Inclusive Education Resources

In Canada, provincial and territorial governments are responsible for regulating public education. In Ontario, there are specific laws, regulations, policies, and resources that affect students with a disability and neurodiverse students.

This guidebook is intended to provide information for parents, caregivers, and community organizations that support students with disabilities. No matter your role, access to information is key when advocating for students throughout their learning journey.

In this guidebook, we examine the key legislation and policies that govern schools and school boards, the different roles and responsibilities within the education system, human rights considerations, and the right to be in school.

To access the online guide, click HERE.

To download the PDF version, click HERE.

• Inclusion Action in Ontario is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to the inclusion of students with disabilities in education and the community. They fight for the right of students with disabilities to have a good life in the community, employment and educational opportunities, meaningful volunteer work, real choice, security in housing, and close reciprocal friendships. Click here to access their resources.

• Inclusive Education Canada (IEC) advocates for inclusive education across Canada, uniting parents, educators, officials, and community members to make it a reality. IEC offers leadership, resources, and flexible participation options, supporting a network of associates who provide training and consultation. They focus on policies and practices, including classroom inclusion, school strategies, support for students and teachers, leadership, and family involvement. Established by Inclusion Canada in 2009 during National Inclusive Education Week, IEC continues to inform on inclusive education principles and strategies to foster equitable learning environments for all. Click here to access their resources.

• Legacy of Hope Foundation (LHF) is an Indigenous-led charity in Canada dedicated to promoting healing and Reconciliation by raising awareness about the Residential School System (RSS), the Sixties Scoop (SS), and their lasting impacts on First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. For over 19 years, LHF has provided educational resources to address gaps in school curriculums, aiming to combat misinformation and reduce racism. By highlighting Indigenous contributions, history, languages, and traditions, LHF fosters informed dialogue and offers tools for schools and communities to understand the residual trauma and social issues stemming from colonial practices. Click here to access LHF's resources.

• Parents of Black Children (PoBC) is an advocacy group working to support families and facilitate equitable outcomes for Black children, through accountability and transformational change. Click here to access PoBC's resources.

• AboutFace was founded in 1985 as the only charity in Canada supporting individuals of every age, with any type of facial difference and their families. Created in collaboration with the facial difference community, teachers, and social workers, “A Lesson from Frankie and Pearl” is a unique program aimed at building acceptance and understanding of facial differences in schools. AboutFace has several training programs for creating awareness and inclusive environments in a variety of settings. Click here to access their resources.

• Inclusion Action in Ontario's resources on inclusive education

• If Inclusion Means Everyone, Why Not Me?

• Building Inclusive Schools Toolkit: Video and Discussion Guide

• Learning Together in the School Community

• How Can Student Success Be Reimagined Through an Equity and Anti-Oppression Lens? 

• Closing Special Schools: Lessons From Canada 

• How Can Mindfulness Support K-12 Teaching and Learning?

• Inside the Unique Africentric School that Celebrates Black History All Year