Equal Education Services for Students with Disabilities

Summary#

• This Quebec bill would change the Education Act to protect the right of students with disabilities or with adjustment or learning difficulties to get services that are equal in quality to what the school should provide, when the school cannot provide them itself.

• The goal is to make sure these students keep learning, develop key life skills, and stay on track for a high school or vocational diploma.

• If a public school cannot deliver the services a student needs, it must arrange equivalent educational services.

• For minors, the school needs the parent’s approval before offering these services.

• Services must support the student’s full development, social inclusion, and basic skills for independence.

• The local school service center (or school board) must make sure these services let the student continue toward a Secondary School Diploma or a Diploma of Vocational Studies.

• Would take effect once signed into law.

What it means for you#

• Students with disabilities or learning/adjustment difficulties

  • You gain a clear right to get educational services of the same quality when your school cannot provide the required support.
  • The services you receive should help you grow as a person, take part in society, and build skills to be more independent.
  • Your learning should stay on track so you can work toward a high school or vocational diploma.

• Parents and guardians

  • Your consent is required before the school offers these equivalent services to a minor.
  • You can ask the school and the school service center (or school board) how the services will keep your child on pace for a diploma.
  • You have a clearer basis to request alternatives if the school lacks needed services.

• Teachers and school staff

  • When the school cannot provide required supports, you will need to coordinate with leaders to arrange equivalent services for eligible students.
  • Plans should focus on whole-student development, social inclusion, and essential skills.

• School service centers and school boards

  • You are responsible for ensuring the alternative services are truly equivalent and allow continued progress toward a diploma.
  • You may need to review and monitor service quality more closely.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• Creates a clear right so students are not left without support when schools cannot deliver needed services.
• Keeps students on track to earn a high school or vocational diploma.
• Emphasizes whole-person development, social inclusion, and skills for independence.
• Increases accountability for school service centers and school boards to ensure service quality.
• Gives families a stronger footing to request timely, appropriate alternatives.

Opponents' View#

• Could require schools and service centers to spend more money or staff time without new funding.
• “Equivalent services” is not defined in detail, which could lead to uneven standards or disputes.
• Lacks timelines and enforcement details, so families might still face delays.
• May add paperwork and administrative work for schools and parents.
• Some worry it could shift students away from regular classrooms instead of improving in-school support.