Policy: Accessibility and Accommodation

Approved: Sept. 2022

Definitions

“Disability” means:

• Any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation or disfigurement that is caused by bodily injury, birth defect or illness and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, a brain injury, any degree of paralysis, amputation, lack of physical co-ordination, blindness or visual impediment, deafness or hearing impediment, muteness or speech impediment, or physical reliance on a guide dog or other animal or on a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device;
• A condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability;
• A learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language;
• A mental disorder; or,
• An injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997.

“Service animal” means an animal for a person with a disability where it is readily apparent that the animal is used by the person for reasons relating to their disability or where the person provides a letter from a healthcare professional qualified under AODA confirming that they require the animal for reasons relating to the disability. Service animals include guide dogs.

“Support person” means an individual who accompanies a person with a disability to help with communication, mobility, personal care or medical needs, or with access to information and services.

Guiding Principles and Accessible Functions

CMTO will use reasonable efforts to ensure that its policies, practices and procedures governing the provision of its information and services to persons with disabilities are consistent with the following principles:

• Information and services are provided in a way that respects the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities;
• Persons with disabilities can benefit from the same information and services in a similar way as others; and,
• Persons with disabilities have opportunities equal to others to obtain, use, and benefit from CMTO’s information and services.

In carrying out its functions, CMTO will:

• Communicate with persons with disabilities in ways that take their disabilities into account. Where provided accommodations are not sufficient, CMTO will be prepared to use alternative formats and communication methods;
• Serve persons with disabilities who use assistive devices;
• Welcome people with disabilities and their service animals and,
• Allow a person with a disability who is accompanied by a support person to bring that person with them to CMTO’s premises. Where applicable, the consent of the person with the disability will be obtained before discussing any confidential information in the presence of the support person.

CMTO provides information in a variety of formats:

• The website, including information about complaints and discipline and the Annual Report, is AODA compliant and can be read using a screen reader.
• Registration renewal and other administrative forms can be read using a screen reader.
• E-mail and Microsoft Word documents can be read using an e-reader
• Some online module components include closed-captioning and staff support is available by phone or e-mail for registrants completing a module.

Where an existing format does not provide sufficient accommodation, an alternate format may be requested.

Appendix A provides detailed information about the formats available for specific programs and services offered by CMTO.

Notice of Temporary Disruptions

In the event of a planned or unexpected disruption to services or facilities for persons with disabilities, CMTO will notify its employees and members of the public promptly. This clearly posted notice will include information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated length of time, and a description of alternative facilities or services, if available. Any notices will be posted at all public entrances and service counters of CMTO or communicated by such method as is reasonable in the circumstances.

Employment

CMTO is committed to equality in the employment context with respect to disability. This commitment extends to its recruitment.

Feedback Process

CMTO welcomes any feedback or questions regarding the methods it uses to provide information and services to persons with disabilities. Individuals who wish to provide feedback can do so in person, by mail, telephone, facsimile transmission or email to:

Director, Corporate Services
College of Massage Therapists of Ontario
1867 Yonge Street, Suite 810
Toronto, Ontario M4S 1Y5
Telephone: 416-489-2626, ext. 4134; toll free: 1-800-465-1933
Facsimile: 416-489-2625
E-mail: corporateservices@cmto.com

If the above methods of contact are not suitable, those interacting with CMTO may request another method. Privacy will be respected and all feedback will be reviewed for possible action that can be taken to improve the accessibility of CMTO services. Where feedback is provided, a response will generally be provided within 10 days.

Modification of Policy

Changes will not be made to this policy unless the impact of the changes on persons with disabilities has been considered. Any CMTO policy that does not respect and promote the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities will be modified or removed.

Appendix A: Information, Program and Services Accommodations