The Ontario Human Rights Code (1981) "prohibits discrimination on the grounds of handicap. Services, goods and facilities cannot be denied to someone because they have a disability".

The Policy Statement on Accommodation of Persons with Disabilities, 1988 (amendment to the Ontario Human Rights Code 1981) states that "the needs of persons with disabilities must be accommodated in a manner which most respects their dignity, if to do so does not create undue hardship."

Definiton of Disability

The definition of Disability as defined by the Human Rights Code is outlined below. Chapter 53 Human Rights Code Section 9 (1) (b) "because of handicap" means for the reason that the person has or has had, or is believed to have or have had, any degree of physical disability, infirmity malformation or disfigurement that is caused by bodily injury, birth defect or illness and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, including diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, and degree of paralysis, amputation, lack of physical coordination, blindness or visual impediment, deafness or hearing impediment, muteness or speech impediment, or physical reliance on a dog guide or on a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device.

• A condition of mental retardation or impairment,
• A learning disability, or a dysfunction on one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language
• A mental disorder, or
• An injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the Worker's Compensation Act; ("à cause d'un handicap")