Inclusion Services
Committed to creating accessible, inclusive, and person-centred environments
Inclusivity
The Town of New Tecumseth is committed to creating accessible, inclusive, and person-centred environments where people of all identities, backgrounds, and lived experiences can participate fully in community life. Guided by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC), we uphold every individual’s right to dignity, respect, and equitable‑ treatment, free from discrimination.
The Town of New Tecumseth recognizes that inclusivity is strengthened when diversity is visible, valued, and celebrated. We support individuals across a wide spectrum of identities including disability, race, culture, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic background, family structure, language, and more. We understand that identity shapes how people experience community spaces, and we work to ensure those experiences are positive, empowering, and barrier free‑.
We take a strength based, ‑ approach, focusing on ‑ abilities, interests, and goals. By collaborating with participants, families, caregivers, and support networks, we co-create supports and accommodations that enhance independence, belonging, and meaningful participation in recreation, arts, culture, and community programs. abilities, interests, and goals. By collaborating with participants, families, caregivers, and support networks, we co‑create supports and accommodations that enhance independence, belonging, and meaningful participation in recreation, arts, culture, and community programs.
Our Commitment to Accessibility, Equity, and Human Rights
We are dedicated to:
- Creating welcoming, person-centred‑ environments where individuals feel seen, respected, and valued for who they are.
- Recognizing and celebrating diversity as a source of community strength, and ensuring representation is reflected in our programs, staff training, and service delivery.
- Supporting individual participation needs through collaborative planning that honours each person’s strengths, preferences, and identity.
- Upholding dignity, respect, and independence, in alignment with the Ontario Human Rights Code and its protections against discrimination and harassment.
- Providing equitable access to recreation, cultural experiences, and community opportunities for people of all abilities and identities.
- Removing barriers proactively, understanding that accessibility includes physical, sensory, cognitive, cultural, linguistic, and social dimensions.
- Continuously improving accessibility and inclusion through ongoing learning, community feedback, and partnerships that reflect the diversity of New Tecumseth.
Inclusion Support Opportunities in Recreation Programs
The Town of New Tecumseth is committed to offering recreational experiences that are accessible, inclusive, and supportive for individuals of all abilities and identities. Inclusion Support Services provides: 1:1 and 1:2 Inclusion Facilitator’s in our Summer Day Camps, consultation, planning, accommodation strategies, community development and outreach, and support for participants attending with their own support person.
Participants are also welcome to attend our programs with their own Support Person(s), provided they meet the Town’s requirements for program entry and participation.
To discuss Inclusion Support Services or opportunities, please contact our Inclusion Coordinator at: inclusionsupportservices@newtecumseth.ca
Inclusion Support Opportunities in Day Camps
During the summer months, the Town provides residents who require Inclusion Support with a dedicated 1:1 or 1:2 Inclusion Facilitator for a maximum of two weeks. This service fills quickly. Resident families requiring 1:1 or 1:2 support are encouraged to express their interest through the “Inclusion Camp Care – 1:1 Support Request” form, which opens alongside camp registration.
External Support Persons – Camps and Registered Programs
When an Inclusion Facilitator cannot be provided, families may choose to bring their own dedicated External Support Person.
For more information or to access these forms, please contact: inclusionsupportservices@newtecumseth.ca
External Support Persons attending day camps or registered programs must complete:
- A Vulnerable Sector Check
- An External Support Person Agreement
- A Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks & Indemnity Agreement
External Support Persons – General Facility Access and Drop-in Programs
For general facility access or drop-in and book and go ‑programs, the Town accepts:
- Verbal self-identification
- An Access 2 Card
- Previously issued Support Person Cards
No medical documentation will be requested. Support Persons may access the facility or program at no charge, provided they:
- Are actively supporting the participant they accompany
- Remain with the participant throughout their visit
Participants may request an internally issued Support Person Card to support ongoing ease of entry. For more information, please contact: inclusionsupportservices@newtecumseth.ca
Requesting Inclusion Support Services
Participants and caregivers who require Inclusion Support Services are encouraged to contact the department in advance of program registration or participation. Open communication between participants, caregivers, and recreation staff is essential to creating a safe, positive, and inclusive environment where every individual can participate authentically and purposefully. By working collaboratively, we ensure that each person’s unique strengths, needs, and identities are understood, valued, and respected.