Duty to Accommodate
What does Duty to Accommodate mean?
Duty to accommodate is a legal concept that requires schools, employers, and service providers to take reasonable steps to remove barriers so that people with disabilities can fully participate. In a school setting, this might mean providing a quieter space for a child who is overwhelmed by noise, allowing alternative ways to complete tasks, or adjusting schedules to meet a student's needs. Accommodation continues until it would cause what is called 'undue hardship' — a high bar that organizations must demonstrate.
Why this term matters
Understanding that schools have a legal duty to accommodate can help families feel more confident when asking for changes to support their child's learning and participation. It means accommodations are not a favour — they are part of a school's responsibility under human rights law.
Canadian context
The duty to accommodate in Canada is grounded in federal and provincial or territorial human rights legislation, and how it applies in schools is shaped by each province or territory's education and human rights framework. If a family feels a school is not meeting its duty, they may be able to raise concerns through the school board's human rights or equity processes, or contact their provincial or territorial human rights commission for guidance.
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