Disclosure and Confidentiality

Confidentiality of information is the foundation of an effective service for students with disabilities. As well as a requirement by law, Accessibility Services believes that this practice generates a student's trust and confidence.  

Accessibility staff treat any information we learn about students in interviews and/or reports from other professionals as confidential. Only with the student's permission do we convey information about their disability with U of T staff members outside our service. The level of disclosure is on a need-to-know basis, meaning that not all information provided by a student to the service is shared with an individual faculty member or administrative staff member.  

Accessibility encourages students to disclose their disability to instructors and discuss plans for accommodations. Our staff believes that a three-way partnership with the student, the Accessibility Advisor and university staff (e.g. instructor) paves the way for the best opportunity for a student to be successful in university.