What to Do When Your Accommodation Request Is Denied: A Guide for BC Post-Secondary Students

Receiving a denial for a disability‑related accommodation can feel discouraging, confusing, or even isolating. Many students aren’t sure what to do next, or whether they have any options at all. If this has happened to you, it’s important to know that you’re not alone, and you do have a clear path forward.

This guide walks through the steps available to students at BC post‑secondary institutions when an accommodation request is denied. Each step is meant to help you understand your rights, gather support, and move forward at a pace that feels manageable.

Start by Asking for a Written Explanation

A written explanation gives you clarity and creates a record you can refer back to. You can gently ask your accessibility office to:

• Provide the denial in writing

• Explain the specific reason for the decision

• Review the decision formally

Keeping copies of emails, meeting notes, and documents can help you stay organized and supported throughout the process.

Explore Options Within Your Institution

Most BC post‑secondary institutions have internal pathways for reviewing or appealing accommodation decisions. You may be able to connect with:

• A student ombudsperson

• An internal human rights or equity office

• A formal appeal or review committee

These internal steps matter. The BC Human Rights Tribunal generally expects students to try resolving concerns within their institution before filing a complaint.

Reach Out for Free Advice and Support

You don’t have to navigate this alone. Two provincial resources offer guidance and, in some cases, free legal help:

• BC Office of the Human Rights Commissioner  helps you understand your rights

• BC Human Rights Clinic offers free legal assistance for eligible complainants

These services don’t make decisions about your case, but they can help you understand your options and feel more confident about your next steps.

Consider Filing with the BC Human Rights Tribunal

If internal steps don’t resolve the issue, you may choose to file a complaint with the BC Human Rights Tribunal. Some key things to know:

• You must file within one year of the denial

• If accepted, your institution has about eight weeks to respond

• Mediation is often offered

• If mediation doesn’t resolve the issue, a hearing may be scheduled

• The Tribunal is currently experiencing delays, and acknowledgement may take several months

  
  

A Parallel Option: BC Ombudsperson

If you attend a public post‑secondary institution, the BC Ombudsperson can review concerns about administrative fairness. This process is:

• Free

• Independent

• Able to run alongside a Tribunal complaint

You can learn more about the BC Ombudsperson.

Important Principles to Keep in Mind

As you move through this process, three ideas may help you stay grounded:

• Reasonable accommodation   You have the right to accommodations that reasonably support your learning needs.

• Good‑faith participation   Both you and your institution share responsibility for engaging in the process respectfully and openly.

• Undue hardship   Institutions must accommodate up to the point where doing so becomes an undue hardship.

These principles shape how decisions are made and how conversations unfold.