Accessibility
When it opened in 1987, the Recreation & Athletic Centre (RAC) was designed with able-bodied people in mind; prevailing attitudes were that disabled bodies were fragile, and that persons with disabilities couldn't possibly take part in sport and physical activity. Fortunately, through the persistence of disability activists and countless participants, attitudes and opportunities have shifted and continue to shift. At TMU, we have made steady progress to address physical, attitudinal and other systemic barriers, but there is admittedly work still to do.
Listed below are some of the accessible amenities at the RAC. If you have questions, ideas, or would like to arrange a tour of the facility, please email Matt Edmonds, Aquatics & Active Wellbeing Coordinator, at matt.edmonds@torontomu.ca
The wheelchair-accessible entrance to the RAC is located at 31 Gerrard St East (external link) . Once inside, take the elevator to the Basement and follow the signs to the RAC to access the north entrance (see the video below).
The RAC north entrance has both a turnstile and a wheelchair-accessible door. The door can be opened upon request when you arrive. Alternately, you can email recreation@torontomu.ca to equip your OneCard with ongoing swipe access to the door.
Designed for all abilities, and especially focused on accessible and beginner-friendly options, each piece of equipment in our accessible strength and cardio circuit operates on the same basic premise: press the yellow lever to pivot the padded seats out of the way to quickly transition to standing or wheelchair exercises.
Follow the images on each machine or the videos below to position your body, select your weight and grab the cable.
Scan the QR code on each machine for a video on how it is used (see the videos below).
The MAC Fitness Centre is equipped with a SCIFIT upper body ergometer. This machine features an adjustable seat which can be removed entirely to make space for wheelchair users. The video below demonstrates how to adjust the seat and activate the machine.
The RAC lift is located near the front desk by the south entrance. Instructions for (PDF file) how to use the RAC lift are posted by the keypad on each floor (see the video below).
Remember: After you enter the lift, you must enter the code (again) on keypad inside (1-2-3-4-*) before selecting your desired floor.
The RAC pool is equipped with an accessible pool lift (see video below).
It is recommended that swimmers who need to use the pool lift join us during Rec Swim, when expect extra staff are available to assist with using the lift (see the Pool Schedule for details). You are also welcome to contact Aquatics staff at aquatics@torontomu.ca to make alternative arrangements if needed.