If you have a disability and your job makes it hard for you to work, your employer in Ontario is legally required to help you — as long as doing so does not create serious problems for the business.
What is a disability accommodation?
A disability accommodation is a change your employer makes to your job, your workspace, or your schedule so that you can do your work despite having a disability or health condition. It is not a favour — it is your right under Ontario’s Human Rights Code.
What counts as a disability?
The definition in Ontario is broad. A disability includes:
Physical conditions — chronic pain, mobility issues, vision or hearing loss
Mental health — depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder
Learning and developmental differences — ADHD, dyslexia, autism
Episodic conditions — MS, cancer, epilepsy, Crohn’s disease
You do not need a formal diagnosis to ask for accommodation, but having one from a doctor makes the process easier.
What kinds of accommodations can you ask for?
There is no fixed list. The right accommodation depends on your condition and your job. Common examples include:
- A modified schedule or flexible hours
- Working from home, either fully or part of the time
- Special equipment or software (a chair, screen reader, ergonomic tools)
- Extra breaks or a quieter workspace
- A modified job description or a transfer to a different role
- A leave of absence to get treatment
How to request a disability accommodation at work
(1) Tell your employer — you do not need to use legal language. You just need to let them know you have a health condition that is affecting your work and that you need help.
(2) Put it in writing — send an email or letter to your manager or HR. This creates a record and starts the process officially.
(3) Get a doctor’s note — your employer can ask for medical information that confirms you have a condition and explains what kind of help you need. They cannot ask for your full diagnosis.
(4) Work with your employer — the law requires both sides to cooperate. Your employer must look for solutions in good faith. You must also be reasonable about what you need.
What if your employer refuses?
An employer can only refuse if providing the accommodation would cause them serious hardship — for example, if it would be extremely costly or would change the nature of the business entirely. This bar is high. Most refusals do not meet it.
If your employer refuses, ignores your request, or punishes you for asking, that is likely a violation of the Human Rights Code. You can:
File a complaint
Take your case to the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal
Get legal advice
Speak with an employment lawyer like us about your options and compensation
Your employer cannot fire you, demote you, or treat you badly because you asked for accommodation. That is called reprisal and it is illegal in Ontario.
