painting six years ago and hasn't looked back since. Daniel brings his world to life through bright, bold colours, capturing the nature, animals, and places his family visits together. Each piece reflects his joy, creativity, and unique perspective.

Daniel believes everyone has a talent and that those talents can be used to inspire others. You can explore more of his work on his YouTube channel and website:

YouTube: https://youtube.com/

Website: https://kidsartbydaniele.wixsite.com/take2/daily-devotionals

Come meet Daniel, browse his beautiful paintings, and support a young local artist doing what he loves.

It's all happening on Saturday, May 30, at Abilities Centre, 1 Jim Flaherty Street, Whitby.

We'll see you there.



[Image: Logo for the Abilities Centre Spring Market, which is followed by the text: Meet the Vendor, Saturday, May 30. Abilities Centre, 1 Jim Flaherty St., Whitby, Ontario. An image of Danial holding up some art sits below the text, along with the Kids Art logo.]

Build Strength. Feel Better. Move With Ease.Have you been curious about Pilates? Our 6-week small-group program is a wel...
04/22/2026

Build Strength. Feel Better. Move With Ease.

Have you been curious about Pilates? Our 6-week small-group program is a welcoming place to start. Beginners are welcome. Pilates is gentle, mindful movement. There is no pressure to keep up. You move at your own pace.

What you can expect:
• A stronger core
• Better posture
• More flexibility
• A calmer mind

Program details:
• 6 weeks, one 1-hour class per week
• Small group setting
• Cost: $180 plus taxes and fees

Class times:
Mondays at 6 p.m., from May 25 to June 29
Wednesdays at 9 a.m., from May 20 to June 24

Spaces are limited. Register today!

Monday registration: https://ow.ly/pnIH50YO29E

Wednesday registration: https://ow.ly/UlWZ50YO29B

[Image: A person rolls up their yoga mat. The text around it reads: Pilates Program. Register online today! $180 for 6 weeks! Spots limited. Classes start Wednesday, May 20 at 9 a.m., Monday, May 25 at 6 p.m.]

04/22/2026

Join Abilities Centre and the Region of Durham for the Accessibility Symposium: Dismantling Ableism. We're bringing together leading advocates and community members to examine the systemic barriers facing people with disabilities and chart a path forward.

Date: Wednesday, May 27
Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Abilities Centre, Whitby
Cost: Free and open to the public

Our keynote speaker is Lepofsky, a blind, retired lawyer, Chair of the AODA Alliance, and Order of Canada recipient, drawing on decades of advancing disability rights in Ontario.
A panel discussion will follow with three advocates who bring both professional expertise and lived experience: Magda Madsen, Rick Watters of Spinal Cord Injury Ontario, and Miss Natasha Connects, founder of Create Instead of Hate Mental Wellness Solutions.
The symposium is one of several events we're hosting during National Accessibility Week, recognizing the contributions of people with disabilities and the work still needed to build a truly inclusive Canada.
Register on Eventbrite. Link in the comments.

Address

1 Jim Flaherty Street
Whitby, ON
L1N0J2

Opening Hours

Monday 6am - 9pm
Tuesday 6am - 9pm
Wednesday 6am - 9pm
Thursday 6am - 9pm
Friday 6am - 9pm
Saturday 8am - 3pm
Sunday 8am - 3pm

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