Accessibility

The Faculty of Physical Education and Health is committed to ensuring everyone has access to fitness. Over the years, we have implemented several practices to improve the quality of life for everyone on campus, including those who are living with a disability.

In April 2007, the outstanding efforts of the Faculty of Physical Education and Health were recognized at U of T’s first-ever accessibility awards ceremony, which honoured members of the St. George campus community who have demonstrated commitment and dedication to issues of accessibility on campus.

Facilities

Automatic door openers are available at the AC’s Classic Ave. and Harbord St. entrances. Change rooms are accessible via the elevator, as is access to the 50m and 25yd pool decks.

Private change rooms are available.

The Field House, Strength and Conditioning Centre (SCC), Dance Studio and Sports Gym are wheelchair accessible.

The AC now has a handcycle ergometer in the Field House for people with mobility disabilities.

The new Varsity Centre is also barrier-free. Accessibility features at the state-of-the-art facility go far beyond code standards, accommodating both participants and spectators.

Programs

All swimming programs are fully accessible.

Both the 25yd and the 50m pools are equipped with a lift for those with mobility disabilities.

Individual appointments are available for personal training sessions and nutrition consultations.

Open recreation is available in the SCC and Field House.

There is wheelchair use on the 200m track on lanes 3 and 4 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays to Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, except during special events.

Many drop-in fitness classes are conducted in accessible spaces such as the Field House and the Dance Studio.

Supervised conditioning sessions are available at a special rate to provide assistance in navigating the building and/or equipment, following a free fitness and lifestyle consultation (see below.)

Are you registered with Accessibility Services?

The Faculty of Physical Education and Health has implemented a program of free fitness and lifestyle consultations for students registered with Accessibility Services. Clients receive professional fitness advice on choosing the physical activity options best suited to their needs, interests and goals. They also receive tips on carrying out an action plan. Free strength sessions are also available during the fall and winter terms and are conducted by upper year physical education students, and supervised by the Accessibility Coordinator.

For your free fitness and lifestyle consultation, contact Susan Lee, the accessibility coordinator at or 416-978-5655.

Helpful tips

For those with chronic illness, begin slowly by discovering your body through a stretch class.

For those with mobility disabilities, get your heart moving with an Aquafit class or swim lengths in an accessible pool.

For those with low vision or hearing impairments, a trainer can explain and familiarize you with weight training machines.

For those with a mental health illness, try a fitness class to get your muscles moving. For those with a learning disability. Choose a favourite activity and schedule it into your weekly timetable.