Ontario Human Rights Commission - New Policy

The Ontario Human Rights Commission released a new policy - Accessible Education for Students with Disabilities. There are many positive changes, requirements and clarifications.

Here is a small excerpt from the executive summary:

“While there have been some significant gains for people with disabilities in recent years, it is clear that students with disabilities continue to experience difficulties accessing services at all levels of Ontario’s education system. Ongoing barriers include:

“· ineffective communication to parents and students about their right to accommodation, and their right to be free from discrimination and harassment in education · inadequate training for education providers on disability-related issues, and the duty to accommodate students with disabilities · insufficient resources and supports in the classroom · long waiting lists for assessments · negative attitudes and stereotypes · physical inaccessibility · inappropriate requests for medical information · ineffective dispute resolution processes · outright denial of disability-related accommodations”

Here's hoping some of these recommendations will help support our children.

As of October 2019 The Decoding Dyslexia has launched The Right to Read with Human Rights Commission to ensure that all children can read. Check out the information to learn more.

The Ontario Human Rights Commission continues to explore supporting students and families.