Public Education and Awareness

The College oversees the practice of occupational therapists (OTs) in Ontario. See our public education and awareness materials so you know what to expect when you are working with an occupational therapist and receiving occupational therapy services.

Publications and Outreach Materials

Public Resources
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COTO Brochure – Qualified Health Professionals
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Public Resources
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COTO Information Card – All Ages, All Abilities (Adults)
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Public Resources
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COTO Information Card – All Ages, All Abilities (Children)
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Public Resources

What to Expect from Your Occupational Therapist (Multiple Languages)

What to Expect from Your Occupational Therapist Occupational therapists work with people of all ages and all abilities to help them reach their best level of function and…
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Articles

Public awareness articles published in community newspapers and online outlets.

Public Resources

3 things to consider if you’re caring for your parent

A parent’s aging can prompt difficult conversations around their independence and living situation. Through planning or just circumstance, you may also find yourself taking care of the person…
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Public Resources

3 ways to keep gardening with back pain

Gardening is a favourite leisure activity for many of us, providing hours of relaxation, de-stressing and outdoor enjoyment. But if back pain, mobility issues or a health condition…
Public Resources

3 ways to make your home more accessible for all

There’s a growing concept in the homebuilding world known as “visitability.” Simply put, the idea is to build homes that are accessible to all, regardless of any mobility…
Public Resources

5 dealbreakers if you’re on the hunt for an accessible home

Buying a home is the biggest purchase most of us will ever make. There are many factors to weigh when deciding which one to put an offer on….
Public Resources

5 ways to help seniors maintain their independence

Older adulthood can be one of the most fulfilling times in a person’s life, but many of us worry about losing our independence. Whether you’re looking ahead for…
Public Resources

Home modifications help seniors age in place

As baby boomers hit their golden years, many look to update their homes. Not just for style but for function. The right adaptations can keep people in their…
Public Resources

Home safety tips to keep your family secure

Your home is supposed to be your sanctuary. But there are many potential hazards lurking in the house. Here are some key safety tips to stay on top…
Public Resources

How accessible is your home? 3 questions to ask

Thinking about how your home would function for visitors with different abilities might not be top of mind. However, considering where someone else might struggle around your home…
Public Resources

How to get back in the garden after mobility loss

Whether it’s due to arthritis, a life event or another cause, losing mobility can be a difficult adjustment. It can make simple but meaningful activities like gardening seem…
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Public Resources

How to make the family cottage safe and accessible

With spring here, the time is nearing to open up the family cottage. Getting ready isn’t just a matter of stocking the fridge and pantry, getting the utilities…
Public Resources

Is your child struggling in school? Get help from the right professional

How can students learn best? That’s a big question in any classroom and can be an extra challenge for students dealing with a physical, mental or emotional disability….
Public Resources

Is your home ready for you to age in place?

Canadians are increasingly hearing about a phrase that could shift how they view home designs – “aging in place.” The point of this concept is to spend your…
Public Resources

Living better with arthritis

Dealing with arthritis can make anything from enjoying a meal to tying your shoes more difficult. It’s something that more than 5.5 million people in Canada face every…
Public Resources

Reclaiming your space after changes in your mobility

Going through a life event that impacts your mobility can make familiar things feel new, or possibly frightening. Having to adapt to your living space is often frustrating,…
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Public Resources

Supporting mental health in the workplace

Open, honest conversations about mental health are becoming more common, which is helping a lot of people get the support they need. One place where mental health struggles…
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Public Resources

Top tips to make your home safer for all ages and abilities

Buying a home is the biggest purchase most of us will ever make. There are many factors to weigh when deciding which one to put an offer on….

Resources

Additional resources and information helpful to the public

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Investigations Process for Complaints

1. Submit a concern Complaints must be recorded and sent to the College. This can be in writing, or an audio or video recording. Complaints can also be…
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Q&As

Referral to get Assessed or Treated by an OT

Q: Do occupational therapists need a referral to assess or treat clients?A: Where an OT works will determine if a referral to assess or treat a client is…
Case Studies

Recording Occupational Therapy Sessions

Please note: This content contains references to an older version of the Code of Ethics and may not reflect recent updates. As of September 21, 2026, the new…
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Q&As

Providing Documentation for Service Animals

Q: As an OT, can I provide documentation to confirm that a person requires a service animal for reasons relating to their disability? A: Yes, OTs are one…
Q&As

Obtaining Consent from Divorced or Separated Parents

Q: When an OT is obtaining informed consent for occupational therapy services provided to a child, are both parents required to give consent or is it sufficient for…
Q&As

The College’s public register

Question: What is the purpose of the College’s public register? Answer: The Ontario government requires all regulatory colleges in the province to maintain a public register. The College’s…

Videos

Videos about occupational therapy, working with an occupational therapist, and the role of the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario.

Videos

Occupational therapists and the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario

The College of Occupational Therapists registers (licenses) occupational therapists (OTs) in Ontario. Our job is to make sure you receive safe effective care from OTs. Learn about OTs,…
Videos

Who do occupational therapists work with?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_Kpje1wlIs As licensed health professionals, occupational therapists work with people of all ages. They help people with physical, mental, or cognitive challenges participate in daily activities and improve…
Videos

What to expect from your occupational therapist

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9unIRDp0jAU&t=2s Watch and learn about what to expect when working with an occupational therapist (OT) who is registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario. When you…
Videos

What is the College, and what does it do?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40GdF1FCXTk The College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario is the regulator of occupational therapists in Ontario. We make sure the public receives safe and effective occupational therapy services….
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Videos

Looking for an occupational therapist in Ontario? Use our public register

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjP7NaMpHlQ Are you looking for an occupational therapist or working with one? Check the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario's public register to make sure your occupational therapist…
Videos

How does the College protect the public?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCFbcJkS2YY Have you ever had questions about working with an occupational therapist? Do you wonder what to expect at an appointment? Or who to call if you have…
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Explore all our resources in our resource library