Request an accommodation

Learn about the accommodations offered by Tribunals Ontario, including access to a computer, internet or phone, and how to make a request.

Overview

Accommodations are arrangements that allow everyone to participate fully in the tribunal process. You can request an accommodation by submitting an Accommodation Request Form .

If you don’t have access to a computer, internet or phone to participate in your proceeding, the tribunal can arrange this for you. Use the Accommodation Request Form to tell us what you need.

If you are a party, representative, witness or other tribunal participant, you are entitled to accommodation of Human Rights Code-related needs, such as a disability. The tribunal will provide accommodation to ensure equal access to the tribunal process, to the point of undue hardship. For example, if you have a visual impairment, the tribunal can provide its forms and documents in an accessible format (e.g., large print, Braille, etc.).

The tribunal also has a duty to provide a fair hearing and ensure procedural fairness. If you think your current hearing format or your circumstances will result in an unfair hearing, you can request an accommodation. Select “I require an accommodation on a procedural fairness need” on the Accommodation Request Form .

Effective June 2022, Tribunals Ontario has resumed in-person proceedings for approved accommodation-based requests for all tribunals.

How to request an accommodation (including computer, internet, phone)

Complete the Accommodation Request Form to ask for an accommodation. You should also use this form if you need access to a computer, internet or phone to participate in your proceeding.

After you request an accommodation

If your form is complete and the tribunal has all the information it needs, the tribunal will review your request and issue a decision.

In considering the request, the tribunal will balance various interests and rights, including the other parties’ right to a fair hearing, as well as the public’s interest in having matters heard efficiently and expeditiously. The tribunal may ask you for more information to clarify your request.

The tribunal will decide the appropriate accommodation for your circumstances. The timeline for a response can be different for everyone. It depends on the nature of your file and the information you provided. In most cases, you will receive a response within two-to-five weeks. It may take a little longer where hearings are being scheduled further into the future.

If it grants your request, the tribunal will work with you to put in place the appropriate accommodation(s).

Common requests for accommodation

The tribunal has scheduled a video or phone hearing and I don’t have a computer, internet or phone

Tribunals Ontario can arrange for you to use a computer close to where you live, loan you a phone, or provide you with airtime talk minutes so you can participate in your video or telephone proceeding. Read more about the Computer Access Terminals and Phone Program.

Note that you can participate in a video proceeding by telephone or smartphone.

For tips and helpful resources on participating in a video or phone proceeding, see Video and Phone proceedings.

Computer Access Terminals

Tribunals Ontario provides computer access terminal services almost anywhere in the province for parties who have technology challenges participating in an electronic proceeding.

If you do not have access to a telephone, computer and/or internet connection to participate in your proceeding, you can make a request for accommodation to the tribunal. You should make this request as soon as possible.

If the tribunal approves your request to use a computer access terminal, Tribunals Ontario will identify a suitable alternate venue and coordinate the technical equipment, including a laptop and internet connection, and technical support on the day of your proceeding.

Phone program

I want an In-person proceeding

In appropriate circumstances, the tribunal may grant an in-person hearing instead of a video, phone or written hearing. Review Tribunals Ontario’s Practice Direction on Hearing Formats for a list of factors that the tribunal may consider when making a decision on a party’s request to change the hearing format.

The tribunal can also arrange for you to use a computer close to where you live, loan you a phone, or provide you with airtime talk minutes, if you do not have access to a telephone, computer and/or internet connection to participate in your telephone or video proceeding. Read more about Computer Access Terminals and Phone Program.

I need help completing my application or appeal

Tribunal staff cannot give legal advice, represent you, or help you complete tribunal forms.

If you need help filling out forms, you can ask someone you trust (such as a friend, family member, or neighbour) or get legal help.

For information on where you can find legal information or legal assistance, see I would like a lawyer or legal advice.

I experience cognitive impairment or have mental health needs (such as anxiety)

It is important that you let the tribunal know about your needs before your proceeding.

I have a visual impairment

The tribunal can provide forms and other documents in accessible formats for screen readers, large print, Braille, and more.

For a list of screen readers that can be used to read Tribunal’s Ontario website content and forms, see our Accessibility and diversity webpage.

What happens if an accommodation becomes unavailable?

If an accommodation becomes unavailable, the tribunal will let the parties know as soon as possible. The tribunal will arrange to reschedule or change the proceeding so that it is accessible.