University and college accommodation
in Ontario
Has your university or college refused, delayed or not followed your accommodation? Information for post-secondary students in Ontario, with advice online by video or phone.
Initial consultation free for employment and human rights matters.
Ontario's Human Rights Code applies to universities and colleges. Institutions have a duty to accommodate a student's disability-related needs up to the point of undue hardship, including mental health disabilities, learning disabilities, ADHD, autism and chronic illness. The duty also applies to other Code grounds, such as creed and family status, for example caregiving responsibilities.
What we can do for you
Accommodation review
We read your plan and the institution's decisions and explain how the Code may apply.
More about education law →Appeals and misconduct
We help you prepare written submissions for internal appeals and hearings.
Read the HRTO application guide →Outside options
We explain the Ombudsman and Tribunal routes and their time limits.
How a consultation works
You book
Choose a time online, or email us. You don't need any documents yet, and nothing you send at this stage is a commitment.
We run a conflict check
A lawyer can't act for both sides of the same dispute. So before we hear the details, we confirm we haven't acted for the other party, such as your employer or the school. It's a short check, and we email you as soon as it's done.
Your consultation
By video or phone. You tell us what happened. We listen, then explain your options in plain language. Ask anything.
You decide
If you'd like more help, we explain the cost before any work starts, in writing. If not, there's no obligation and no charge.
How accommodation usually works
Most institutions have an accessibility or accessible learning office. A student registers, provides information about their needs, and the office prepares an accommodation plan or letter for instructors. The OHRC's Policy on accessible education for students with disabilities (2018) says institutions may ask for information that supports the request, and that the focus should be on the student's needs and limitations rather than a diagnosis.
Accommodation is a shared process. Institutions are expected to respond in a timely way, and students are expected to take part, for example by providing information and raising problems when they arise.
- Exam accommodation, such as extra time, a separate room or rest breaks.
- Academic accommodation, such as extensions, alternate formats or a reduced course load.
- Placement, practicum and lab accommodations.
- Changes after a new diagnosis or a change in health.
What the institution can ask for
An institution can ask for information that confirms a disability-related need and explains the limitations that call for accommodation. It generally does not need the full medical history, and the OHRC policy says students should not be required to disclose a diagnosis in most cases. Information provided for accommodation should be kept confidential and shared only with those who need it to put the accommodation in place.
Where an institution finds the information incomplete, it is expected to say what more is needed, rather than simply refusing. Students who are waiting for an assessment may still be entitled to interim accommodation.
Records that often help later:
- Copies of every accommodation letter and any updates.
- Short emails confirming conversations with instructors.
- The dates when an accommodation was not provided, and what happened as a result.
When something goes wrong
Problems often arise when an instructor does not apply an accommodation, when a request is delayed until after an exam, or when a program says a requirement cannot be changed. An institution may maintain genuine academic standards, but it is expected to consider whether a requirement can be met in another way before refusing.
Academic misconduct and appeals
Universities and colleges have their own processes for grade appeals, academic standing decisions and academic misconduct allegations. These processes usually have short deadlines and several levels. Where a disability or missing accommodation was part of what happened, it is often important to raise it early and in writing.
Keeping copies of the accommodation letter, emails with instructors and the accessibility office, and the institution's written decisions makes any later review easier.
Outside the institution
The Ontario Ombudsman accepts complaints about publicly funded universities and colleges of applied arts and technology. The Ombudsman reviews fairness and process; it is not a court and does not decide human rights claims.
An application can also be made to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario. It generally must be filed within one year of the last incident. The Tribunal can also defer or dismiss an application where another process has already dealt with the substance of the complaint, so the order in which routes are used can matter.
A lawyer can explain the options and the deadlines. Consultations are online by video or phone, across Ontario. Fees are explained before any work begins.
Related: Education · Students and parents · Filing an HRTO application (guide)
General information, not legal advice. Last reviewed: October 2026 · Lutfi Law
Common questions
Still unsure? Our assistant can answer general questions any time.
Ask the AI assistantDo I have to tell my professors my diagnosis?
Generally, no. The accessibility office usually holds medical information and tells instructors only what accommodations apply. The OHRC focuses on needs and limitations rather than diagnosis.
Can I ask for accommodation after an exam?
Retroactive requests are sometimes considered, for example where a condition was not yet diagnosed. Policies vary, and raising the issue as soon as possible helps.
Can I complain to the Ontario Ombudsman about my college or university?
The Ombudsman accepts complaints about publicly funded universities and colleges of applied arts and technology. It looks at fairness and process.
What is the deadline for a human rights application?
Generally, one year from the last incident. Internal appeals do not automatically pause that deadline.
How much does advice cost?
Fees are explained before any work begins.
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