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.

At Abilities Centre, we believe that every person carries unique strengths, perspectives, and possibilities.  On the Int...
12/03/2025

At Abilities Centre, we believe that every person carries unique strengths, perspectives, and possibilities.

On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we celebrate the power of inclusion and the limitless potential that emerges when every voice is heard and every ability is valued.

Today isn’t just any Tuesday! It’s the day the world comes together to give back and make a difference.When you donate t...
12/02/2025

Today isn’t just any Tuesday! It’s the day the world comes together to give back and make a difference.
When you donate to Abilities Centre, you’re helping create communities that are accessible, inclusive, and full of opportunities so everyone can participate and thrive.
Let’s turn this Tuesday into something extraordinary. Ready to join the movement?
Please, donate here: https://ow.ly/qrmb50XATlI

Join us on Friday, December 12, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for a community art session built for everyone all ages, all...
11/29/2025

Join us on Friday, December 12, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for a community art session built for everyone all ages, all abilities, all comfort levels.

Hosted by .palette.durham, this session is about slowing down together, meeting new people, sharing stories, and adding a little colour to a season that’s really about connection.

📍 Art Room, Abilities Centre
💲 $30 + taxes
🔗 Registration link- https://abilitiescentre.org/home

Holiday season calls for a little community time, don’t you think? Then come and join us for Abilities Center's Holiday ...
11/25/2025

Holiday season calls for a little community time, don’t you think? Then come and join us for Abilities Center's Holiday Paint Night!
Date & time Friday, December 12, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Space- Art Room
Cost- $30 + taxes
Registration Link- https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/.../detail/3580...
Hosted by Artist's Palette Durham Region known for their step-by-step guidance, join us for a creative evening where you can slow down, pick up a brush, and enjoy the simple joy of art. ❤️

Last Chance to Join Fit to Lead! 💪 We’re excited to announce one final FREE session happening TOMORROW of Fit to Lead: A...
11/25/2025

Last Chance to Join Fit to Lead! 💪

We’re excited to announce one final FREE session happening TOMORROW of Fit to Lead: Accessibility in Fitness 🎉

📅 Wednesday, November 26, 2025
🕗 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Abilities Centre

This full-day workshop is designed for fitness instructors, personal trainers, and recreation leaders who want to learn how to create more accessible, inclusive fitness spaces.

Spots are limited – this is your chance to grow your skills and your impact!
👉 Register now: https://ow.ly/xnGP50Xxokr

Fitness should be fun and accessible for everyone 🙌 Our Fit to Lead program blends lived experience, best practices, and...
11/21/2025

Fitness should be fun and accessible for everyone 🙌
Our Fit to Lead program blends lived experience, best practices, and adaptive instruction to help YOU lead with confidence and inclusion.

🗓️ One-day training course 8 am – 3 pm on November 26th

📍 Abilities Centre, 1 Jim Flaherty St., Whitby ON
💸 Free to attend
🎓 Certificate included

Let’s make movement more meaningful for all. Together, we are reimagining accessibility and redefining the way Canadians live, work, and play.
🔗 Register today: https://forms.office.com/r/Ej8UcEsZ4r

We’re proud to celebrate our former Executive Director, Leo Plue, on receiving the Peter Perry Award from the Whitby Cha...
11/21/2025

We’re proud to celebrate our former Executive Director, Leo Plue, on receiving the Peter Perry Award from the Whitby Chamber of Commerce! 🎉�

Leo’s leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to inclusion continue to make a lasting impact on Abilities Centre and the broader community.�Congratulations Leo, this recognition is well deserved!

We’re thrilled to be a recipient of funding from the Region of Durham Para Sport & Recreation Opportunities Fund at Durh...
11/19/2025

We’re thrilled to be a recipient of funding from the Region of Durham Para Sport & Recreation Opportunities Fund at Durham Community Foundation!

Thank you for helping us advance accessible, inclusive sport and recreation for all!

The Durham Region Para Sport & Recreation Opportunities Fund
Grant Announcement - Abilities Centre

> Supports the Abilities Centre Eagles wheelchair basketball program with latex free basketballs and hosting a youth wheelchair basketball tournament.

The Durham Region Para Sport and Recreation Opportunities Fund was launched in September 2024 alongside the Durham Region Para Sport and Recreation Legacy Fund as a legacy of the Durham Region 2023 Ontario Parasport Games.

Details on both funds and the application process are available at DurhamCommunityFoundation.ca/Parasport.

🏀 Join us for the 3rd Annual Abilities Centre Wheelchair Basketball Tournament!Come cheer on the Durham Eagles as they t...
11/18/2025

🏀 Join us for the 3rd Annual Abilities Centre Wheelchair Basketball Tournament!
Come cheer on the Durham Eagles as they take on teams from Quinte, Burlington, Brampton, and Niagara in a full day of exciting competition, community, and parasport fun!

✨ Event Schedule
🏀10:00–11:30 AM → Coaches Clinic — open to all new, seasoned, and up-and-coming wheelchair basketball coaches!
🕚 11:00 AM–12:00 PM → Try-It Session — hop in a chair and experience the sport firsthand!
🏀 12:00–4:00 PM → Tournament Play — watch multiple divisions and competition levels face off!

💥 A great day for families, fans, and anyone looking to experience the power and excitement of parasport.
📍 Abilities Centre, Whitby
📅 Saturday, December 6, 2025

We’re excited to announce the relaunch of Community Connections (formerly Pathways) at Abilities Centre! 🎉This fee-for-s...
11/18/2025

We’re excited to announce the relaunch of Community Connections (formerly Pathways) at Abilities Centre! 🎉

This fee-for-service program supports individuals aged 14+ with disabilities over 10 weeks in building confidence, developing life skills, and engaging more actively in the community.

We’re grateful for our continued partnership with Durham Region Transit (DRT) helping participants gain essential public transit skills. Community Connections will run on Tuesdays & Fridays, from 9 AM–3 PM at Abilities Centre and other community locations! 🚌

📥 Please email commservices@abilitiescentre.org to register today!

Hello Abilities Centre Families!!Our Winter program registration is coming up! Registration will begin December 15th ❄️A...
11/17/2025

Hello Abilities Centre Families!!
Our Winter program registration is coming up! Registration will begin December 15th ❄️
A quick glance at what we have to offer this season:
🥅NEW Lacrossing Barriers (All Ages)
🏀Wheelchair Basketball (All ages)
🏉NEW Wheelchair Rugby (All ages)
🏅Obstacle Course (Ages 5-10)
😄H.Y.P.E (Healthy Youth Program for Everyone) (Ages 10-14)

For more information for any of these programs you can visit our website link here: https://abilitiescentre.org/programs/sport-rec
You won’t want to miss out on all that’s going on at AC this Winter!

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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