Disability Accommodation at College or University in Ontario

Education is a service under Ontario's Human Rights Code, so colleges and universities must accommodate students with disabilities to the point of undue hardship.

Common accommodations

• Extra time on tests and exams, or a quieter room.
• Note-taking support or recordings of lectures.
• Assistive technology and alternative formats.
• Flexibility with deadlines or attendance, where appropriate.

Documentation

You usually need documentation from a health professional that describes how your disability affects you at school (your functional limitations). In most cases, you don't need to share your diagnosis with your instructors.

How to ask

1. Contact accessibility services as early as possible.
2. Provide the documentation they request.
3. Give your accommodation letter to your instructors, if your school uses them.

Your responsibilities

Take part in the process, tell the school if an accommodation isn't working, and request changes in time.

If accommodation is refused

Use the school's appeal or complaint process first. If the issue isn't resolved, you may apply to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, usually within one year.

Sources

• Ontario Human Rights Code
• OHRC: accessible education for students with disabilities
• Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (Tribunals Ontario)

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General Ontario legal information, not legal advice for your matter, and reading it does not create a retainer. Sources checked 15 October 2026: check the current law, forms and dates before you act.

Photos from Pexels: Studying at a desk in a library · Law books on a library shelf.

This article is general information for people in Ontario, not legal advice. Rules, forms and deadlines change, and every situation is different. Check the current rule or speak to a licensed legal professional before you act.