We offer the following three core services:
Consultation & Information
Para NB provides consultation and information services to provincial sport organizations, recreation organizations, para sport groups, municipalities, facility operators, schools and individuals. We raise the awareness and profile of parallel sport and recreation in New Brunswick. We empower the sport and recreation sector to build capacity in parallel program development as well as make connections with regional, provincial and national experts. We also complete accessibility reviews, consult on the design of programs and facilities and link to accessible sport and recreation services. Para NB provides comprehensive information on a variety of topics such as: adapted sports and recreation equipment, funding sources for programs or equipment, and we create linkages to programs and coaches. We develop and share resources such as checklists on accessible facilities, playgrounds, and geocaching. We are a learning program and are continuously researching best practices and resources. Para NB also provides information sessions and webinars on various topics.
Recruitment
Para NB is an active partner in participant recruitment for parallel sport and recreation in New Brunswick. We maintain a diverse membership and track the demographics and interests of our membership. We empower active involvement, help connect individuals with a physical disability, coaches, officials, leaders, and volunteers to parallel sport and recreation organizations and programs that range from grassroots to competitive. We also collaborate on first contact events to help engage individuals, and support organizations and communities in offering parallel sport and recreation opportunities.
Para NB may be able to help an organization or program with:
- Planning of inclusive parallel programs, clinics, leadership training or events;
- Linkages to funding sources to support the participation of persons with a physical disability;
- Promotion of clinics, events and programs including the distribution of information to our registered members and through our extensive social media and web site reach; and
- Coordination of accessible transportation for persons with a physical disability to parallel clinics and programs.
In 2018, we launched our Para NB Database recruitment software and in 2019 we began populating it with members registered with the program. To date, we have registered participants with a physical disability, coaches, officials, volunteers, occupational therapists and physiotherapists, as well as physical education specialists throughout New Brunswick.
Participants with a physical disability have been registered with their current involvement as well as their future interests. This helps gather data to determine which specific sports and recreation opportunities should be developed and prioritized in which specific regions throughout the province. This helps us in our partnerships with Provincial Sport Organizations (PSOs), municipal recreation departments and other sport groups by ensuring program development that is target-based to maximize participation, is financially responsible and is inclusive of all abilities.
As a recruitment tool, we can utilize the database to help with the promotion of programs and events being offered throughout the province by directly targeting any individuals who have registered interest in a specific sport or activity as well as recruit for coaches, officials or volunteers as needed. As many activities may require adaptations to ensure inclusivity of all participants, we can help facilitate the participation of an occupational therapist and/or physiotherapist as well.
The Para NB database software is very versatile and has been broadened to include a wider variety of recreation groups. We have learned to expand the database interests and have added a list of active living activities. For example, we are tracking the interests of beachcombing, birdwatching, fitness classes, walk/roll groups and outdoor pursuits to help boost recreation options that are not sport specific but still gets you active.
To register, please call our toll free number 1-866-462-9555 and ask for a Para NB staff!
Equipment Loan Service
Are you looking for adaptive sport and recreation equipment to make your initiative more inclusive? Are you planning a new para sport or recreation program but are in need of the proper adaptive equipment? Do you want to try a piece of adaptive sport equipment to see if it is something you would use to stay active or like to purchase in the future? The Para NB Equipment Loan Service is a provincial, bilingual service that aims to increase access to adaptive sport and recreation equipment and devices for persons with a physical disability in New Brunswick. The Service can be accessed by provincial sport organizations, recreation organizations, para sport groups, municipalities, schools and persons with a physical disability throughout New Brunswick. As adapted sport equipment costs is a major barrier to participation, we offer this service free of charge!
Equipment available: Multisport chairs, Handcycles, Rugby chairs, Boccia ramps, Boccia balls, Bowling ramps, Hockey sledges, Sit ski, Curling sticks, Throwing chair, Racing chair, and more! To submit a request, please fill the Request Form found on the “Equipment Loan Service” page.
All requests for equipment loan will be made to the Para NB Equipment Loan Service Coordinator by submitting the Para NB equipment loan request form at least 1 month prior to the date equipment is needed. The request form can be signed, scanned and emailed or faxed to Para NB. If requested equipment is not available, the applicant will be notified within 7 working days and will be placed on a waiting list. Successful applicants will be contacted by Para NB and required to execute an equipment loan agreement and adhere to following the daily maintenance, minor repairs and cleaning of the equipment that is required to perform and record regular checks using the checklists associated with each piece of equipment. Requests will be processed in the order they are received and equipment will be allocated according to program/individual needs. Where requested equipment is unavailable, the applicant will be notified within 7 working days, will be placed on a waiting list and notified when equipment is available.
