Parents who disagree with an IPRC identification or placement decision in Ontario have 30 days to file an appeal with the school board's Special Education Appeal Board (SEAB) under section 57 of the Education Act. The SEAB must hold a hearing within 30 days. If the dispute involves failure to accommodate, parents can also file a human rights complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario.
Start with the short answer, then reveal deeper context where helpful.
The Special Education Appeal Board (SEAB) is established by each school board under section 57 of the Ontario Education Act. To initiate an appeal, parents must submit a written notice of appeal to the secretary of the school board within 30 days of receiving the IPRC's written statement of decision. The SEAB consists of three members: one selected by the parent, one by the school board, and a mutually agreed-upon chair.
Beyond the SEAB process, parents have additional legal options. The Ontario Human Rights Tribunal can address discrimination complaints if a school board has failed to accommodate a student with autism to the point of undue hardship. The OHRC's Policy on Accessible Education provides strong precedent for meaningful accommodation.
The Special Education Appeal Board (SEAB) is established by each school board under section 57 of the Ontario Education Act. To initiate an appeal, parents must submit a written notice of appeal to the secretary of the school board within 30 days of receiving the IPRC's written statement of decision. The SEAB consists of three members: one selected by the parent, one by the school board, and a mutually agreed-upon chair.
At the SEAB hearing, parents can present evidence, call witnesses, and make arguments. The board reviews the IPRC decision and can agree with it, disagree and make recommendations, or refer the matter to the Ontario Special Education Tribunal. The SEAB's decision is advisory to the school board, which makes the final determination.
Beyond the SEAB process, parents have additional legal options. The Ontario Human Rights Tribunal can address discrimination complaints if a school board has failed to accommodate a student with autism to the point of undue hardship. The OHRC's Policy on Accessible Education provides strong precedent for meaningful accommodation.
Parents can also contact the Ministry of Education's regional office to report non-compliance with special education legislation. In some cases, mediation through the school board's parent engagement office can resolve disputes without formal appeals. Legal Aid Ontario may provide assistance for families who qualify financially.
Education Act
Ontario Education Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E.2, section 57 — Special Education Appeal Board
OHRC
Policy on Accessible Education for Students with Disabilities — Ontario Human Rights Commission (2018)
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Commitment to Accuracy: Our data is verified against official government reports (FAO, MCCSS), peer-reviewed scientific literature, and accessible public records. Last updated: March 24, 2026.
Verified Facts
Under the Ontario Education Act, every student with special needs is entitled to an Individual Education Plan (IEP) and access to an Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC)
88,175, children are registered in the Ontario Autism Program
1 in 50, According to the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth, about children and youth aged 1 to 17 in Canada had an autism diagnosis
23.4%, Only 20,666 children have active funding agreements () — less than one in four
WHO recommends accessible, community-based early interventions for children with autism — timely evidence-based psychosocial interventions improve communication and social engagement