Individualized education plans (IEPs) and experiences of disability support in Canadian schools
In a 2026 research report written by FCSS-FESC researcher Allison D. Headrick, we examine individualized education plans (IEPs) and experiences of disability support in Canadian schools. Through a pan-Canadian comparative analysis, the report considers differences and commonalities in IEP frameworks, policies, and practices across Canada’s provinces and territories, including variations in review timelines, legal status, implementation, and regional approaches to disability support. The publication also examines attitudinal, procedural, and environmental barriers to effective IEP implementation and identifies best practices for improving accessibility and inclusion. In particular, it emphasizes student self-knowledge and self-advocacy, intersectional approaches to disability support, improved access to disability professionals, and practical strategies for educators, students, caregivers, and policymakers.
A PDF version is available for download as of 15 August 2026.
An accessible HTML version will be available below by the end of 2026.
Bibliographic information.
Original publication date: 15 August 2026
Webpage publication date: 16 August 2026
Webpage last updated: 16 August 2026
Individualized education plans (IEPs) and experiences of disability support in Canadian schools
First edition
Editor
Husayn Jamal
Author
Allison D. Headrick
Copyright © Federation of Canadian Secondary Students / Fédération des élèves du secondaire au Canada (FCSS-FESC) and the Authors.
NOTICE & DISCLAIMER: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form by any means without the written consent of the FCSS-FESC and/or the Authors. The FCSS-FESC and all persons involved in the creation of this publication disclaim any warranty as to the accuracy of this publication and shall not be responsible for any action taken in reliance on the publication, or for any errors or omissions contained in the publication. Nothing in this publication constitutes professional advice.
The FCSS-FESC has no responsibility for the persistence or accuracy of URLs for external or third-party Internet websites referred to in this publication, and does not guarantee that any content on such websites is, or will remain, accurate or appropriate.
Federation of Canadian Secondary Students / Fédération des élèves du secondaire au Canada (FCSS-FESC)
42 Sassafras St,
Kitchener, ON N2N 3S1
https://fcss-fesc.ca/
hello-bonjour@fcss-fesc.ca
+1 (289) 408-8600