Autism and Police Interaction in Ontario: Know Your Rights

Section 8 of the Canadian Charter states that everyone has the right to be secure against unreasonable search or seizure.

On arrest or detention, section 10(b) gives a person the right to retain and instruct counsel without delay and to be informed of that right. The Supreme Court of Canada has also held that an accused has the right to remain silent when questioned by police officers.

The Ontario Human Rights Commission states that the Human Rights Code provides equal treatment without discrimination in services, including policing.

Disability accommodation is individualized. The Commission says service providers must accommodate disability-related needs affected by a requirement, rule, or standard and must take accommodation requests in good faith. Before imposing a negative measure for conduct, a service provider must consider whether the actions are caused by a disability.

Ontario accessibility guidance says some people with severe communication difficulties may use a communication board or another assistive device.

Ontario's emergency preparedness guidance for people with disabilities recommends preparing an easy-to-understand list of needed instructions or information and keeping an emergency contact list on the person.