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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. OHRC Policy statement on human rights in COVID-19 recovery planning

    November 9, 2021

    Engaging the human rights principles contained in the OHRC Policy statement on human rights in COVID-19 recovery planning will result in evidence- and human rights-informed approaches to recovery planning, policy and program design. Rooting the pandemic recovery in human rights principles and proactively taking equity into account will support governments and service providers in meeting their legal obligations to eliminate discrimination and advance substantive equality.

  2. OHRC letter to University of Toronto on the University Mandated Leave of Absence Policy review

    November 8, 2021

    The OHRC is pleased that the university states it intends to robustly review the University Mandated Leave of Absence Policy (UMLAP). We urge the U of T to take the time to make sure it conducts a proper review, which includes the components in this letter, to identify and address human rights concerns that may arise from the UMLAP and its implementation.

  3. OHRC letter and submission to Postsecondary Education Standards Development Committee on their recommendations under AODA

    November 1, 2021

    The OHRC wrote to the Chair of the Postsecondary Education Standards Development Committee to welcome their initial recommendations for developing proposed postsecondary education standards under the AODA, and to provide a submission with additional recommendations.

  4. OHRC letter and submission to K-12 Education Standards Development Committee on their recommendations under the AODA

    November 1, 2021

    The OHRC wrote to the Chair of the K-12 Education Standards Development Committee to welcome the K-12 Education Standards Development Committee’s 2021 initial recommendations report under the AODA, and to provide a submission with additional recommendations.

  5. Letter to Mayor and Council of Township of Brock on decisions and by-laws on supportive housing

    October 12, 2021

    The OHRC is concerned that the Township of Brock’s Interim Control By-law 2994-2020 to "prohibit the establishment of Supportive Housing and Modular Construction, including Manufactured Dwelling Houses" creates barriers to establishing and accessing supportive housing, which may be discriminatory under the Human Rights Code. The OHRC calls on Council to remove any barriers that have a discriminatory effect as soon as possible, and to allow such supportive housing projects to proceed.

  6. OHRC Policy statement on COVID-19 vaccine mandates and proof of vaccine certificates

    September 22, 2021

    While receiving a COVID-19 vaccine remains voluntary, the OHRC takes the position that mandating and requiring proof of vaccination to protect people at work or when receiving services is generally permissible under the Human Rights Code (Code) as long as protections are put in place to make sure people who are unable to be vaccinated for Code-related reasons are reasonably accommodated.

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