The College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario
Newsletter | May 2024
In this issue…

  • Presentation: Privacy Legislation and Occupational Therapy Practice
  • Wellness Resources
  • Now Available: Annual Learning Plan
  • QA Updates: Annual eLearning Module Coming June
  • Reminder: Renewal Deadline May 31
  • CRA Resource: Demystifying the Disability Tax Credit
  • Investigations & Resolutions Resources: Complaints and Reporting
  • Video: What to Expect from Your Occupational Therapist
  • June Board Meeting
  • May Poll and April Results
Important News
Information and Updates
New Privacy Presentation
Watch: Privacy Legislation and Occupational Therapy Practice
A recording of our Practice Team's presentation on Privacy Legislation and Occupational Therapy Practice is now available. You can watch the recording on COTO's YouTube Channel.

Don't forget to subscribe to our channel to get notified as soon as new videos become available! 🔔
Wellness Resources
We understand the importance of health and well-being, both personally, and professionally in your delivery of occupational therapy services.

We have put together a short list of equity and wellness resources, as well as links to mental health support for occupational therapists that may be helpful during these challenging times.


Additional links to public programs and resources are available on our resources page. You can find more equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) resources on our updated EDI page.
Annual Learning Plan
Now Available
The Annual Learning Plan is now available in the COTO Portal. Make sure you have set up your account in our new COTO Portal system before trying to access the Annual Learning Plan.

Occupational therapists, set your goals and come back to describe their impact by the October 31, 2024 due date.
Quality Assurance Updates
 Annual eLearning Module and Competency Assessment
The Annual eLearning Module will be available next month. This year the module is about "Record Keeping: more than just a note." 📬 Watch your inbox for more details in June!

The Quality Assurance Team thanks the 100+ OTs who participated in the latest competency assessment. We'll be sharing what we've learned in future newsletters!
Mark Your Calendar
Reminders and Dates to Remember
Reminder: Annual Renewal
Complete your annual renewal by May 31, 2024
Thank you to all registrants who have already completed renewal!

Reminder: All occupational therapists are required to renew or resign on or before May 31, 2024.

If you do not complete renewal or resign your registration by the May 31, 2024 deadline, you will receive notice that your registration will be suspended for non-payment of fees if fees are not paid within 30 days.

No longer practising in Ontario? Retiring? Taking a leave? If you are stopping practice, learn more about your options on our website.
To renew your registration, you will need to log in to the COTO Portal.

  • If you have not already, you must first set up your COTO account in our new Portal. All registrants have been sent an email with instructions on how to set up their new COTO Portal account.

  • As of February 2024, the COTO Portal is the central location to access all your College activities.

  • You will need to create a new username and password to access the COTO Portal. Make sure your email address in your College profile is up-to-date prior to completing your annual renewal.

  • Save your newly created username and password for your COTO Portal account. This is the only username and password you need to access all COTO services.
 
If you have questions, we are happy to help.
 
Contact registration@coto.org or 1-800-890-6570 x230 for assistance.
You and Your Practice
Information and Resources
Disability Tax Credit Myths
Canada Revenue Agency resource on the disability tax credit
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is sharing resources about the disability tax credit (DTC) and debunking some of the most common myths and misconceptions.
 
The CRA has a new page, Demystifying the Disability Tax Credit, where they correct common myths to ensure that eligible individuals are aware of their entitlements under the program.

For more information, check out these CRA pages and resources:
 
 
Investigations & Resolutions
Online Resources for Registrants
Did you know?

The College has information about what to know if you have been notified of a concern or a complaint.

There's also information available if you are concerned about another occupational therapist and not sure what to do.

Take some time to review these web pages and if you have any questions or concerns, please contact investigations@coto.org.
Did you find the new pages helpful?
Yes, both pages are helpful.
The page 'Concerned about another occupational therapist?' is helpful.
The page 'Have you been notified of a concern or a complaint?' is helpful.
No, I did not find either page helpful.
Video: What to Expect...
We've updated our video on What to Expect from Your Occupational Therapist. We've also been promoting it on social media this month.

The video aligns with the College's updated values and commitments, including our commitment to integrating equity, diversity, and inclusion.
We encourage you to share this video with your family, friends, clients and networks.
Looking for the Standards of Practice and other resources?

Resources are available here: Standards and Practice Resources

Tip: 📑 Bookmark the page for future reference!
College Governance
June Board Meeting
Want to learn more about decisions that affect the profession and the public we serve? The College's next Board of Directors meeting will be held on June 20, 2024.

Meetings are open to the public. Meeting dates and materials are posted online.
Connect with Us
Take the latest poll
May Poll & April Results
News of AI (artificial intelligence) is everywhere! We would like to know more about how or if occupational therapists are using artificial intelligence tools in their practice.
Are you using AI (artificial intelligence) in your practice?
Yes
No
Not sure
In April we asked you: How would you consider getting involved with the College?

We received 81 votes and here are the top results:

  • 21% voted "Participating in a working group or focus group" (17 votes)
  • 21% voted "None of the above" (17 votes)
  • 19.8% voted "Not sure" (16 votes)
  • 16% voted Becoming a peer assessor (13 votes)
Thank you for participating in our poll!

There are many ways you can get involved with the College. If you'd like to learn more and share your ideas, see how you can get involved.
Do you know someone who would like to be added to our mailing list?
They can sign up here. Have additional comments or suggestions for the College email news? Send your thoughts to communications@coto.org.
Any changes to your profile information in the last 30 days? Make sure you update your profile.
DO NOT UNSUBSCRIBE IF YOU ARE A REGISTRANT OF THE COLLEGE.

If registrants unsubscribe, they will be contacted to re-subscribe. The College communicates to occupational therapists by email regarding changes to standards, mandatory registration requirements, public consultations and more. We strive to keep communication relevant and to a minimum.

20 Bay Street, Suite 900, Toronto, ON · 416-214-1177 · 1-800-890-6570 · coto.org · info@coto.org