How Ontario Schools Push Autistic Students Out of Classrooms

Dear [Principal Name],

I am writing to formally request written documentation regarding my child [Name]'s exclusion from school on [Date(s)].

Pursuant to the Ontario Education Act and the Ontario Human Rights Commission's Policy on Accessible Education for Students with Disabilities (2018), I am requesting:

1. The specific legal authority under which this exclusion was made (e.g., s.265(1)(m))
2. The expected duration of the exclusion
3. What alternatives to exclusion were considered before this decision
4. What educational services will be provided during the exclusion period
5. Written confirmation of my right to appeal this decision to the school board

Please note that the OHRC requires schools to accommodate students with disabilities to the point of undue hardship. A staffing shortage does not constitute undue hardship.

I expect a response within 5 business days.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Dear [Principal Name],

I am writing regarding the modified school day arrangement for my child [Name], who is currently attending [X] hours per day instead of the standard instructional day.

While Regulation 298, s.3(4)(c) permits reduced instructional time for an exceptional pupil, this must be justified by the student's educational needs — not by the school's staffing constraints.

The Ontario Human Rights Commission's Policy on Accessible Education states that schools must accommodate disability to the point of undue hardship. A lack of an Educational Assistant is a staffing management issue, not undue hardship.

I am requesting:
1. A written explanation of the educational rationale for reduced hours
2. A documented plan with specific dates to return to full-day attendance
3. An IPRC review meeting under Regulation 181/98 to assess my child's placement and supports

If full-day attendance cannot be restored within [X] school days, I will be escalating this matter to the superintendent and filing a complaint with the Ontario Ombudsman and/or the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

I allege that [School Board Name] has discriminated against my child in the provision of educational services contrary to sections 1 and 9 of the Ontario Human Rights Code on the basis of disability.

My child [Name], diagnosed with [disability], has been [excluded from school / placed on a modified day schedule / repeatedly sent home] since [date]. The school has cited [reason given, e.g., "lack of EA support" or "safety concerns"] without providing adequate accommodation or exploring alternatives.

The Ontario Human Rights Commission's Policy on Accessible Education for Students with Disabilities (2018) establishes that schools must accommodate students with disabilities to the point of undue hardship. The Supreme Court of Canada in Moore v. British Columbia (2012 SCC 61) held that adequate special education is "not a dispensable luxury" and that cutting special education resources constitutes prima facie discrimination.

The respondent has failed to:
- Provide meaningful access to education on equal terms with non-disabled students
- Demonstrate that accommodation to the point of undue hardship was attempted
- Offer adequate alternative educational services during periods of exclusion

I am seeking [describe remedies: e.g., full-day school attendance with appropriate supports, compensation for loss of educational opportunity, systemic remedies requiring the board to adopt exclusion tracking and reporting policies].

Note: This is template language only. Consult ARCH Disability Law Centre (1-866-482-2724) for legal advice specific to your situation.