Equity Office
Contact: equity@uwaterloo.ca
Sexual Violence Prevention & Response Office
Contact: svpro@uwaterloo.ca
Below, is information about the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Within the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), the University of Waterloo is seen as a service provider, and thus is committed to the implementation of the underlying principles of the Act. Below you will find resources and information about your rights under the AODA, and how you can learn more about disability related accommodations at the University of Waterloo.
The Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC) is legislation that protects people in Ontario from discrimination and harassment, and that includes within organizations like the University of Waterloo. As a student, faculty member, or staff, you have the right to be free from discrimination. Below are resources about your rights under the OHRC, and you will also find information about additional resources, learning tools, and supports.
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) is legislation that is designed to develop, implement and enforce standards for accessibility across several sectors across Ontario.
The University of Waterloo is considered a service under the AODA, and is committed to the ongoing implementation of the underlying principles of the Act: respecting the dignity of our campus community members, prioritizing independence, full integration of all people and ensuring that everyone has access to equal opportunities.
If you're interested in learning more or receiving a refresher, the University of Waterloo offers AODA training for all campus community members.
Accommodations should always respect your dignity, independence, full integration, participation and provide you access to equal opportunities.
Some examples of accommodations include:
Undue hardship is the only legal reason an organization can deny an accessibility related accommodation. Undue hardship refers to activities, impacts or effects that would:
Undue hardship is considered individually, within the full context of a particular request for reasonable academic accommodation. The evidence required to prove undue hardship must be objective, real, direct and, in the case of cost, quantifiable. Costs will be considered in relation to the University as a whole, and not in relation to a single course instructor/faculty member, department or Faculty. A mere assertion of undue hardship, based on impressionistic views or stereotypes, is not sufficient.
Resources on Campus:
If you are an undergraduate or graduate student registered with AccessAbility Services, contact your Accommodations Consultant.
Connect with Conflict Management, to explore your options related to Policy 33 [Ethical Behaviour].
Connect with the Workplace Accessibility Specialist in Human Resources.
Connect with the Equity Office to understand available resources and potential next steps.
Resources off Campus
The AODA sets minimum accessibility standards for organizations operating in Ontario, whereas the Ontario Human Rights Commission addresses and protects the rights of individuals.
For human rights policies, guidelines, or to understand your options in filing a complaint visit the Ontario Human Rights Commission website.
The Ontario Human Rights Code is legislation that protects people in Ontario from discrimination and harassment. You have the right to be free from discrimination as you work, study or live on campus.
The Ontario Human Rights Code recognizes the important role that education plays in a person’s personal, social and academic development and outlines the rights of all students, staff and faculty.
It is important to note that organizations must comply with the Code before other laws, unless there is a specific exception. When there is a conflict between the Code and another Ontario law, the Code prevails unless that law specifically states it applies despite the Code.
You have the right to work and study in a place free from harassment, discrimination and offensive “jokes” or slurs related to your identit(ies). The OHRC outlines the following protected grounds:
You have a right to:
Discrimination is defined as any action or behaviour that results in adverse or preferential treatment related to those grounds prohibited under the Ontario Human Rights Code.
The criteria to establish discrimination under Ontario’s Human Rights Code is:
The OHRC outlines on their website specific examples of how discrimination may manifest differently for each protected ground. The Code equally acknowledges discrimination that is direct, indirect, subtle (e.g. microaggressions), in the form of harassment, and discrimination that leads to the creation of a “poisoned environment”.
A poisoned environment is created by comments or conduct that ridicule or insult a person or group protected under the Code and cause them to feel that the environment is hostile or unwelcoming. Under the OHRC, the employer is responsible for making sure that a poisoned environment does not exist in the workplace, and university faculty, staff and senior administration must ensure that a poisoned environment does not exist for students.
All forms of discrimination are unacceptable.
More information:
This guide explores your rights and responsibilities under the OHRC in more detail.
For more information review this helpful OHRC Fact Sheet.
On Campus Resources:
Off Campus Resources:
Visit the Ontario Human Rights Commission website to obtain the most up to date contact information for the OHRC, the Human Rights Legal Support Centre, and the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario.
Equity Office
Contact: equity@uwaterloo.ca
Sexual Violence Prevention & Response Office
Contact: svpro@uwaterloo.ca
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is centralized within our Office of Indigenous Relations.