Inclusivity UBC Recreation

Ability & Accessibility

UBC Recreation strives to include all individuals in the programs and events, regardless of ability. We offer adaptation and modification wherever feasible to allow those people with disabilities to participate in the best way possible. We request that any individual who wishes to participate in UBC Recreation program and would like to request adaptations, additional resources or a discussion about their concerns, contact a Program Manager as soon as possible. The earlier you connect with us about these accommodations, the better we can make your experience.

Sample Programs

UBC Recreation is proud to offer wheelchair basketball every second Friday at the Student Recreation Centre. Check the Drop-In calendar for exact times!

Parasport Games is an Intramural event designed to increase awareness and educate about para-sports and the athletes that play them. Previous activities have included wheelchair basketball and goalball.

This program is intended for para athletes looking to row for fun and fitness purposes with some desire to race in local or provincial competition. This program is suited for AS (arms and shoulders) or TA (trunk and arms) para rowers and will include on-water training during the Spring, Summer and Fall with dryland training available during the Winter.

Accommodations for Storm the Wall:

  • Allowed participants to use a ladder to climb the wall (to help with addressing concerns about falling or injuries)
  • Using rigging to allow a participant in a wheelchair to come over the wall
  • Creating an opportunity to participate in a shortened race course to allow a variety of participants to compete
  • Hosting clinics to help teams learn how to properly get over the wall, so that we can help teams who have anxiety about their abilities

Developing a partnership with the Thunderbird Sports Club Athletes and the Thunderbird Students Council to create teams with athletes from UBC and Special Olympics BC as an annual Storm the Wall heat.

Facility Access & Features

  • UBC Life Building is accessible with automatic doors at the north and south sides of the building.
    • There is an elevator from the Main Level of the UBC Life Building to the basement level where the ARC is located.
    • Main doors to the ARC on the basement level are automatic and accessible.
  • Gendered and Universal washrooms, shower stalls, and change areas available.
  • Accessible washroom stalls, shower stalls, and change areas in all gendered and universal areas.
  • ARC Main Level Spin Studio accessible from east side of UBC Life Building (no automatic doors)
  • ARC Lower Level Studio location of Women’s Only Fitness Times (WOFT)
  • Accessible gate to the ARC Fitness Centre.
    • SYNRGY cable unit provides accessible cable training options.
    • Identified areas in the functional area provides space for accessible training.
    • Concept 2 Ski Erg provides accessible upper body cardio and strength training.
    • Matrix Krankcycle provides an accessible option for upper body cardio and strength training.
    • 2 squat racks and 1 Smith Machine are accessible at grade.
    • Individuals can request use of a variety of straps and grips from Active Hands to assist with accessible weight training.

The UBC Aquatic Centre is a fully wheelchair-accessible space. The facility has the following accessibility features:

  • Accessible entrances with power-operated doors
  • Accessible washrooms, change rooms, and elevators
  • Accessible ramps in the 25m recreational and leisure pools
  • Aquatic lift in the hot tub
  • Universal change room for persons with attendants
  • Braille signage

Download the UBC Aquatic Centre Accessibility Map

The Student Recreation Centre has the following wheelchair-accessible features:

  • Ramps leading to the North and West entrances
  • Automatic doors at the North entrance for accessibility
  • Universal and accessible washrooms and change rooms across the hall from the BirdCoop
  • Change rooms with accessible gendered shower stalls and washroom stalls
  • An elevator to the second level of the SRC/gymnasiums
  • BirdCoop Fitness Centre has an accessible gate
  • Areas in the SRC Studio and BirdCoop Fitness Centre offer functional accessible areas.
  • Accessible fitness equipment in the BirdCoop:
    • 2 squat racks with accessible ramps for access.
    • SYNRGY cable unit is accessible
    • Individuals can request use of a variety of straps and grips from Active Hands to assist with accessible weight training

Download the Student Recreation Centre Accessibility Map

  • The Tennis Centre facility is wheelchair accessible with automatic doors at both entrances, being on one level, and wheelchair washrooms/showers. The Tennis Centre hosts BC Wheelchair Sports events at the facility throughout the year and hosts Tennis Canada's wheelchair program.
  • The Tennis Centre is also happy to adapt programs and teaching styles to meet participants' needs, such as those living with autism.

Download the UBC Tennis Centre Accessibility Map

  • The UBC Boathouse is fully accessible and rowing instructors are trained to adapt to their participants’ needs.
  • There is a para rowing program designed for participants who need adapted equipment and participants can contact the UBC Boathouse directly for an orientation session. Participants with their own equipment are welcome to bring their own.
  • War Memorial Gymnasium is a partially accessible building with the following features: The ground level door access on the south side of the building is the only automatic door for the building.
  • The facility has a lift for accessibility which services the ground level, gymnasium level, and lobby level of the building.
  • There is also a ramp in the back of the gymnasium which accesses the gym floor.
  • Unfortunately, the bleachers are not accessible.

Download the War Memorial Gym Accessibility Map

Resources

Care Attendant Request Form

A care attendant is a one-to-one support person necessary for an individual to be able to fully participate. If you would like a care attendant to be present at programming, please fill out the form below.

UBC Recreation strives to ensure all participants are able to participate to their fullest!

We invite participants to bring a care attendant in order to support their participation in recreation programming.  Participants requiring a care attendant in order to support their participation in recreation programming are invited to submit a request form that allows the participant to attend programming with a care attendant at no charge.

By completing the Care Attendant Request Form we can better prepare to welcome everyone into our facilities and ensure the best experience possible. Please submit a minimum of 10 days before the first day of your program(s). Documentation may be required upon request.

Prior to submitting a Care Attendant Request Form please have the following information ready:

  • Create a UBC Recreation registration account
  • Add your care attendants as your family members with care attendant listed in the last name (i.e. First Name Last Name – Care Attendant)
  • The program or facility you are interested in participating at

A member of our UBC Recreation admin team will reach out to you within 7 business days after receiving your submission.

We look forward to welcoming you to our UBC Recreation facilities and programs!

*Please Note: A care attendant is not using UBC Recreation facilities to provide instructional or medical services (See UBC Athletics & Recreation “External Service Provider Policy”). A care attendant is not a caregiver of a child who does not have a disability or exceptionality. An attendant may be a professional care aide, health care assistant (HCA), or behaviour interventionist.  A care attendant will be provided complimentary access for the purpose of supporting an individual’s ability to participate. The individual requiring support pays only for themselves (as applicable).  

Contact & Feedback Form

Should you have any questions about inclusivity or feedback about how we can make our programs more inclusive, please fill out the form below, or contact physical.activity@ubc.ca

Inclusivity & Accessibility Feedback Form

Feedback and comments for inclusivity at UBC Recreation
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