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Disability

The Code protects people from discrimination and harassment because of past, present and perceived disabilities.  “Disability” covers a broad range and degree of conditions, some visible and some not visible. A disability may have been present from birth, caused by an accident, or developed over time.

There are physical, mental and learning disabilities, mental disorders, hearing or vision disabilities, epilepsy, mental health disabilities and addictions, environmental sensitivities, and other conditions. 

Relevant policies: 

  1. "Next Stop, Accessibility" Report on the public transit stop announcements in Ontario

    April 2008 - In October 2007, in response to recent developments and ongoing concerns in the area of transit accessibility, the Commission began an inquiry into whether transit providers across the province announce transit stops. Through this initiative, the Commission hoped to improve awareness in the transit sector of the importance of announcing all stops for the purposes of inclusion and accessibility, and to secure commitments toward quickly developing and implementing stop announcement plans.
  2. 2021 year-end highlights: A brief look at OHRC’s work this year

    December 22, 2021

    2021 has been a year of recovery, human rights challenges and adapting to the new normal. Through it, the Ontario Human Rights Commission has relentlessly continued to address pervasive inequities and systemic discrimination and racism with measures grounded in the Ontario Human Rights Code. As the journey continues, take a moment to look at some of the highlighted work of the OHRC from 2021.

  3. Academic accommodation: New OHRC inquiry report on systemic barriers for post-secondary students with mental health disabilities

    June 8, 2017

    Toronto – Today, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) released With learning in mind, a new inquiry report that describes systemic barriers that students with mental health disabilities experience in post-secondary schools. It also outlines the changes the OHRC called for in college and university policies and programs, and the progress these institutions have made in implementing the changes.

  4. Access for persons with disabilities to secret vote reaffirmed by Human Rights Settlement

    December 21, 2000

    Toronto - A settlement reached between two voters with visual disabilities and the City of Ottawa could set a standard for future election practices. In complaints filed with the Ontario Human Rights Commission, Mr. Dubois and Mr. Green claimed that they were unable to cast a secret ballot independently as required by law during the 1997 municipal elections because the City could not accommodate their needs during the election process. As a result of the complaint, the City of Ottawa reviewed its practices to ensure that accommodations would be made to facilitate the ability of persons with a visual disability to vote during the 2000 municipal election.

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