Inclusion Resources

For success in physical activity programs, children with disabilities require specific modifications of the intended program outcomes and/or accommodations to help them succeed. They may also need more specific skill instruction than children without disabilities. Ophea currently has two free resources available to download which can support you in delivering physical activity for children of all abilities.

Steps to Inclusion

This resource clearly outlines the necessary steps to achieve inclusion for children with disabilities. The Steps to Inclusion resource has been distributed to all Ontario elementary schools and is available FREE online in PDF format. Research studies indicate that children with disabilities are at risk for lower participation in physical activity at home and in the community. Steps to Inclusion is intended to be used by teachers and community partners (e.g., sport and recreation workers, coaches and community centre staff) who wish to create an inclusive physical activity environment void of discrimination, put-downs, or negativity, where all members are participating fully, regardless of ability. The content in this resource supports the belief that everyone deserves and benefits from physical activity programs based on the simple principles of inclusivity, respect and participation.

The Steps to Inclusion resource is available in English and French.

Adapted Lesson Plans

Ophea’s Adapted Lesson Plans support community leaders in the delivery of high quality, safe and inclusive physical activity instruction and programming for children and youth with disabilities.
The Adapted Lesson Plans include over 95 physical activity lessons for Grades 1-8 and are available for free to download in PDF format.
The Adapted Lesson Plans are very user-friendly, allowing leaders such as teachers, educational assistants, community coaches, recreational program leaders, program assistants and parents to confidently lead inclusive physical activity programs while ensuring each child’s needs are met and everyone is able to participate fully and safely.

The Adapted Lesson Plans are currently available in English and French.  

For more information on Steps to Inclusion or the Adapted Lesson Plans please contact: inclusion@ophea.net

Funding for inclusion resources was provided by the Government of Ontario

Inclusion Resource Partners: Special Olympics Ontario, Ontario Blind Sports Association, ParaSport Ontario, the Ontario Wheelchair Sports Association, Variety Village and Thompson Educational Publishing