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Education Series
The rights these families hold
The IPRC decides where your child will learn — you have the right to attend, present, and appeal.
Registered
88,175Children registered
Total in the Ontario Autism Program queue
CBC FOI Jan 2026
Funded
20,666Have active funding
Just 23.4% of registered children
CBC FOI Jan 2026
Waiting
67,509Still waiting
Registered. Diagnosed. Un-funded.
CBC FOI Jan 2026
Verified — CBC FOI Jan 2026
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Children registered | 88,175 |
| Have active funding | 20,666 |
| Still waiting | 67,509 |
The IPRC committee can decide on one of these five specific placements. They cannot decide on specific teaching strategies (that's the IEP).
Under Ontario Regulation 181/98, the Principal must convene an IPRC if you request it in writing. Do not ask verbally. Send an email or letter and keep a dated copy.
Template: IPRC Request Email
"Dear [Principal Name],
I am writing to formally request an IPRC meeting for my child, [Child's Name], pursuant to Ontario Regulation 181/98.
Please confirm receipt of this request and provide the date of the meeting within the statutory 15 school day timeline.
I plan to attend the meeting and would like to receive copies of all documentation that will be reviewed at the meeting at least 5 school days in advance.
Sincerely, [Your Name]"
Preparation is the most important factor in a successful IPRC outcome. Bring the following documentation:
The Ministry of Education recognizes these categories of exceptionality for IPRC identification. Autism falls under "Communication."
Autism, Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Language Impairment, Speech Impairment, Learning Disability
Social/emotional needs that significantly affect educational performance
Giftedness, Mild Intellectual Disability, Developmental Disability
Physical Disability, Blind/Low Vision
Students with two or more exceptionalities (e.g., autism + intellectual disability)
Some schools say "We don't need an IPRC to give your child an IEP." This is technically true — but there are critical reasons to insist on IPRC identification:
If you disagree with the IPRC decision, you have 15 days from receiving the Statement of Decision to file a written notice of appeal. This is a strict deadline — mark it on your calendar the day you receive the decision.
The IPRC must review your child's identification and placement at least once every school year. You can request an earlier review if circumstances change. You can also waive the annual review in writing if you are satisfied — but most advocates recommend keeping it to maintain accountability.
“You have the right to be present at every IPRC meeting, to disagree with any placement decision, and to appeal within 15 days.”
— Ontario Regulation 181/98, Identification and Placement of Exceptional Pupils
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.
Related Resources
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