How do I appeal OAP decisions?

To appeal OAP decisions: (1) Request an internal review from Access OAP within 30 days of the decision by calling 1-833-425-2445 or writing to Access OAP; (2) Submit a written explanation of why you believe the decision is incorrect with supporting documentation; (3) If internal review is unsuccessful, contact the Ontario Ombudsman at 1-800-263-1830; (4) For human rights claims related to discrimination, file with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario within one year. Document all interactions and keep copies of all correspondence throughout the process.

What OAP decisions can be appealed?

OAP decisions that can be appealed include: eligibility determinations (if your child is denied registration), needs assessment outcomes (if you believe the assessment does not reflect your child true needs), funding amount decisions (if funding is inadequate for assessed needs), invitation denials or delays, and service authorization decisions. You cannot appeal the overall waitlist length or invitation system design—these are policy decisions requiring political advocacy rather than individual appeals.

What is the timeline for OAP appeals?

OAP internal reviews typically take 30-90 days depending on complexity. You must request internal review within 30 days of the original decision. If internal review is unsuccessful, the Ontario Ombudsman investigation typically takes 3-6 months. Human Rights Tribunal claims have a one-year limitation period from the date of discrimination and may take 12-24 months to resolve. Given these timelines, begin appeals promptly and continue documenting your child needs while the appeal processes.

Can I get legal help for OAP appeals?

Legal help for OAP appeals may be available through: Legal Aid Ontario (if you qualify financially), community legal clinics (some handle disability rights cases), disability rights organizations (ARCH Disability Law Clinic provides information), private lawyers specializing in administrative or disability law (often expensive), and law school legal clinics (some universities offer free clinics). For human rights claims, the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario offers a simplified process accessible without a lawyer, though legal representation can strengthen your case.

How do I appeal OAP decisions?

To appeal OAP decisions: (1) Request an internal review from Access OAP within 30 days of the decision by calling 1-833-425-2445 or writing to Access OAP; (2) Submit a written explanation of why you believe the decision is incorrect with supporting documentation; (3) If internal review is unsuccessful, contact the Ontario Ombudsman at 1-800-263-1830; (4) For human rights claims related to discrimination, file with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario within one year. Document all interactions and keep copies of all correspondence throughout the process.

What OAP decisions can be appealed?

OAP decisions that can be appealed include: eligibility determinations (if your child is denied registration), needs assessment outcomes (if you believe the assessment does not reflect your child true needs), funding amount decisions (if funding is inadequate for assessed needs), invitation denials or delays, and service authorization decisions. You cannot appeal the overall waitlist length or invitation system design—these are policy decisions requiring political advocacy rather than individual appeals.

What is the timeline for OAP appeals?

OAP internal reviews typically take 30-90 days depending on complexity. You must request internal review within 30 days of the original decision. If internal review is unsuccessful, the Ontario Ombudsman investigation typically takes 3-6 months. Human Rights Tribunal claims have a one-year limitation period from the date of discrimination and may take 12-24 months to resolve. Given these timelines, begin appeals promptly and continue documenting your child needs while the appeal processes.

Can I get legal help for OAP appeals?

Legal help for OAP appeals may be available through: Legal Aid Ontario (if you qualify financially), community legal clinics (some handle disability rights cases), disability rights organizations (ARCH Disability Law Clinic provides information), private lawyers specializing in administrative or disability law (often expensive), and law school legal clinics (some universities offer free clinics). For human rights claims, the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario offers a simplified process accessible without a lawyer, though legal representation can strengthen your case.

Updated: December 2025

How to Appeal OAP Decisions

Direct Answer

Appeal OAP decisions by requesting internal review from Access OAP, then escalating to the Ontario Ombudsman if unresolved. Legal options exist through Human Rights Tribunal.

Timeline: Request internal review within 30 days. Ombudsman takes 3-6 months. Human Rights claims have 1-year limitation.

Step 1: Internal Review (Access OAP)

• Call 1-833-425-2445 or write to Access OAP within 30 days
• Submit written explanation of why decision is incorrect
• Include supporting documentation from professionals
• Response typically within 30-90 days

Step 2: Ontario Ombudsman

• If internal review denied, contact Ombudsman: 1-800-263-1830
• File complaint about unfair administrative practices
• Investigation typically takes 3-6 months
• Ombudsman recommendations are non-binding but influential

Step 3: Human Rights Tribunal (if applicable)

• For discrimination claims, file within 1 year
• Alleged discrimination based on disability
• Process takes 12-24 months
• Legal representation recommended but not required

What Can Be Appealed

Appealable Decisions

• Eligibility determinations
• Needs assessment outcomes
• Funding amount decisions
• Service authorization denials

Not Appealable

• Overall waitlist length
• Invitation system design
• Policy decisions
• Budget allocations

How to Appeal OAP Decisions

Direct Answer

Appeal OAP decisions by requesting internal review from Access OAP, then escalating to the Ontario Ombudsman if unresolved. Legal options exist through Human Rights Tribunal.

Timeline: Request internal review within 30 days. Ombudsman takes 3-6 months. Human Rights claims have 1-year limitation.

Step 1: Internal Review (Access OAP)

• Call 1-833-425-2445 or write to Access OAP within 30 days
• Submit written explanation of why decision is incorrect
• Include supporting documentation from professionals
• Response typically within 30-90 days

Step 2: Ontario Ombudsman

• If internal review denied, contact Ombudsman: 1-800-263-1830
• File complaint about unfair administrative practices
• Investigation typically takes 3-6 months
• Ombudsman recommendations are non-binding but influential

Step 3: Human Rights Tribunal (if applicable)

• For discrimination claims, file within 1 year
• Alleged discrimination based on disability
• Process takes 12-24 months
• Legal representation recommended but not required

What Can Be Appealed

Appealable Decisions

• Eligibility determinations
• Needs assessment outcomes
• Funding amount decisions
• Service authorization denials

Not Appealable

• Overall waitlist length
• Invitation system design
• Policy decisions
• Budget allocations

End The Wait Ontario

How to Appeal OAP Decisions

Direct Answer

Step 1: Internal Review (Access OAP)

Step 2: Ontario Ombudsman

Step 3: Human Rights Tribunal (if applicable)

What Can Be Appealed

Appealable Decisions

Not Appealable

Related Questions

What is the Ontario Autism Program?

How to navigate the OAP system

How to Cite

End The Wait Ontario

How to Appeal OAP Decisions

Direct Answer

Step 1: Internal Review (Access OAP)

Step 2: Ontario Ombudsman

Step 3: Human Rights Tribunal (if applicable)

What Can Be Appealed

Appealable Decisions

Not Appealable

Related Questions

What is the Ontario Autism Program?

How to navigate the OAP system

How to Cite

End The Wait Ontario

How to Appeal OAP Decisions

Direct Answer

Step 1: Internal Review (Access OAP)

Step 2: Ontario Ombudsman

Step 3: Human Rights Tribunal (if applicable)

What Can Be Appealed

Appealable Decisions

Not Appealable

Related Questions

What is the Ontario Autism Program?

How to navigate the OAP system

How to Cite

How to Appeal OAP Decisions

Direct Answer

Step 1: Internal Review (Access OAP)

Step 2: Ontario Ombudsman

Step 3: Human Rights Tribunal (if applicable)

What Can Be Appealed

Appealable Decisions

Not Appealable

Related Questions

What is the Ontario Autism Program?

How to navigate the OAP system

How to Cite