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I have a disability and need an extension to complete my RECO education requirements. How do I apply for an accommodation under the Ontario Human Rights Code?

A registrant’s medical circumstance may impact their ability to fulfill their education obligation for registration renewal.

RECO is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to any registrant with a diagnosis of disability, consistent with Section 10(1) of the Ontario Human Rights Code, who require additional time to complete their education requirements.

Who is eligible for accommodation?

A registrant may be eligible for accommodation if they have been diagnosed with a disability, such as: a mental or physical impairment, serious injury, or significant ongoing illness that prevents them from physically being able to work and complete their education requirements for registration renewal.

Definition of disability

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. 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

Qualifying for education accommodation

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

A registrant 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:

1. 1. A professional diagnosis of current disability, consistent with Section 10(1) of the Ontario Human Rights Code
   2. A Request for Accommodation Application form, completed by both the registrant and their regulated health care professional
   3. Details regarding the limitations associated with the disability, how it directly impacts the registrant’s ability to work and complete their education requirements, and expectations for recovery
   4. Verifiable medical documentation, if available
   5. 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.

Privacy and confidentiality

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, a registrant 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.

The accommodation applicant’s responsibilities

Requests for Accommodation must include sufficient detail concerning the nature of the limitations related to the disability and how they adversely affect the registrant’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.

Registrants 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. Registrants with an articling or post-registration education requirement may also be asked to provide proof of enrolment in any incomplete courses and examinations.

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

How to apply for accommodation

Registrants who qualify under the Ontario Human Rights Code can apply for accommodation by:

• • Completing Part 1 of the Request for Accommodation Application form
  • Having their regulated health care professional complete Part 2 of the Request for Accommodation Application form
  • Attaching medical documentation in support of their request
  • Filling out an Application for Renewal: Salesperson/Broker, and having their broker of record sign it
  • Sending their completed application package by email

Please note

• • Requests for Accommodation may be submitted up to 60 days prior to a registrant’s education deadline date. In addition, to avoid the risk of registration termination, requests should be submitted no less than 30 days prior to the registrant’s registration expiry date.
  • Upon receipt of a Requests for Accommodation, an email acknowledgment will be sent within five (business) days.
  • Email responses to complete Requests for Accommodation take approximately 15 working days.
  • A verification of application receipt is not immediately available. Applicants can expect an email communication within a few days of RECO receiving their application.
  • Accommodation arrangements and education extensions vary depending on each applicant’s specific situation.
  • Regardless of a disability, registrants must meet all criteria for registration under REBBA, including paying any applicable fees related to their registration with RECO.

Request for Accommodation Application form (PDF)

RECO Request for Accommodation Policy (PDF)

Please email any questions to accommodations@reco.on.ca

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