Students who are identified as "exceptional" or who have special needs may have a right to special education. "Special Education" describes supports and programs for students who need different teaching methods or special equipment to allow them to succeed in school.
In Ontario, the Education Act, along with other regulations and policies, set out the education rights of students, parents and guardians. These include the right to participate in decisions about your child's education, to request that your child be identified as "exceptional" and to appeal special education decisions.
Special needs students
- Students who are identified as "exceptional" have a right to special education.
- School boards must provide, or purchase from another board, special education programs and services for their exceptional pupils.
- Parents have a right to request that the Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC) identify their child as "exceptional".
- Principals must provide parents with a written notice of an approximate hearing date and a Parents' Guidebook within 15 days a request being made to the IPRC.
- If you're a parent, guardian or student 16 years of age or older, you have a right to attend and present your case to the IPRC.
- If you disagree with a decision of the IPRC, you have the right to request a review.
- If you are a parent, guardian or student 16 years of age or older, you have a right to be involved in decisions about special education needs.
- If you are 18 or older, any rights a parent would have for their children under 18 are your rights-your parents have no rights any more.
- If you are a parent, guardian or student 16 years of age or older, you are entitled to receive a copy of any information about the student that others give the IPRC.
