For the purposes of these guidelines:
“Acceptable documentation” means documentation authorized under the Blind Persons’ Rights Act and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, namely:
- Medical documentation (or medical note): The medical documentation (or medical note) from an authorized regulated health professional. This document does not need to disclose more than necessary to explain that the animal is helping the handler with their disability-related needs.
Under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the AODA, service animals do not need to be certified.
An “accommodation service provider” means a uOttawa employee working in services responsible for assessing, planning and/or implementing an accommodation.
An “accommodation facilitator” means a uOttawa employee, professor or supervisor responsible for an event, a service, or an activity in the learning, working or living environment where a service animal is present or working.
An "authorized regulated health professional" means a person who is a member in good standing of one of the following professions listed in Section 80.45 (4) of Ontario Regulation 191/11: Integrated Accessibility Standards:
- audiologist or speech-language pathologist
- chiropractor
- nurse
- occupational therapist
- optometrist
- physician or surgeon
- physiotherapist
- psychologist
- psychotherapist or mental health therapist
“Direct control” of qualified service dogs can be demonstrated through close proximity in combination with the wearing of a harness and voice commands/hand signals; direct contact is not necessary. For other dogs and species, direct contact is expected, and control can be demonstrated through the use of a leash (not exceeding 6 feet in length, no extendable leashes), carrier/crate, or an appropriate alternative restraint method. Exceptions should be made where these restrictions prevent the animal from performing their required duties, in which case it is expected that the handler is in close proximity and that the animal can be kept under control using voice commands/hand signals.
“Disability” has the same meaning as in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and Section 10 of the Ontario Human Rights Code.
“Disturbance” means movements or vocalizations (due to an action or inaction) leading to the following outcome:
- Disruption or interference of the University’s core activities, namely teaching, research, scholarly activities and support services related to such core activities.
- Obstruction of the freedom of movement of others on campus.
- Injuries to someone or to property.
A “handler” refers to the person who is in charge of the service animal. This would typically be the person whom the service animal is assisting with a disability. The handler may also be the owner.
An “owner” refers to the legal owner of the service animal. The owner may also be the handler.
‘’Restricted areas’’ include:
- Facilities or laboratories where:
- research animals are handled;
- biological agents of Risk Group 2 or higher are stored or manipulated (i.e., CL2 or higher);
- biological specimens that might contain Risk Group 2 or higher pathogens are collected or processed, where radioactive materials (open sources) are used; and/or
- high hazard materials (i.e., chemicals) are used and represent a risk of exposure to the animal.
- Other restricted areas include:
- Areas where hazardous materials are used or stored
- Areas labelled restricted by the University of Ottawa due to health and/or safety concerns.
- Clinical areas with competing legislative requirements.
“University of Ottawa facilities’’ refers to all buildings and grounds, owned, leased or operated by the University of Ottawa, including outdoor areas, athletic and recreational fields, and all University-operated housing
