I need an adjustment to an Ontario interview or test: what should I ask?

Accommodation is assessed individually

OHRC guidance describes recruitment accommodation for needs related to protected Ontario Code grounds, subject to undue hardship. Its examples are guidance, not a guarantee that every requested format must be used. Identify the barrier in this interview or test and provide relevant information to discuss an appropriate arrangement. A scheduling difficulty alone does not establish every legal condition; ask how the need relates to the protected ground and the actual process.

Describe the specific barrier and suggest a solution

When making your request, identify the scheduled date, format, and task, and explain exactly what barrier you face—for example, difficulty accessing written materials or an oral response format that does not suit your needs. Suggest an arrangement that would address the barrier, such as extra time, a different format, or a change in interview time. Keep this separate from asking to remove an essential job requirement; accommodation is about how you participate, not changing the core duties of the job.

Use the verified recruitment contact provided by the employer. In an initial public application, you do not need to provide your entire medical history; you only need to share information that is relevant to the accommodation request. If you are unsure what to share, start with a brief description of the barrier and offer to provide more details if needed.

Confirm the arrangement in writing

Ask who handles accommodation requests, what further relevant information is required, and how the agreed adjustment will operate in practice. Save all correspondence, including the invitation, your request, and the employer's response. Before the interview, verify practical details—for example, if you requested a screen reader, confirm it will be available and tested.

If the employer proposes an alternative that does not address your barrier, explain why it does not work, focusing on how it affects your participation. Do not assume that only your first suggestion is acceptable; be open to discussing other options that would still meet your needs.

If access is refused

If the employer refuses your accommodation request, keep the invitation, your request, the decision, and the reason given. Seek advice on Ontario human rights procedures and the applicable time limit for filing a complaint. Note that the OHRC's policy guidance is different from the body that decides individual applications—the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario. This guide does not guarantee that you will receive interview questions in advance, certify disability evidence, or determine whether a refusal meets the legal test of undue hardship.

What to do if the issue is unresolved

If your request is ignored or denied without a clear reason, first follow up in writing with the recruitment contact, restating your request and asking for a specific response. If the employer still does not address the issue, you may need to seek legal advice or contact the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario directly. Before doing so, gather all relevant documents: the job posting, your application, the interview invitation, your accommodation request, and any correspondence about the decision.

When seeking advice, bring a clear timeline of events and a description of the barrier you faced. A lawyer or legal clinic can help you understand whether the refusal may violate the Code and what steps to take next. This guide does not replace professional legal advice.

Hypothetical illustration: access to the written test

An applicant explains that the written test format cannot be accessed with the assistive tool they use. The applicant names the interview date and affected task, suggests an accessible format and asks who handles the request. If a different arrangement is proposed, the applicant explains whether it addresses the participation barrier, then confirms the practical setup in writing. This does not seek the answers or automatically remove an essential requirement. If access remains refused, the invitation, request and response become a focused record for Ontario-specific advice.

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