On December 29, 2017, Ontario's Human Rights Tribunal issued
a decision in U.M. v. York Region District School Board
where it examined whether two students diagnosed with Autism
Spectrum were provided 'meaningful access to education'
without discrimination in relation to the educational supports and
programming provided by the school jurisdiction.
The Complainant – A 'Very Involved' Parent
The parent's human rights' application focused on the
school jurisdiction's alleged failure to adhere to his parental
wishes.
The complainant, referred to as a 'very involved'
parent, relied on his own opinions about his children's school
needs. The father rejected the psycho-educational and medical
assessments; he did not agree to any re-assessments (in spite of
these having been recommended) because he did not trust the
professionals. His distrust extended to the school board's
Autism Team, to some of the teachers and EAs at his children's
school. Taking the position he was
