The College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO) is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI). The College acknowledges, honours, and respects the fundamental value and dignity of all people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We recognize the importance of EDI in fulfilling our mandate: to protect the public through effective regulation of occupational therapists. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Equity, diversity and inclusion are core elements of our values, commitments and strategic plan. We aim to create a safe space for diverse, open, and honest contributions as we work together to achieve our mandate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
We consider the uniqueness of each situation. We are respectful of all voices, conscious of bias, open-minded, and dedicated to learning. We are committed to integrating equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) practices throughout our organization and the occupational therapy profession to protect the public interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We are fair, open and responsive. We are proactive. We hold ourselves accountable for our decisions and actions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We listen. We work together to ensure quality occupational therapy services across the province.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
As part of the 2024 – 2027 Strategic Priorities<\/a>, COTO has a dedicated goal to integrate the practices of equity, diversity and inclusion throughout the College and profession.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n The Competencies for Occupational Therapists in Canada (2021) <\/em>outlines the expectation for occupational therapists to provide culturally safer <\/strong>health services, while upholding the human rights of all clients and people who work with occupational therapists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Culture, Equity and Justice section of the Competencies says occupational therapists are expected to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n To learn more, view the Competencies for Occupational Therapists in Canada<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Occupational therapists can encourage clients to share what they consider to be safe and support them in drawing strength from their identity, culture, and community. Embracing cultural safer services is not just an initiative; but a journey towards improved health care experiences when receiving occupational therapy services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n *Adapted from the BC First Nations Health Authority (2016). Creating a Climate for Change: Cultural Safety and Humility in Health Services for First Nations and Aboriginal Peoples in British Columbia.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n When working with an occupational therapist:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learn more about What to Expect From Your Occupational Therapist<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n COTO is working together with national regulators (ACOTRO<\/a>) to develop a national eLearning Module for occupational therapists across Canada on Advancing Culture, Equity and Justice in Occupational Therapy Practice. The module explores the topic of cultural humility and equity in occupational therapy practice and applies to occupational therapists in diverse practice areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The module focuses on real scenarios to engage professionals and build awareness and application to practice. It introduces concepts related to culture and equity, with the understanding that terminology and experiences are evolving and incorporating humility into practice is a lifelong endeavour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The goal is for occupational therapists in both clinical and non-clinical roles to apply this learning directly to their daily work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In 2022, COTO began including voluntary questions on Indigenous identity and gender identity in our application and renewal forms.\u00a0This year, COTO added racialized group identity. This data will help us better understand demographic trends in the profession and guide efforts to improve equity and inclusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Anonymous data will be used for statistical purposes such as reports and analyses, and to provide information about group representation in the profession. It will also help inform initiatives to address systemic inequity and other barriers in our health system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learn more and see our Sociodemographic Data Collection FAQ<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to our 2024 – 2027 Strategic Priorities<\/a>, we also work together with our health system partners to support and advance EDI in health care.<\/p>\n\n\n\nExpectation for occupational therapists to provide culturally safer services<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n\n
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What is cultural safety*?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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What does this mean for patients and clients?<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n\n
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What is the College doing?<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n\n
National eLearning Module<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Sociodemographic data collection<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Working with system partners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Culture, Equity, and Justice in Occupational Therapy Practice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n