THE GOOD PLACE
Fitness Is a Fit for All at Abilities Centre in Whitby
This barrier-free sports and recreational facility is leading the way in accessibility.
By Elisa Keay | Original photography by Jodi Pudge | Original videography by Lionel Bebbington
Imagine a fitness facility where anyone could cross a room without worrying about how to navigate it, because it was designed with wheelchairs, walkers and mobility limitations in mind. Envision a building where anyone could move through the space without needing assistance, because thought was invested into how individuals would access it. That place exists at Abilities Centre — a non-profit sports and recreation facility in Whitby, Ontario. It’s a space for all abilities with a focus on inclusivity.
“[It’s] quite literally one of the most accessible buildings in Canada,” says Michael Cvitkovic, president and CEO of Abilities Centre.
A bright and welcoming building, Abilities Centre opened its doors in June 2012. Inside, you’ll find specialized rooms built for a range of activities: training, rehab, movement, group fitness classes and places to simply just be. Each space is designed so people with different needs and at different stages of life can participate in the same environment.
The fieldhouse at Abilities Centre features inclusive, accessible facilities, including an indoor track, weight area, three basketball courts and versatile athletic spaces for training, recreation and competition.
“[Abilities Centre] is quite literally one of the most accessible buildings in Canada.”
It was created by two Canadians with strong ties to the Whitby area: the late Jim Flaherty, former federal finance minister and member of Parliament, and Christine Elliott, Ontario’s former deputy premier, minister of health and member of provincial parliament. Cvitkovic shares that one of Flaherty and Elliott’s sons, John, was among the first participants. John, who has a learning and developmental disability, inspired his parents’ vision for an inclusive sports facility. Their other son, Galen, now serves on the board.
Therapeutic recreation
At Abilities Centre, it’s all about the details. Some are so subtle that most users wouldn’t identify them. But it’s those same details that make the space barrier-free for those with accessibility needs. “Our tiling [is] yellow and blue because they’re the last two colours you lose before you go colour blind,” Cvitkovic explains. Railings, he notes, are everywhere to assist movement. “We have bars as opposed to buttons,” he says, pointing to door openers. They’re easier to operate for people in wheelchairs or who have limited dexterity. Within classes, there are no “modifications” or “accommodations”; instead, there are “variations.” Rather than adapting classes on the spot, each one is intentionally designed with multiple ways to participate. The 125,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility features a number of specialized rooms, each built with a specific purpose or activity but designed to be used by all members.
Michael Cvitkovic, president and CEO of Abilities Centre.
Functional and barrier-free
The HUR Room
Named after the Helsinki University of Research (HUR), the HUR Room features 18 computerized HUR exercise and assessment machines that use air pressure instead of traditional weight plates to create smooth, joint-friendly resistance. After an initial assessment, a trainer develops a personalized program tailored to each participant’s goals. The program is then stored on the participant’s membership card or wristband. Simply tapping the card on a machine automatically loads the correct settings and resistance, eliminating the need to adjust weights or remember configurations. The HUR Room is designed inclusively, making it suitable for everyone, including people recovering from injury, people living with disabilities, performance athletes, older adults and recreational users. Abilities Centre’s research team plays a key role in advancing the centre’s mission of inclusivity. Cvitkovic explains that he didn’t want to simply install a fitness circuit. He selected the HUR equipment because he envisioned the HUR Room as a research tool — allowing his team to gain insight and feedback from training with this technologically advanced equipment. Before he had it installed, members of the HUR research team flew in from Finland to collaborate with Abilities Centre’s researchers, using the centre as an incubator for the development of accessible and effective programming.
The sensory room
A beautifully designed space, the sensory room is ideal for those who want an interactive experience or need somewhere to reduce stimulation. It’s a small and exceptionally quiet room. Comfortable lounging, pretty lights and soothing sounds create the atmosphere.
The fieldhouse
The fieldhouse is the main sports activity space. It features a track, weights, mats and machines. It serves a wide variety of needs and accommodates everything from daily workouts to competitions.
Signage outside the HUR Room reflects Abilities Centre’s mission of inclusivity; with the tap of a membership card, the HUR exercise machine automatically adjusts to each member’s programmed settings; a trainer demonstrates the HUR machine’s compressed-air resistance system.
The sensory room combines lights, sounds and interactive surfaces to create a space for both engaging activities and a calming space for quiet relaxation.
Making space for community
A new café space — the highly anticipated Christine’s — is opening in partnership with CAA on Oct. 6, during National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Not only an amenity for the centre, it also provides opportunity. While Abilities Centre maintains an inclusive workplace, a supportive employment program will provide people with physical and developmental disabilities with skills training for jobs and volunteer opportunities at the café. What’s more, the café’s design reflects these considerations. “That means changing some counter heights, and the fridge handles have to be custom for individuals who might have the use of a wheelchair,” explains Cvitkovic. Working at the café will give participants the opportunity to gain hands-on customer service experience while serving freshly brewed coffee and baked goods to patrons. Cvitkovic has even sourced a local coffee roaster, leaning into the community feel of the centre. And, as an added benefit, CAA Members can enjoy a free coffee.
A leader in accessibility
“When you walk through the door, it doesn’t matter who you are and where you come from and your abilities. There’s something for you to do here,” says Cvitkovic. “[It’s also a place] where we can run programs to be an incubator for the accessibility space throughout Canada — and the world,” he says, noting they’re often contacted to help other organizations create more inclusive environments. Abilities Centre is a landmark for inclusivity and barrier-free participation — an important facility in terms of athletics and a true gem for the Whitby community. CAA
The exterior of the 125,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility; artwork created by members is displayed throughout the halls of Abilities Centre.
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The fieldhouse at Abilities Centre features inclusive, accessible facilities, including an indoor track, weight area, three basketball courts and versatile athletic spaces for training, recreation and competition.
THE GOOD PLACE
Fitness Is a Fit for All at Abilities Centre in Whitby
This barrier-free sports and recreational facility is leading the way in accessibility.
By Elisa Keay | Original photography by Jodi Pudge | Original videography by Lionel Bebbington
Imagine a fitness facility where anyone could cross a room without worrying about how to navigate it, because it was designed with wheelchairs, walkers and mobility limitations in mind. Envision a building where anyone could move through the space without needing assistance, because thought was invested into how individuals would access it. That place exists at Abilities Centre — a non-profit sports and recreation facility in Whitby, Ontario. It’s a space for all abilities with a focus on inclusivity.
“[It’s] quite literally one of the most accessible buildings in Canada,” says Michael Cvitkovic, president and CEO of Abilities Centre.
A bright and welcoming building, Abilities Centre opened its doors in June 2012. Inside, you’ll find specialized rooms built for a range of activities: training, rehab, movement, group fitness classes and places to simply just be. Each space is designed so people with different needs and at different stages of life can participate in the same environment.
“[Abilities Centre] is quite literally one of the most accessible buildings in Canada.”
Michael Cvitkovic, president and CEO of Abilities Centre.
It was created by two Canadians with strong ties to the Whitby area: the late Jim Flaherty, former federal finance minister and member of Parliament, and Christine Elliott, Ontario’s former deputy premier, minister of health and member of provincial parliament. Cvitkovic shares that one of Flaherty and Elliott’s sons, John, was among the first participants. John, who has a learning and developmental disability, inspired his parents’ vision for an inclusive sports facility. Their other son, Galen, now serves on the board.
Therapeutic recreation
At Abilities Centre, it’s all about the details. Some are so subtle that most users wouldn’t identify them. But it’s those same details that make the space barrier-free for those with accessibility needs. “Our tiling [is] yellow and blue because they’re the last two colours you lose before you go colour blind,” Cvitkovic explains. Railings, he notes, are everywhere to assist movement. “We have bars as opposed to buttons,” he says, pointing to door openers. They’re easier to operate for people in wheelchairs or who have limited dexterity. Within classes, there are no “modifications” or “accommodations”; instead, there are “variations.” Rather than adapting classes on the spot, each one is intentionally designed with multiple ways to participate. The 125,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility features a number of specialized rooms, each built with a specific purpose or activity but designed to be used by all members.
Signage outside the HUR Room reflects Abilities Centre’s mission of inclusivity; with the tap of a membership card, the HUR exercise machine automatically adjusts to each member’s programmed settings; a trainer demonstrates the HUR machine’s compressed-air resistance system.
Functional and barrier-free
The HUR Room
Named after the Helsinki University of Research (HUR), the HUR Room features 18 computerized HUR exercise and assessment machines that use air pressure instead of traditional weight plates to create smooth, joint-friendly resistance. After an initial assessment, a trainer develops a personalized program tailored to each participant’s goals. The program is then stored on the participant’s membership card or wristband. Simply tapping the card on a machine automatically loads the correct settings and resistance, eliminating the need to adjust weights or remember configurations. The HUR Room is designed inclusively, making it suitable for everyone, including people recovering from injury, people living with disabilities, performance athletes, older adults and recreational users. Abilities Centre’s research team plays a key role in advancing the centre’s mission of inclusivity. Cvitkovic explains that he didn’t want to simply install a fitness circuit. He selected the HUR equipment because he envisioned the HUR Room as a research tool — allowing his team to gain insight and feedback from training with this technologically advanced equipment. Before he had it installed, members of the HUR research team flew in from Finland to collaborate with Abilities Centre’s researchers, using the centre as an incubator for the development of accessible and effective programming.
The sensory room
A beautifully designed space, the sensory room is ideal for those who want an interactive experience or need somewhere to reduce stimulation. It’s a small and exceptionally quiet room. Comfortable lounging, pretty lights and soothing sounds create the atmosphere.
The fieldhouse
The fieldhouse is the main sports activity space. It features a track, weights, mats and machines. It serves a wide variety of needs and accommodates everything from daily workouts to competitions.
The exterior of the 125,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility; artwork created by members is displayed throughout the halls of Abilities Centre.
Making space for community
A new café space — the highly anticipated Christine’s — is opening in partnership with CAA on Oct. 6, during National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Not only an amenity for the centre, it also provides opportunity. While Abilities Centre maintains an inclusive workplace, a supportive employment program will provide people with physical and developmental disabilities with skills training for jobs and volunteer opportunities at the café. What’s more, the café’s design reflects these considerations. “That means changing some counter heights, and the fridge handles have to be custom for individuals who might have the use of a wheelchair,” explains Cvitkovic. Working at the café will give participants the opportunity to gain hands-on customer service experience while serving freshly brewed coffee and baked goods to patrons. Cvitkovic has even sourced a local coffee roaster, leaning into the community feel of the centre. And, as an added benefit, CAA Members can enjoy a free coffee.
A leader in accessibility
“When you walk through the door, it doesn’t matter who you are and where you come from and your abilities. There’s something for you to do here,” says Cvitkovic. “[It’s also a place] where we can run programs to be an incubator for the accessibility space throughout Canada — and the world,” he says, noting they’re often contacted to help other organizations create more inclusive environments. Abilities Centre is a landmark for inclusivity and barrier-free participation — an important facility in terms of athletics and a true gem for the Whitby community. CAA