Helpful Websites

The Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) is legislated by the Ministry of Education and appointed by the Board of Education to assist the board in understanding the special needs of exceptional children and youth and to advise the board in matters that apply to the delivery of special education services and programs.  The SEAC will also provide information to parents, as requested.  It is made up of representatives nominated from local associations and appointed by the board.

Each Board of Education will have its own Special Education Advisory Committee with information available on their individual websites. The SEAC usually holds meetings once a month from approximately September to June.

Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy has established several annual awards to acknowledge persons with cerebral palsy, their families, professionals and community members for their significant contributions in improving the lives of people with cerebral palsy in Ontario.  Two of these awards are provided to students with cerebral palsy who are current Lifetime Members of OFCP and are enrolled in an Ontario College or University and have successfully completed their first year of study.  They are the ‘Eric Waldron Scholarship Award’ and the ‘Nicholas Milojevic Scholarship Award’.

If you have a permanent disability, you could be eligible for full-time OSAP funding if you’re studying at 40% or more of a full course load. To be considered for this benefit, you must self-identify as having a permanent disability when applying for OSAP.

You can get additional aid to help pay for disability-related educational services and equipment. Through one application, you can be considered for the:

- Grants for students with permanent disabilities

- Financial assistance for students with a permanent disability enrolled at a designated post-secondary institution.

- Grant for services and equipment for students with permanent disabilities

- A grant towards tuition, textbook, and accommodation costs for eligible students with a permanent disability.

- Canada student loans program - severe permanent disability benefit

- How a borrower can have student loans forgiven if they have a severe and permanent disability preventing them from pursuing further post-secondary education and from working.

The NEADS National Student Awards Program is offered to encourage full access to post-secondary education for persons with disabilities, who often have greater barriers to participation in higher education, as well as extra costs because of their disabilities. Students must currently be registered in and continuing at post-secondary institution and provide documented proof of registration as part of the application and on receipt of the award. The award will be offered to outstanding applicants who meet the criteria of the program. The awards are paid directly to the post-secondary institution (in the student’s accounts) that the recipients are attending to defray the cost of tuition fees for post-secondary study.

Regional Assessment and Resource Centre (RARC) provides appropriate, accurate, comprehensive and effective assessment services and follow up services to the Queen's University student population and to persons with specific learning disabilities in the south-eastern region of Ontario.

NOARC/CÉRNO offers psycho-educational assessments to post-secondary students with suspected or previously documented learning disabilities and associated disorders. Services are available to students with English or Bilingual backgrounds who have been accepted into or are registered at any of the 11 colleges and universities in northern Ontario.

A referral to NOARC begins by contacting the accessibility/disability office on the student’s campus of study. Accessibility/disability staff will determine the need for assessment and assist students in identifying appropriate financial resources to fund the assessment.

This guide is a way for students with disabilities to arm themselves with knowledge they need to access

Attending college can be intimidating when you have a developmental disability, intellectual disability or other learning challenges. Inclusive Education programs (also known as Community Integration through Co-operative Education programs) at Ontario colleges give you the opportunity to experience college life and pursue postsecondary education, with courses tailored to meet your individual needs. You will learn the skills you need to be independent in your community and find employment in your chosen field.

Includes a table of Ontario Colleges offering Inclusive Education programs.

The purpose of the Foundation is not only to provide financial assistance to students with physical disabilities in the achievement of their educational goals but also to help them in making the transition to employment as fully contributing members of society.

The Tamara Gordon Foundation provides financial awards ranging from $750 to $3,000 to physically disabled students enrolled in degree programs at post-secondary institutions within Ontario.

211 connects people to the right information and services, strengthens Canada’s health and human services, and helps Canadians become more engaged with their communities.

Healthline Information Network brings together listings from organizations that provide a wide variety of services throughout Ontario, including:

- Health Shared Services Ontario

- Local Health Integration Networks

- Health Care Options

- ConnexOntario

- Find Help/211 Ontario

- Behavioural Supports Ontario

ParaSport Ontario provides support to members of the disability community – regardless of age or stage in life – to find, connect with, and participate in competitive and recreational sport programs and activities of their choice to enhance physical function and quality of life.

Many Municipalities run Adapted or Integrated programs for individuals with a disability through their Parks and Recreation departments.  These specialized programs are for individuals with disabilities who want to be involved in recreational activities with other people who have similar interests, abilities and needs in a safe and positive environment. These programs are designed with smaller group sizes.

The link below provides an example from the City of Toronto Parks & Recreation Department outlining their Adapted Recreational programs.  Please contact the local municipal government office in your city to see what they offer.