Accessibility and Inclusion

Inclusion Task Force/Community Involvement

Community involvement and advocacy are the key to the success of Canton Township and to Leisure Services.

Consider joining Leisure Services' Inclusion Task Force. Formed in 2018, this group of interested residents and staff meet quarterly to discuss relevant issues related to diversity and inclusion, assist CLS in problem-solving and planning, provide feedback and insight, and help keep Canton’s commitment to inclusion at the forefront of operations.

To learn more, please contact Canton Leisure Services by email or at 734/394-5360.

Canton Leisure Services staff recently became trained and certified as Sensory Inclusive™ by KultureCity.

Joining the ranks of organizations and facilities like METLIFE Stadium and Little Caesars Arena. This certification helps ensure daily accessibility not limited by time and location, creating a more accepting and inclusive experience and community.

Look for this SYMBOL at the Summit on the Park, Village Theater at Cherry Hill, the Canton Sports Center, the B.L.O.C.K. Youth & Teen Center, the Canton Farmers Market, and many special events. These facilities will now be equipped with special sensory bags that may help guests with special sensory needs, including noise-canceling headphones, fidgets, weighted blankets, and more. 

Learn more about KultureCity at Kulture City.

FAQ

• Where can I check-out sensory bags and equipment? 
  • Answer: You can check out the equipment at the front desk or information booth at the following facilities: the Summit on the Park, Village Theater at Cherry Hill (coat check room), the Canton Sports Center, the B.L.O.C.K. Youth & Teen Center, the Canton Farmers Market, and many special events.
• Who can use the equipment?
  • Answer: anyone that visits the designated facilities or events may check out the equipment for the duration of their visit. We just ask that you return it prior to leaving for the day. 
• What is included in the sensory bags?
  • Answer: noise-canceling headphones, fidgets, non-verbal communication cards, and weighted blankets.
• How do I locate other facilities and sites that may be Sensory Inclusive?
  • Answer: visit KultureCity's website to learn about additional locations all across the United States that are Sensory Inclusive. 
• Who do I contact if I have more questions about Canton's KultureCity program?
  • Answer: please call 734/394-5460 to speak with our Recreation Specialist.

Therapeutic Recreation

Adaptive Programs

Canton Leisure Services is committed to an inclusive approach to recreation, which allows for individuals with disabilities to participate in all programs and activities as fully as possible, while providing reasonable accommodations.

Therapeutic Recreation (or "TR") accommodations typically include individualized techniques and resources that enhance participation without fundamentally altering a program.

Program examples include:

• Adaptive Summer Camps
  • Get a glimpse of camp with our Leisure Club Video Opens a New Window. 
• Adaptive Fitness
• Adaptive Swim
• Field Trips
• Social Outings
• Life Skill Building
• Special Events such as Community Connection Day

To learn more about these programs email Jennifer Girard

Enjoy Accessible Spaces - Playground Equipment at Heritage Park

Leisure Services in partnership with Community Development Block grants installed an Americans with Disabilities (ADA) accessible musical playground on the north end of Heritage Park, which was constructed to be accessible to children with disabilities, especially for those utilizing walkers and wheelchairs.

Accessible musical components include:

• Swirl Chimes, which are sculptural bells that are made of anodized aluminum that offer a wide range of sounds from soprano to alto
• Pagoda Bells, which are comprised of stacked durable bells that emanate calming tunes
• Imbarimba, which is a unique melodious instrument that combines elements of two African instruments – the Marimba and the Kalimba. This unique design provides access to a wide range of upper and lower notes
• Yantzee, which is comprised of resonating aluminum bars that project low tunes
• Five Tuned Drums of varying heights make up the final musical station that was designed to be played by hand by one or more children. Each drum was designed to produce a different pitch, and the shortest drum is accessible to even toddler-sized musicians.

All of these musical instruments will offer a variety of activities for children that promote social interaction, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, and sensory integration.

Scholarships & Outreach

Canton Leisure Services believes all residents deserve opportunities to participate in programs regardless of financial abilities. Learn more about a few of the ways that Canton Leisure Services helps connect residents of all ages to these programs and services.

Worried about a program or class fee? If you or your family are able to demonstrate income-based financial need, Canton Leisure Services wants to work with the community to make our services accessible for all residents. Please contact Canton Leisure Services by email, or call 734/394-5360 to initiate a discussion.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Canton residents are eligible to apply for a Canton Leisure Services Scholarship that can be applied towards Leisure Services classes and programs.  Recipients can receive up to $500 per family member in a year.  (Leisure Services reserves the right to adjust the maximum allowed amount based on funding levels without notice.) For additional information, please email Opens a New Window.  the Volunteer Coordinator.

Canton Leisure Services Scholarship Information and Application (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 call the Recreation Supervisor at 734/394-5460 or by email Opens a New Window. .

FREE SPACES, PARKS AND PROGRAMS

While some of Canton Leisure Services Programs require a fee to participate we have many totally FREE opportunities for FUN! For more complete listing visit Canton's Free Fun webpage.

Youth and Teen Programs and Outreach

The B.L.O.C.K. Youth and Teen Center provides FREE outreach programming for those demonstrating need. Visit the Outreach tab on the B.L.O.C.K webpage for more information.

Services at The B.L.O.C.K. assist youth between the ages of 11-17 some of which include: Tutoring, After School Programming, Leadership Development, and Transportation.

Canton Youth Connection-Generously subsidized by Canton Community Block Development Grant Dollars and in partnership with Canton Public Safety, Canton Youth Connections serves eligible students at Miller Elementary School. Weekly supervised after-school care includes: Free field trips, swim lessons, special activities, and consistent exposure to positive role models.

To support these programs or to determine if your child or children qualify for this free outreach program, please contact The B.L.O.C.K. at 734/398-5570 or email chelsea.straub@cantonmi.gov

Food Assistance

Home Delivered Meals

For information on how you can receive meals delivered to your home, contact Wayne County Community Services at 734/727-7357.

Focus HOPE for Seniors

Focus: HOPE Program provides free food (based on income) monthly to senior citizens who are 60 years of age or older and reside in Wayne County, Oakland County, Washtenaw County, or Macomb County.

Focus: Hope website Opens a New Window. 

TEFAP: The Emergency Food Assistance Program

This program offers various food items to qualified low-income residents. The distribution is once per month, on the third Wednesday from 10 am - 12 pm. For more information call the Supervisor's office at 734/394-5185.

Meals On Wheels: Nutrition Home Delivered Meals

Meals on Wheels are offered to those senior citizens that are homebound and are unable to provide their own meals. For information on how you can receive meals delivered to your home, call Wayne County Community Services at 734/727-7357.

If you would like to help, please consider delivering meals to the homebound senior. Drivers are needed for regular routes or as a substitute for this year-round activity. If this is something that you would be interested in please call the volunteer coordinator at 734/394-5191.

Congregate Lunch

Lunch is served daily at 11:30 am. Menus are available at the Club 55+ Parkview Room. A suggested donation of $2.25 for those 60+, all others $5.
Reservations are required by 12 pm the day prior by calling 734/394-5485 ext. 1253.

Canton Community Mobility Transportation Services

Medical and non-medical transportation is available for Canton Township residents age 55 and older or residents who have a temporary/permanent disability or qualify for Social Security Disability.

Nankin Transit Commission is the current service provider for the Canton Mobility Transportation program and provides local transportation to qualified participants within the service areas of: Canton, Westland, Wayne, Garden City, and Inkster.

Transportation is also available to and from St. Mary's Hospital in Livonia. A priority system is used for reservations with rides to medical appointments and employment being the highest.

Fares are $3 one way; cash only. Reservations may be made Monday - Friday from 8:30 am - 5:00 pm. To schedule a ride, call the Nankin Transit Commission's reservation number at 734/729-2710.

Additional Information:

• Canton Community Mobility Transportation Services Ticket Application (PDF) Opens a New Window. 

Personal Care Pantry

If you know someone, or if you are experiencing a need, you can visit the pantry by asking a member services staff at the Summit front desk or make arrangements by emailing our member services staff at Summit Member Services. Confidentiality and privacy are important to us and the community members who visit the pantry

Pantry items include: Deodorant, Diapers, Lotion, Cleaning Supplies, Shampoo, Soap, Razors, Toilet Paper, etc.

If you would like to help us keep the pantry stocked, donations are accepted year-round at the Summit on the Park Front Desk.

Celebrating Cultural Diversity

Canton Leisure Services is excited and committed to serve the township’s incredibly diverse demographics. Interested in learning more or getting involved? Here’s a quick snapshot of some of the ways that Canton celebrates its rich cultural diversity. To learn more about these events or to get involved please contact the Recreation Supervisor at 734/394-5360.

Community Events

• National Night Out featuring Not In Our Town in partnership with Canton Public Safety: 2021 Date TBA
  • National Night Out Video Opens a New Window. 
• Liberty Fest International Stage about Canton Liberty Fest  about Canton Liberty Fest  about Canton Liberty Fest  about Canton Liberty Fest  about Canton Liberty Fest : Saturday prior to Father's Day
• Village Theater Cultural Programming
  • Canton Celebrates MLK
  • BaSant-Spring Recital: Bharat Natyam Indian Dance
  • International Festival
  • Pride Festival in partnership with PCCS and the Gay-Straight Alliance & Plymouth-Canton PFLAG
  • Chinese Festival

Canton Response to Hate Crime Coalition (CRHCC) 

The (CRHCC) believes strongly in the dignity of the individual. The CRHCC is committed to working to secure the right of every person in the Canton community to be free from hate crimes and bias-motivated incidents. The CRHCC is local law enforcement, community groups, schools, faith-based organizations and the community, committed to educating our citizens about bias-motivated incidents and/or hate crimes, to respond in support of the victim(s) and the community and to mentor both victims and perpetrators during the healing process.

Canton Commission for Culture, Arts & Heritage

This Canton commission serves as advocates for the enhancement of the arts in the community, promoting public awareness and participation in the cultural arts, and encouraging art education. A strategic plan was developed to ensure that high quality cultural arts are accessible to and sustained by the greater Canton community. The Canton Commission for Culture, Arts & Heritage’s  Opens a New Window. planning strategies include the following active subcommittees:

• Public Art Committee
• Partnership for the Arts and Humanities
• Community Advisory Council
• Artists Advisory Council
• Volunteer Council
• Communication and Marketing Committee
• Partnerships and Collaborations Committee

Township and Department Policies

Equal Employment Opportunities

The Charter Township of Canton provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) and is committed to a workplace free of discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, age, gender, sex, pregnancy, national origin, disability, height, weight, gender identity, marital status, military status, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Canton Township takes great pride in the diversity of our community and promotes diversity in the workforce

Canton Township Discrimination Ordinance

Read the full ordinance

Canton Leisure Services Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Program and Facility Use Policy

PURPOSE:

To remain consistent with the spirit and intention of Canton Leisure Services’ formal inclusion statement and the “You Belong Here” mission, while providing guidance regarding program registration for transgender and gender non‐conforming individuals, as well as restroom/locker room usage at township facilities.

II. PROCEDURE:

Canton Township recognizes the rights of all individuals to participate in recreational activities without judgment or fear. Participation in these recreation opportunities encourages social interaction, improves the physical and psychological well‐being of its participants and enhances quality of life.

III. PRACTICE:

Canton Leisure Services encourages individuals to register for activities and to use Township facilities/restrooms/locker rooms based on their gender identity.

• A. Program Registrations:
  • Per current Township recreation participation policies, safety issues that may arise due to skill levels will be managed by encouraging the player to register for programs that are comprised of other players with similar skill levels (within teams with which they gender identify). This will be done on a case by case basis, in consultation with the player. Placement will be made based solely on the individual’s skill level for the safety of all players, as well as for competitive fairness.
• B. Privacy Rights:
  • Canton Township recognizes the privacy rights of all individuals when using restrooms and locker rooms. For the privacy and comfort of all guests at the Summit, special accommodations locker rooms with changing areas and shower areas are available without request.
• C. Feedback Welcome:
  • To encourage all guests to utilize Canton Township services, we welcome an open discussion and feedback in an effort to continually improve our services to best meet the needs of all of our patrons. Should you have any suggestions or additional input, please ask to speak with the full‐time township facility supervisor.