Special education describes accommodations, supports, or programs for students who need different teaching methods or special equipment to allow them to be successful in school.
Special education
About special education
Watch this video to learn more about special education and how to get the support your child needs to succeed.
Special education research and resources
Access to special education in Ontario schools: The gaps and challenges
Results from People for Education’s 2023-24 Annual Ontario School Survey show that students' access to special education support is affected by neighbourhood income and geography.
Towards a new vision for special education
At our conference in November, a group of educators, parents, and policymakers explored how schools can create learning opportunities for all students, no matter what their learning needs.
Changes needed to make Ontario schools more inclusive
According to the Ontario Human Rights Commission, many students with disabilities do not have equal access to educational opportunities in Ontario, either at the primary and secondary, or at the post-secondary level.
2018 Annual report on schools: The new basics
People for Education's Annual report on Ontario’s publicly-funded schools is an audit of the education system – a way of keeping track of the impact of funding and policy choices in schools across the province.…
Province increases funding for special education
Ontario has added new funding to decrease wait times for special education assessment; increase support for students with very high needs; and improve school board supports for special education services.
Special education report 2017
This report is an excerpt from our 2017 annual report on Ontario's publicly funded schools. It looks at the staff and resources available to support students with special education needs.
Special education report 2016
This report is an excerpt from our 2016 annual report on Ontario's publicly funded schools.
Special education supports in Ontario’s schools
Special education funding changes in Ontario may result in improved access and better programs, but there is currently no information available about the impact of the changes.
Special education in the news
The Globe and Mail: Alberta urged to ban or regulate restraining special-needs children at school
Disability advocates are calling on the Alberta government to regulate the use of restraints and seclusion rooms for students with special education needs.
The Globe and Mail: Advocates for students with disabilities call on Ontario to stop school exclusions
The Ontario Autism Coalition is asking the Ontario Ministry of Education to remove principals' power to exclude students from school for an indefinite period.
The Globe and Mail: Educating Grayson: Are inclusive classrooms failing students?
This feature story explores the issues around the 'exclusion' of students with special education needs from school for all or part of the day.