The policy on confidentiality for the Sault College Special Needs Office is grounded in the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Ontario College Counsellors' Ethical Guidelines. Other forms of legislation may apply at different times. In any event that these policies contradict any provided by the Ministry of Education and Training, the policies provided by the Ministry of Education and Training will supercede any policies of the Special Needs Office. Also, if these policies contradict any of the laws of Ontario or Canada, the applicable law will prevail. The Sault College Special Needs Office recognizes the student as the client at all times.
All information discussed with the counsellor is considered private and confidential.
The counsellor will only disseminate information about the client to another individual with prior written consent from the client, or under the following extraordinary circumstances. To report any circumstances of child abuse or sexual abuse to the proper authorities, as described in the Child and Family Services Act. As a result of being presented with a search and seizure warrant or a subpoena. The counsellor provides information to another employee within the college. The Special Needs secretary has access to the client files for the purposes of filing documentation and ensuring the files are whole and complete.