Abilities Centre

10/14/2026

Durham Region’s Special Olympics athletes have a place to call home.

We’re proud to announce a new multi-year strategic partnership with Special Olympics Ontario that will give more than 450 local athletes consistent access to high-quality training and competition space at Abilities Centre.

Made possible through the generosity of The Four Oaks Foundation, the partnership funds key facility upgrades, including improvements to the Jim Flaherty Fieldhouse.

“Every athlete deserves the chance to challenge themselves, celebrate their wins, and be part of a community that believes in them,” said Michael Cvitkovic, President and CEO of Abilities Centre.

Thank you to Special Olympics Ontario and The Four Oaks Foundation for sharing this vision with us. We can’t wait to see what these athletes, coaches, and volunteers build here.

Read the full announcement on our website: https://abilitiescentre.org/abilities-centre-and-special-olympics-ontario-announce-strategic-partnership-to-expand-access-to-sport-in-durham-region/



[Image: A graphic with the Abilities Centre and Special Olympics Ontario logos at the top. Below, text reads “Abilities Centre and Special Olympics Ontario Announce Strategic Partnership to Expand Access to Sport in Durham Region.” Colourful figures in blue, yellow, pink, and red decorate each corner.]

10/14/2026

Spots are still available in our free HUR Fall Prevention program!

This program uses HUR equipment to build strength, balance and confidence through safe, progressive training. Sessions run twice a week, so participants can make steady progress and move through daily activities with greater ease.

Classes take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. until December 17. It’s not too late to join!

Register now: https://abilitiescentre.org/activities/hur-fall-prevention/

Build strength, balance, and confidence with our new HUR Fall Prevention program.

10/09/2026

Vendor spotlight alert!

Meet Slime Lab Canada, bringing colourful and customizable slime creations to this year’s Festival of Trees and Holiday Market.

From festive designs to glitter, charms, and vibrant colours, there’s something fun for everyone!

Don’t miss them on Saturday, November 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Abilities Centre.

Visit our website to get your tickets and learn more: https://abilitiescentre.org/event/2026-abilities-centre-festival-of-trees-and-holiday-market/



[Image: Vendor Spotlight graphic for Slime Lab Canada featuring the Abilities Centre building decorated with colourful holiday lights, the Slime Lab Canada logo, and photos showcasing colourful slime creations with festive decorations, glitter, and charms. Event details read: Saturday, November 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Abilities Centre.]

10/08/2026

Movement can help build strength, confidence and independence.

Together in Movement and Exercise (TIME) is a community-based exercise program at Abilities Centre for people living with neuromuscular conditions, including stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury and acquired brain injury.

TIME focuses on improving walking ability, lower body strength and balance through safe, structured exercise in a supportive group setting.

The program helps participants maintain and build on the progress made in rehabilitation while supporting long-term mobility and independence.

TIME was created by University Health Network and is facilitated by Abilities Centre.

Interested in learning more? Visit abilitiescentre.org to learn about TIME, referral requirements and how to get started.



[Video: Participants in the Together in Movement and Exercise (TIME) program begin by using the railing for step work and weight-shifting exercises. Participants are then shown walking around the court before completing a series of seated exercises together. The video highlights balance, mobility and strength exercises in a supportive group setting at Abilities Centre.]

10/08/2026

Vendor spotlight alert!

Meet Rini J Design, a Whitby-based fashion accessories brand featuring the colourful artwork of artist and photographer Sherine Jardine.

Don't miss them on Saturday, November 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Abilities Centre.

Visit our website to get your tickets and learn more: https://abilitiescentre.org/event/2026-abilities-centre-festival-of-trees-and-holiday-market/



[Image: Vendor Spotlight graphic for Rini J Design featuring the Abilities Centre building, the Rini J Design logo, and two photos showcasing colourful fashion accessories, including a patterned headband and tote bag. Event details read: Saturday, November 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Abilities Centre.]

10/08/2026

Wondering if A.S.A.D. is right for your child?

As Ryan explains in this video, A.S.A.D. is designed for student-athletes who are looking to develop their athletic abilities while being supported in their academic and personal growth.

The program offers a structured and positive environment focused on accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

To learn more about A.S.A.D., visit our website.

10/06/2026

We're excited to start showcasing some of our incredible vendors you'll see at this year's Festival of Trees and Holiday Market!

Meet Birch and Margosa, one of the local vendors joining us this year.

Discover handcrafted felt creations made to bring colour and character to any space.

Don't miss them on Saturday, November 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Abilities Centre.

Get your tickets and learn more: https://endurancecui.active.com/new/events/97532814/select-race?regnow=awe-regnow&error=login_required&state=83ffeea0-fc7e-4ca0-906c-7a90fc4309c4&_p=3867206540998319&e4q=705b45a2-60de-49ac-8634-1846d73d6828&e4p=c6492db9-9095-4513-a927-a490969dff0c&e4ts=1791308847&e4c=active&e4e=snawe00000000&e4rt=Safetynet&e4h=183db63fdd573f1132a4001b518097cc



[Image: Vendor Spotlight graphic for Birch and Margosa featuring the Abilities Centre building decorated with colourful holiday lights. The graphic includes the Birch and Margosa logo and photos of handcrafted felt creations, including colourful hanging animals and a penguin. Event details read: Saturday, November 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Abilities Centre.]

10/06/2026

Accessibility goes beyond ramps and elevators.

It also means looking at the policies, decisions, attitudes, and systems that shape how people experience an organization every day.

In this video, Mubina explains why accessibility should include both visible and invisible barriers, from physical spaces to mental health, developmental needs, and organizational practices.

Creating meaningful access starts with asking a bigger question: can every staff member and customer participate fully, without unnecessary barriers?

Ready to see where your organization stands? Contact Abilities Centre’s Accessibility Consulting team at [email protected] to learn more.



[Video description: Mubina explains that accessibility includes more than physical features, ramps and elevators. She discusses the importance of reviewing organizational policies, governance, attitudes, mental health impacts, and developmental needs to create environments where staff and customers can participate fully.]

10/06/2026

The Festival of Trees and Holiday Market is back at Abilities Centre!

Discover local artisan vendors, beautifully decorated trees, seasonal treats, festive family activities, and visits with Santa.

Save the date for Saturday, November 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and celebrate the holiday season at Abilities Centre.

Tickets are available through the website: https://endurancecui.active.com/new/events/97532814/select-race?regnow=awe-regnow&error=login_required&state=83ffeea0-fc7e-4ca0-906c-7a90fc4309c4&_p=3867206540998319&e4q=cc117339-a5a8-4034-8bc2-9c335e7fb95a&e4p=b73986e9-9e9d-4ea8-89f3-bc9fce95bb7a&e4ts=1791245481&e4c=active&e4e=snawe00000000&e4rt=Safetynet&e4h=9592b6d2781849eef7d8f3cfbe51edbf



[Image 1: Festival of Trees & Holiday Market graphic on a magenta holiday-themed background. Colourful holiday lights and gifts decorate the graphic, with the Abilities Centre holiday tree logo in the centre. Two hanging ornaments feature photos of decorated cookies and a handcrafted felt penguin. Text reads: “Festival of Trees & Holiday Market is BACK!”

Image 2: Magenta holiday-themed graphic with snowflakes and a hanging ornament featuring a green holiday candle. Text reads “What to Expect” followed by: local artisan vendors, visits with Santa, beautifully decorated trees, festive family activities, and seasonal treats.

Image 3: Magenta holiday-themed graphic featuring hanging ornaments with a decorated chocolate cookie and holiday nutcracker figures. Text reads: “Save the Date. Saturday, November 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.”

Image 4: Magenta holiday-themed graphic with colourful holiday lights, snowflakes and the Abilities Centre holiday tree logo. Text reads: “Celebrate the season with Abilities Centre! Buy your tickets on our website today.” A yellow banner at the bottom reads: “Visit abilitiescentre.org for more information.”]

10/05/2026

What can accessible recruitment look like in practice?

For National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), we’re looking at the role accessibility plays throughout the hiring process.

Inclusive recruitment starts by thinking about barriers from the very beginning, so every candidate has a real chance to show their skills, experience and strengths.

In our first NDEAM reel, Mike sits down with Arnetia, Abilities Centre’s senior director of human resources. Mike has seen the hiring process from both sides: first as a candidate, and now as a manager. Watch as they talk about how accessibility shapes a more inclusive recruitment experience.



[Video description: Arnetia and Mike sit across from each other at a table, talking about Mike’s experience with the recruitment process at Abilities Centre.]