TO: Operational Update
Tribunals Ontario Introducing Mobile Access Terminal Service

Tribunals Ontario is enhancing access to justice for parties who have technology-related challenges by expanding the availability of Tribunals Ontario’s access terminal service from the current five hearing locations (Toronto, Hamilton, London, Ottawa and Sudbury) to almost anywhere in the province. Parties with an approved accommodation request because they do not have access to a telephone, computer, and/or the internet to participate in their virtual proceeding may now be accommodated almost anywhere in the province with our mobile access terminal service.

Based on approved accommodation requests, Tribunals Ontario will identify a suitable alternate venue and coordinate the required equipment, including a laptop and internet connection. Technical support will also be provided on the day of the proceeding to help parties with basic technology issues or questions.

Accommodation Options

Accommodations are arrangements to allow everyone, regardless of their abilities, to effectively participate in the tribunal process.

When making a request for accommodation, parties should provide as much detail as possible so that the tribunal can determine the best manner in which to address an individual’s needs.

Access terminals may be the most appropriate option where technology is an issue (for instance, because a person doesn’t own a computer or have access to the internet). A free phone program is also available to help parties attend their hearings by phone. In those cases, the tribunal will loan free mobile phones or provide airtime minutes to parties that do not have access to a telephone or have a prepaid or pay-as-you-go plan with limited airtime talk minutes.

For those 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.

In-person hearings are granted where appropriate and necessary.

Each request will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and the tribunal will respond to the parties with its decision.

Tribunals Ontario remains committed to providing fair and equitable access to justice for all who need our services.

Quick Facts:

• Access terminal hearing centres:
  • Hamilton: 119 King Street West, 6th Floor
  • London: 150 Dufferin Avenue, Suite 400
  • Ottawa: 255 Albert Street, 4th Floor
  • Toronto: 15 Grosvenor St.
  • Sudbury: 199 Larch St.
• For mobile access terminals, the specific site will be determined by the tribunal in consultation with the person granted the accommodation.
• A party can bring two additional individuals into the venue for the proceeding. If the party requires further support, they should ask the tribunal before the hearing; such requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
• The Tribunals Ontario Practice Direction on Hearing Formats  outlines Tribunals Ontario’s approach to determining the format of the hearing that will be held and how a party can request a different format.