Disability, Diverse Abilities & Accessibility
This page includes highlights about what actions are happening now, our hopes for the future and roles involved in this stream.
We define a disability as any condition of the body or mind (impairment) that makes it more difficult for a person to do certain activities and interact with the world around them in the way it is currently structured.
While diverse abilities can also fall under this category, this term also acknowledges that people's abilities vary and may not be seen by the individual as a disability but a different way of doing or knowing.
Accessibility means removing barriers so that a person with a disability or diverse ability has the opportunity to acquire the same information, engage in the same interactions and have equal rights to the same supports and services as any person without a disability.
What Evidence Tells Us
Our 2023 JAIDE Survey demonstrated:
Representation matters.
8% of employees feel that the YMCA of Three Rivers does not actively recruit from equity deserving groups - including those with disabilities.
Belonging matters.
3% feel that their disability is not accepted at the YMCA of Three Rivers.
Stopping harm matters.
9% do not feel like the YMCA of Three Rivers challenges discrimination against disabilities.
The Impact We Hope to Achieve
We want to create a workplace where our employees will no longer feel there are barriers to their ability to achieve and grow. While we know we may not be able to remove all barriers, we want to ensure all employees feel equitable access and feel empowered to discuss and share barriers within the organization.
By fully understanding how our spaces and programs are causing barriers for anyone living with a disability or diverse ability, we will continue to work towards dismantling these existing barriers and improve access to all individuals within our communities.
Click into the sections below to see the steps we are currently taking to make an impact in this stream. This section is updated frequently and a part of our ongoing commitment and accountability towards action.
IN ACTION
One Year Update
Audits & Training
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Accessibility Audit of A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA (March 2026).
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Accessibility Training Session (March 2026).
Tools & Resources
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Toolkits for leaders around accommodation process available on SharePoint.
Partnerships & Commitments
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In partnership with the Region of Waterloo, as part of their Access and Inclusion Plan, our Child Care and EarlyON teams have built an EDI commitment. This commitment highlights several areas that align with our already established JAIDE commitments, such as Access and Diverse Abilities. The intention is to highlight current commitments within these areas and recognize areas of growth.
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In partnership with the Waterloo Region Family Network and KidsAbility, our EarlyON Oak Creek location is now the regular site for the Kaleidoscope Kids — a partnership program for children aged 0-8 with or without diagnosis who have diverse needs and their caregivers.
Access & Integration
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Our organization has dedicated resources to co-locate our Immigration Services and EarlyON programs at Roger St., creating a partnership that provides accessible EarlyON supports for newcomers.
