Understanding The Duty To Accommodate
BCEdAccess Society
Under BC human rights law, schools must ensure students can access education equitably by accommodating disability-related needs. Once a disability and related harm are identified, districts must investigate barriers, consult meaningfully with parents, create and implement a plan, and monitor and adjust it over time. This duty applies even without an IEP or formal designation if a diagnosis is documented. Parents must cooperate in good faith and help facilitate the plan, while continuing to document concerns. If schools fail to act reasonably, they must justify their decisions before a tribunal.