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November 27, 2024

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Request an accommodation

Learn about the accommodations offered by Tribunals Ontario and how to request an accommodation.

Overview

Accommodations are arrangements that allow everyone to participate fully in the tribunal process, regardless of their abilities. You can request an accommodation by submitting an Accommodation Request Form .

If you are a party, representative, witness or other tribunal participant, you are entitled to accommodation of Human Rights Code-related needs, such as a disability. The tribunal will provide accommodation to ensure equal access to the tribunal process, to the point of undue hardship. For example, if you have a visual impairment, the tribunal can provide its forms and documents in an accessible format (e.g., large print, Braille, etc.).

The tribunal also has a duty to provide a fair hearing and ensure procedural fairness. If you think your current hearing format or your circumstances will result in an unfair hearing, you can request an accommodation. Select “I require an accommodation on a procedural fairness need” on the Accommodation Request Form .

Effective June 2022, Tribunals Ontario has resumed in-person proceedings for approved accommodation-based requests for all tribunals.

How to request an accommodation

Complete the Accommodation Request Form .

Provide details. Tell the tribunal why you are making the request. Provide as much information as you can so that the tribunal has all the details about your request. For more information, review:
- Tribunals Ontario’s Practice Direction on Hearing Formats
- Tribunals Ontario’s Accessibility and Accommodation Policy
Submit as soon as possible. Submit the form as soon as you can so that the tribunal can consider your request and respond without delaying your hearing. The Accommodation Request Form has contact information on where you can submit the form.

If you need help completing the Accommodation Request Form or if you have any questions, please contact the tribunal.

After you request an accommodation

If your form is complete and the tribunal has all the information it needs, the tribunal will review your request and issue a decision.

In considering the request, the tribunal will balance various interests and rights, including the other parties’ right to a fair hearing, as well as the public’s interest in having matters heard efficiently and expeditiously. The tribunal may ask you for more information to clarify your request.

The tribunal will decide the appropriate accommodation for your circumstances. The timeline for a response can be different for everyone. It depends on the nature of your file and the information you provided. In most cases, you will receive a response within two-to-five weeks. It may take a little longer where hearings are being scheduled further into the future.

If it grants your request, the tribunal will work with you to put in place the appropriate accommodation(s).

Common requests for accommodation

Here are some examples of common requests for accommodations and the response that the tribunal may decide is appropriate:

I am deaf or hard of hearing

The tribunal can provide a sign language interpreter (American Sign Language, langue des signes québécoise), a deaf-blind intervener, real time captioning (CART), as well as other help if needed.

I want to change my hearing format because I don’t have access to technology (e.g., computer, tablet, telephone) to participate in my electronic hearing or need technical help.

Provide as much detail as possible about your challenges in accessing technology. Note that you can participate in a video proceeding by telephone/smartphone.

Access terminals

Tribunals Ontario provides access terminal services almost anywhere in the province for parties who have technology challenges in participating in an electronic proceeding.

If you do not have access to a telephone, computer and/or internet connection to participate in your proceeding, you can make a request for accommodation to the tribunal. You should make this request as soon as possible and provide as much detail as possible about your challenges in accessing technology.

If the tribunal approves your request to use an access terminal, Tribunals Ontario will identify a suitable alternate venue and coordinate the technical equipment, including a laptop and internet connection, and technical support on the day of your proceeding. If you are not familiar with using a computer or telephone, you can ask to bring a friend or family member to go with you to provide extra help. You can bring up to two extra people. If you need further support, request this from the tribunal before the proceeding.

For tips and helpful resources on participating in a video proceeding, see Video proceedings.

Tribunals Ontario phone program

Tribunals Ontario has a phone program to help you attend your tribunal proceeding by telephone.

If you do not have access to a telephone or have a prepaid or pay as you go plan with limited airtime talk minutes, complete and submit an Accommodation Request Form .

If your request is approved, the tribunal can loan you a basic cell phone so you can call into your hearing by telephone. If you have a prepaid or pay as you go plan with limited airtime talk minutes, the tribunal can provide you with a top-up voucher to give you enough airtime minutes to take part in your hearing by telephone. This program is free and there is no cost to you.

In-person proceedings

In appropriate circumstances, the tribunal may also grant an in-person hearing instead of a video, phone or written hearing. Review Tribunals Ontario’s Practice Direction on Hearing Formats for a list of factors that the tribunal may consider when making a decision on a party’s request to change the hearing format.

I need a language interpreter

The tribunal’s hearings and documents are available in English and French. Visit the French language services webpage if you require services in French or would like to learn more about our commitment to providing access to justice in French.

If you need help in a language other than French or English for your hearing, the tribunal may be able to provide you with an interpreter. Make your request for an interpreter to your tribunal as soon as possible and well before your hearing.

At some tribunals, you may have to meet eligibility criteria and complete a financial eligibility form to be provided an interpreter without cost. If you are eligible, the tribunal will arrange for an interpreter for your hearing.

If you want an interpreter for your hearing but you are not eligible to have an interpreter provided by the tribunal, you must arrange for someone to interpret for you. This person could be:

someone you know who speaks both your native language and English, who is willing to help you.
an interpreter you hire. The Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario has an online database of court interpreters.

Tribunals Ontario provides information in English and French. You can change the settings on your internet browser to your preferred language.

I would like a lawyer or legal advice

Tribunal staff are not able to provide legal advice or legal representation. For information on where you can find legal information or assistance, visit Getting Legal Help.

If you are a tenant or landlord with a matter at the Landlord and Tenant Board, this brochure has information on how you may be able to get free legal advice from organizations funded by Legal Aid Ontario.

I would like to bring personal support service, like a service animal or support person

The tribunal will work with you to accommodate any personal support services you use to help with communication, mobility, personal care, or medical needs. Note that the tribunal is not able to arrange these services for you. Your local community legal clinic may be able to provide referrals or give you information on support agency services.

Note that a support person cannot also be a witness in your case.

I experience cognitive impairment or have mental health needs (such as anxiety)

Provide details in the Accommodation Request Form about the support you may need.

For example, you may have a support person, such as a social worker, friend or family member go with you as a support person and sit with you during the hearing. Note that a support person cannot also be a witness in your case.

You may also be accommodated in other ways. For example, you may be given extra breaks during the hearing, a longer scheduled time for the hearing, additional time to present evidence, and more.

I have a visual impairment

The tribunal can provide forms and other documents in accessible formats for screen readers, large print, Braille, and more.

I need more time to prepare for my hearing

Tribunals have their own processes for rescheduling or adjourning hearings. You may have to complete a different form or process than the accommodation process. Review the tribunal’s rules on rescheduling. Contact the tribunal if you have questions on how to reschedule or adjourn an event (contact information below).

If you want to reschedule or adjourn a hearing, you may need to contact the other parties before you submit the request. Some tribunals might not consider the request if another party has not agreed to reschedule.

What happens if an accommodation becomes unavailable?

If an accessibility or accommodation measure becomes unavailable, the tribunal will let the parties know as soon as possible. The tribunal will arrange to reschedule or change the proceeding so that it is accessible.