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Therapeutic Recreation
Inclusive Recreation Services
Canton Leisure Services is committed to an inclusive approach to recreation, which allows for individuals with disabilities to participate in programs and activities as fully as possible, while providing reasonable accommodations.
Important public health Program updates for
therapeutic recreation
In response to the evolving public health care crisis, Canton's Therapeutic Recreation Program has experienced substantial changes and interruptions to regular services and operations. Despite these challenges, online engagement has remained strong thanks to the amazing staff and families that are the very heart of this program. As we transition into the fall season of 2020, new efforts will be made to connect and engage with our participants in new formats that can better ensure the safety of all involved.
Please visit this page and the Canton Therapeutic Recreation Facebook Page often. A selection of virtual and physically-distanced outdoor programs will open for registration beginning in September. Smaller class sizes and other important safety protocol will help us begin to re-engage with the families and friends that we've missed so much. If you would like to learn more about our new program locations, weather, mask, and cancellation policies, and other important relaunch information, please visit
Therapeutic Recreation (or "TR") accommodations typically include individualized techniques and resources that enhance participation without fundamentally altering a program.
Individuals participating in Canton's Therapeutic Recreation programming must be able to accomplish personal skills like feeding, toileting, and dressing themselves. Individuals who are unable to accomplish these skills on their own may participate with assistance from an aide, family member, or other personal resource. If an aide will be attending the program with your participant, please make sure he/she is registered too. This helps us better plan and cover any additional expenses that may be incurred.
FORMS, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION
If you would like forms, marketing and communication pieces, and handbooks made available to you in an alternative format (email, large print, audible, braille, or other), please call 734/394-5430.
- In Person Programs
- Virtual Programs
- Important Policies
- Forms
- About our Staff
- Get Involved
- TR Photo Gallery
- FAQs
In-Person Programs
A small selection of physically-distanced, in-person adaptive recreation programs will be offered outdoors this fall while Michigan weather permits.
Pre-registration is required for all programs, no on-site registration is available.
Masks will be required at check-in for all in-person programs.
Adaptive fitness programs typically allow for the removal of face coverings once participants are checked-in and are physically-distanced.
Companions/On-site support will be required for most in-person programming.
Outdoor programming will be weather-dependent. Upon registration, please make sure you are subscribed to our text notifications. Our Canton TR Facebook page will also be utilized for weather-related updates.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS - September
Fit Club $10
- Monday, Sept. 14, 5-6:30pm: TR11
- Monday, Sept. 21, 5-6:30pm: TR14
- Monday, Sept. 28, 5-6:30pm: TR20
Social Club: Cardio Drumming $15
- Wednesday, Sept. 16, 6-7pm: TR12
- Wednesday, Sept. 23, 6-7pm: TR15
- Wednesday, Sept. 30, 6-7pm: TR21
TR Karate $10
Additional programs are listed in the tab for Virtual Experiences.
Virtual Programs
Join us online for a variety of new TR programs! Participants will experience, learn, connect, and try new things from the comfort of home. An ideal way to get involved in programming if wearing a mask is difficult for your participant.
Pre-registration is required and the virtual link will be emailed to the email address within your registration account prior to the start of class.
Upcoming Programs:
September
- Tuesday, Sept. 29 2:15-3:15pm
October
- Thursday, Oct. 1 6-7pm
Important Policies and Program Information
How to Request a Reasonable Accommodation
- Written notification is required a minimum of two weeks prior to the registration deadline for each program. In some cases, a reasonable accommodation may take longer.
- The requester will be contacted within four business days by appropriate staff.
Inclement Weather Policy
If the Plymouth/Canton School District closes due to inclement weather during the school year (typically due to winter weather conditions), all Leisure Services Department programs/classes held prior to 4 pm will be canceled. For Leisure Services programs/classes that begin after 4 pm a determination to cancel will be made no later than 2 pm that day.
Zero Tolerance Policy
Therapeutic Recreation Zero Tolerance Behavior Agreement (PDF) Opens a New Window.
- If you would like the form made available to you in an alternative format (email, large print, audible, braille, or other), please contact the Recreation Supervisor at 734/394-5460 or by email.
Western Wayne County Therapeutic Recreation Grant
Special pricing is available to all qualifying residents of Western Wayne County because of a generous Western Wayne County Therapeutic Recreation Grant.
This ensures that individuals with disabilities residing in neighboring communities can take advantage of "Resident" rates for these specialized programs. This special pricing is currently effective through the end of 2015.
Attending with an Aide/Assistant
If an aide, family member, assistant, or other resource will be utilized to help a participant accomplish personal needs like eating, toileting, and dressing while attending a Therapeutic Recreation program, they are always welcome, however, it is imperative that this individual is also registered for the activity. This will assist staff in planning, and will help to cover any additional expenses that may be incurred, especially in regards to tickets, transportation, meals, etc.
Requesting a Refund
Participants/Parents wishing to withdraw an individual from a class or program must complete a Program Withdrawal Form from the Summit's Front Desk at least seven days prior to the start of the program. If approved, participants will receive Leisure Services Program Credit on account.
Program Withdrawal Form are available at the Summit on the Park Front Desk or the links below.
Therapeutic Recreation Program Forms
Zero Tolerance Behavior Policy Agreement (PDF)
Cancellations/Refunds
We understand that circumstances can change quickly for families amid an evolving public health crisis. Our new withdrawal form/process will be available on our Programming Without Walls homepage.
Please do your best to provide us with 24 hours notice of a cancellation. In the event that you are unable to, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at cantontr@canton-mi.org..
Multiple uncommunicated cancellations may result in program withdrawal by an administrator.
Therapeutic Recreation Program Staff
Interested in becoming a member of Canton’s Therapeutic Recreation Team?
We are often hiring both part-time and seasonal Therapeutic Recreation Program Leaders. Enjoy a flexible schedule while making a difference in the lives of our exceptional participants!
View current Therapeutic Recreation Leader Job Postings
What our staff has to say about working here...
"Canton’s Therapeutic Recreation Program supports the social, mental, and physical well-being of all participants and staff. Every high-five given, noodle-art masterpiece crafted, playground crossed, and friendship made contributes to the happy summer camp environment that I love being a part of. My favorite memories are the times when participants and staff laughed with each other, overcame their fears together, and helped each other. When I realized that those moments happened every day, I came to the conclusion that I had the best summer job ever."
- Erin (Camp A.B.L.E. Staff)
"It is a wonderful labor of love working with Leisure Club participants, and my fantastic co-workers too."
- Bonnie (Leisure Club)
Meet our Therapeutic Recreation Administrative and Supervisory Program Staff
Jennifer Girard
Jennifer Girard is a full-time Recreation Specialist with Canton Leisure Services. She oversees Therapeutic Recreation programming in addition to Enrichment programming and many of Canton’s Community Events. She is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University and has worked for Canton Township for more than 20 years. In 2014, she became a Certified Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) Instructor. Email Jennifer with and program questions.
How to Help the Therapeutic Recreation Program
Make a Donation to a Camp A.B.L.E. Scholarship Fund
Camp A.B.L.E., Canton Leisure Services summer camp designed to serve children residing in Canton and Western Wayne County between the ages of 8-14 with disabilities, is seeking donations to help offset some expenses related to important items like sensory integration tools and accessible transportation that are unfortunately not currently within the program's financial reach. Funds can also help enrolled families help offset some participation costs through the Marion and Jerry Rozum Scholarship program. Donations to the Canton Community Foundation are currently being accepted, and can help make the sun shine a little brighter at Camp A.B.L.E. all summer long!
Interested donors are encouraged to visit: Canton Foundation
Simply complete the online form and choose "Camp A.B.L.E." on the drop-down menu of available funds.
Checks can also be made out to:
Canton Community Foundation with "Camp A.B.L.E." in the memo line
Please mail them to:
Canton Community Foundation
50430 School House Road Suite 200
Canton, MI 48187
Become a Therapeutic Recreation Program Volunteer
Those interested in becoming a volunteer with the Therapeutic Recreation Program may email the Canton Township's Volunteer Coordinator or call 734/394-5360.
Donate Supplies or Funds to the Therapeutic Recreation Program
Individuals, families, businesses, churches, or other organizations that are interested in donating funds or supplies to the Therapeutic Recreation Program, should contact the Program Coordinator at 734/394-5460 or TR@canton-mi.org.
Therapeutic Recreation Holiday Wish Tree
The Therapeutic Recreation Program's Holiday Wish Tree can be found in the Summit on the Park's lobby each December. It is adorned with festive gift tags citing items like noise cancelling headphones, sensory balls, bean bag chairs, rainsticks, and more. These supplies are utilized by TR Staff throughout the year as they work with participants in various programs. Many items serve as important interventions, especially when assisting individuals with limited communication or language abilities.
If the generous spirit of the Holiday Season inspires you to help those in the community with special needs, please take a tag, or two, from the Holiday Wish Tree. Financial donations are also welcome.
All gift items/donations can be dropped off at the Summit on the Park's Front Desk, Attn: Jennifer Provenzano through the first week of January.
Frequently Asked Questions
- More questions or need clarification? Please call us at 734/394-5430.
Registration: program registration is available online and at the Summit on the Park front desk.
INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY
If the Plymouth/Canton School District closes due to inclement weather during the school year (typically due to winter weather conditions), all Leisure Services Department programs/classes held prior to 4:00 pm will be canceled. For Leisure Services programs/classes that begin after 4:00 pm a determination to cancel will be made no later than 2:00 pm that day.
ACCOMMODATION REQUEST
Leisure Services strives to offer inclusive recreation opportunities for all participants. If you would like to request an ADA accommodation or to request that a form/information be made available in an alternative format (email, large print, braille, audible or other) please contact our Recreation Supervisor at 734/394-5460 or by email.