Know Your Rights: Protecting Yourself from Discrimination

What is Discrimination?

Discrimination happens when individuals or groups are denied equal treatment, rights, or opportunities based on certain characteristics. This can affect access to:

• Employment

• Education

• Housing

• Health care

• Public services, goods, or facilities

If you live with epilepsy and believe you’ve been treated unfairly—such as being harassed, wrongfully dismissed, or denied workplace accommodations—you may have grounds to file a complaint with the Ontario Human Rights Commission.

Your Legal Protection

Under the Ontario Human Rights Code, everyone has the right to equal treatment and freedom from discrimination in employment and other areas of life. The Code specifically protects against discrimination based on disability, which includes epilepsy.

“Every person has a right to equal treatment with respect to employment without discrimination because of race, ancestry, place of origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, record of offences, marital status, family status or handicap (also referred to as disability).”
— Ontario Human Rights Code, Part I, Section 5

What Disabilities Are Protected?

Under Section 10(1) of the Code, “disability” includes:

• Physical disabilities or disfigurements caused by injury, illness, or birth defects
  (including epilepsy, diabetes, paralysis, amputation, visual or hearing impairments, muteness, or reliance on assistive devices such as wheelchairs or guide dogs)

• Learning disabilities or challenges with understanding and using symbols or speech

• Developmental disabilities or impairments

• Mental health conditions

• Injuries or disabilities covered under Ontario’s Workers’ Compensation Act

Filing a Complaint

If you believe your rights have been violated due to epilepsy or any other protected ground, you can contact the Ontario Human Rights Commission. The Commission offers a structured complaint process, which includes:

• Initial inquiry and intake

• Mediation and negotiation

• Investigation, if necessary

Contact the Ontario Human Rights Commission

Address:
Ontario Human Rights Commission
180 Dundas Street West, 8th Floor
Toronto, ON M7A 2R9

Phone:
416-314-4500
Toll-free: 1-800-387-9080
Fax: 416-314-4561

Email:
info@ohrc.on.ca

Stand Up for Your Rights

No one should face discrimination because of a health condition like epilepsy. Knowing your rights is the first step in protecting them. If you or someone you know is facing discrimination, reach out for support and take action.