Apply for an accommodation

A disability is defined as a health-related impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. There are many conditions that can be considered a disability for human rights purposes.

Section 10 (1) of the Ontario Human Rights Code defines “disability” as follows:

1. any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation or disfigurement that is caused by bodily injury, birth defect or illness and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, a brain injury, any degree of paralysis, amputation, lack of physical co-ordination, blindness or visual impediment, deafness or hearing impediment, muteness or speech impediment, or physical reliance on a guide dog or other animal or on a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device,
2. a condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability,
3. a learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language,
4. a mental disorder, or
5. an injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997

Qualification is based on an agent’s medical circumstance as well as the merit of their case.

An agent who is unable to physically perform the essential duties and requirements of their job, and complete their education requirements due to disability, can be accommodated in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code.

To be considered, requests for accommodation must include the following:

• A professional diagnosis of current disability, consistent with Section 10(1) of the Ontario Human Rights Code
• A Request for Accommodation application form, completed by both the agent and their regulated health care professional
• Details regarding the limitations associated with the disability, how it directly impacts the agent’s ability to work and complete their education requirements, and expectations for recovery
• Verifiable medical documentation, if available
• An Application for Renewal: Salesperson/Broker, completed by the applicant and signed by their employing broker of record

Please note that applicants who have not been formally diagnosed with a disability are not qualified to receive an accommodation from RECO.

RECO will maintain the privacy of all information related to an accommodation request. All self-disclosed medical information is kept strictly confidential.

In certain circumstances, an agent may wish to designate a third party to represent their best interests and request accommodation on their behalf. To make that designation, a Power of Attorney (POA) form must be secured and submitted to RECO.

Requests for Accommodation must include sufficient detail concerning the nature of the limitations related to the disability and how they adversely affect the agent’s ability to complete their education requirements. The disability, and the time required to complete the education requirements, must be confirmed, in writing, on Part 2 of the Request for Accommodation Application form by a regulated health care professional tending to the medical condition of the applicant, with specific training and expertise in the diagnoses of the conditions(s) for which the accommodation is being requested.

Agents seeking accommodation may be asked to provide further information to help RECO to identify potential solutions. This can include obtaining expert opinions where needed.

Once RECO has determined an accommodation arrangement, an applicant may be asked to agree, in writing, to specifics of how their accommodation arrangement will be implemented and the steps to be taken to meet their education obligation. Agents with an articling or post-registration education requirement may also be asked to provide proof of enrolment in any incomplete courses and examinations.

Agents should work jointly with RECO throughout the accommodation process by communicating with us and providing additional information where needed. If an agent does not cooperate or is unresponsive to RECO’s communications, then the accommodation request may be abandoned.

If you qualify under the Ontario Human Rights Code, you can apply by following these steps:

Step 1: Complete Part 1 of the Request for Accommodation Application form

Step 2: Have your regulated health care professional complete Part 2 of the Request for Accommodation Application form

Step 3: Attach medical documentation in support of your request

Step 4: Fill out an Application for Renewal: Salesperson/Broker, and having their broker of record sign it

Step 5: Send your completed application package by email to accommodations@reco.on.ca

Please submit your application and all supporting documentation in a single attachment. Although not normally required, original documents may be requested.