Autism Ontario’s Response to the K-12 Education Standards Development Committee Recommendations
- November 8, 2021
- BakerLaw
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In October 2021, Autism Ontario released its response to the K-12 Education Standards Development Committee Recommendations. The Committee provided recommendations to the Ontario government for proposed accessibility standards for K-12 education, which covered nine broad themes:
- attitudes, behaviours, perceptions and assumptions
- awareness and training
- curriculum, assessment and instruction
- digital learning and technology
- organizational barriers
- social realms
- physical and architectural barriers
- planning for emergencies and safety framework
- timelines and accountability
You can review the Education Standards Development Committee’s Report here (link). » Read the rest
Have your say and help make K-12 education more accessible for students with disabilities
- September 7, 2021
- Amanda Dimilta
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The K-12 Education Standards Development Committee is asking for feedback regarding its recommendations to the Ontario government for proposed accessibility standards for K-12 education. The initial report drafted by the Committee contains 197 recommendations that are covered across nine broad themes including:
- attitudes, behaviours, perceptions and assumptions
- awareness and training
- curriculum, assessment and instruction
- digital learning and technology
- organizational barriers
- social realms
- physical and architectural barriers
- planning for emergencies and safety framework
- timelines and accountability
You can read this report here (link). » Read the rest
Provincial government provides $7.5M for Geneva Centre training for educators
- January 20, 2021
- Amanda Dimilta
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On January 10, 2021, Ontario announced a $7.5 million investment to “train our education staff to better support students on the autism spectrum and to foster a culture of respect, inclusion and opportunity in our schools”. The training will begin this year. » Read the rest
University of Waterloo Discriminated in its Admissions Decision, Court of Appeal Upholds
- January 11, 2021
- Laura Lepine
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The Ontario Court of Appeal has upheld a decision recognizing that students with disabilities are entitled to substantive accommodation when applying to university.
This decision confirms that university admission processes are not exempt from human rights obligations: where admissions standards adversely impact students with disabilities, universities must accommodate those students, or show that it would be an undue hardship to do so. » Read the rest
Ministry of Education Report Regarding ABA at School Pilot Project
- November 9, 2020
- Amanda Dimilta
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In 2017, the Ministry of Education (“MOE”) created what was intended to be a 1-year pilot project for the 2017-18 school year titled “Pilot to Improve School-Based Supports for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder”. You can read about the initiative here. » Read the rest
David Baker Receives the 2020 Gerry Bloomfield Award
- October 9, 2020
- BakerLaw
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Bakerlaw’s David Baker has been honored by Autism Ontario as a recipient of the 2020 Gerry Bloomfield Award for his outstanding professional contributions to the field of Autism Spectrum Disorders. David has and continues to act as an advocate for families of children on the autism spectrum on human rights matters, particularly in the areas of education and intervention. » Read the rest
Ontario’s COVID-19 School Plan Fails Students with Disabilities
- September 16, 2020
- Amanda Dimilta
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In the midst of a global pandemic, the return to school for Ontario students has been a source of anxiety for many parents and caregivers across the province. For students with disabilities, the return to school poses a number of challenges. » Read the rest
Family court orders child of divorced parents to attend school
- September 2, 2020
- Amanda Dimilta
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When parents cannot agree on whether their child will attend school in-person or via remote learning, a court may decide for them.
Such was the case in a family law matter reported in Law Times on August 31, 2020, in which Justice Andrea Himel ordered the child to attend school after finding there was no “unacceptable risk” and after considering the home and work circumstances of both parents. » Read the rest
Back to School Update for Private and Independent Schools
- August 27, 2020
- Amanda Dimilta
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On August 25, 2020, education law expert Eric Roher of Borden Ladner Gervais LLP led a discussion regarding school re-opening plans for private and independent schools during the Covid-19 pandemic. The webinar provided a helpful summary of the recent regulations, guidelines and announcements which impact re-opening plans for schools. » Read the rest
Free online Autism Law Hub with resource library
- January 30, 2020
- BakerLaw
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The Autism Law Hub is an online resource with the mission to assist people who have autism in accessing healthcare treatment, education, employment, and community life.
Within the Hub, the National Autism Law Center works to enforce and expand the legal rights of individuals with autism. » Read the rest