At the Y, inclusion is part of our DNA and a core principle of our mission, but we know there is still work to do to improve our organizational diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy at a more global scale. To achieve this, we want to educate and inform ourselves, consult with affected populations, and learn best practices.
We have already taken steps to help people from all backgrounds and at all stages of their lives thrive. This is done through specialized programs, regulations and practices that take differences into account, and activity development and integration measures for kids, teens, and adults, in addition to providing social reintegration programs.
At the Y, we know it is up to us to go out and meet people. We offer physical activities adapted to the specific needs of each service point. Our staff puts their body and soul into creating opportunities to move together. As such, we provide a way for older adults to break isolation and stay active, independent, and most of all, confident.
We would like to inform you that we have made the difficult decision to end the Integrated Recreation Program, which will gradually phase out its activities by April 30, 2026. As the program’s operational requirements are no longer viable, our decision is part of an effort to simplify our service offering to ensure the organization’s long-term viability.
Those already enrolled will be able to continue participating in the program until the end of their membership, and current volunteers will be supported through this difficult transition.
We recognize the huge value of the program for participants and will ensure the transition is done respectfully. Thank you to our program teams who helped hundreds of young people be active.
Partenaires
Institut Nazareth et Louis-Braille
Centre de réadaptation en déficience physique Raymond-Dewar Laurier
Contact
If you would like more information about the program or would like to offer support services, please contact raquel.roth@ymcaquebec.org.* Access to all services included in the membership.
Integrated Recreation Program
At the Y, we believe anyone who wants to lead a healthy lifestyle should be able to join a sports centre. With our Integrated Recreation program, people with autism spectrum disorder or a mental, physical, or sensory disability can safely participate in physical activities or play sports thanks to the help of volunteers. The goal of the program is to encourage participants to gain the confidence they need to continue their fitness training on their own, whether at the YMCA or at another centre.
* Access to all services included in the membership.
Integration and socialization
Having someone support you in your fitness training also means having someone to chat with.
Building autonomy
Having someone help you find your bearings.
Improved fitness
Improving your fitness and overall sense of well-being from regularly visiting a sports centre.
What our members say
Our Companion Program aims to offer all children a fun, positive, and safe camp experience. We believe that every child is entitled to proper support and understanding, and we strive to successfully include campers with different needs and diverse abilities into our summer camp. We do so by using our inclusive approach when handling unexpected behaviour at camp, as well as by providing companions to children who may need additional support to fully participate in camp life and experience the magic of camp.
Our camp environment provides children with different needs a stimulating and inclusive camp experience, filled with opportunities to create meaningful connections with others. This same environment also provides an opportunity for all children to learn how to accept and embrace everyone’s differences, strengths, and individuality.
At the YMCA, we want the greatest number of people to be able to participate in our programs. Through our financial assistance program, participants may be eligible for financial support based on their income so they can take part in our paid programs.
To promote equal access to our programs, eligible participants will benefit from a reduced rate based on their financial situation that can be applied to:
Certain types of memberships Most of our programs and activities, including:
More than 3,400 people received financial assistance in 2024 so they could participate in our programs and activities.
