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Education Rights
When transportation is documented in an IEP as a required accommodation, the school board must provide it, free of charge and with appropriate supports.
School-age children make up the majority of families waiting for OAP services.
Registered
91,97491,974Children registered
Total in the Ontario Autism Program queue
MCCSS FOI via OAC · May 2026
Funded
20,71120,711Have active funding
Only 22.5% of registered children
MCCSS FOI via OAC · May 2026
Waiting
71,26371,263Still waiting
Registered. Diagnosed. Un-funded.
MCCSS FOI via OAC · May 2026
Verified , MCCSS FOI via OAC · May 2026
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Children registered | 91,974 |
| Have active funding | 20,711 |
| Still waiting | 71,263 |
If transportation is included in the IEP due to a disability-related need, the board must provide it. The Education Act (sections 190-191) governs transportation for exceptional pupils. If your child's IEP documents a transportation requirement, the board cannot simply decline to provide it.
The IEP should specify the required qualifications or training for any aide accompanying your child on transportation. If an unqualified aide is placed on the route, document this in writing to the principal and escalate to the board's special education coordinator.
No. Under the Education Act, transportation must be provided without charge to the family if it is required as an accommodation for an exceptional pupil. If a board attempts to charge a fee for disability-required transportation, this should be challenged in writing.
Document the specific sensory or behavioural reasons with a clinician and request an IEP amendment meeting. The amendment should address transportation accommodations, this may include a dedicated aide, route modifications, or an alternative transportation arrangement.
SOURCE
Government of Ontario • 1990
Sections 190-191 govern transportation requirements for exceptional pupils in Ontario.
Next Steps
Now that you know how it works, here's how to navigate it for your child.
What rights do autistic students have in Ontario schools?
VerifiedIn Ontario, students with autism have the right to an Individual Education Plan (IEP) and reasonable accommodations without a formal diagnosis, based on need. Parents can request an IPRC meeting to identify their child as 'exceptional', guaranteeing specific rights to support services.
Source: Ontario Education Act · Verify Link
What is the "Duty of Care" in schools?
VerifiedSchools have a legal "Duty of Care" to ensure student safety. For autistic students who elope (wander), this means schools must have safety plans, supervision, and protocols in place. Failure to prevent elopement resulting in harm can be a breach of this duty.
Source: Ontario Education Act / Legal Precedent
Can autistic students get an educational assistant (EA)?
VerifiedSchools may assign EAs based on IEP needs, but 47% of families report insufficient supports. EA availability varies by board and often fails to match clinical needs, leaving many autistic students without necessary classroom support.
Source: Ontario Education Act & OAC · Verify Link
Evidence on this page
Key claims are paired with their source, evidence tier, and verification date so readers can inspect the public record directly.
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)