Accessibility Policy

The College of Dietitians of Ontario regulates the profession of dietitians in Ontario in the interest of public protection. We are committed to providing equal access to College employment, services and products in a way that respects the dignity and independence of every person, including people with disabilities.

The College is prepared to use alternative formats and methods to provide employment, products and services to people who have communication challenges and disabilities. Upon request, we will communicate by email or in person if telephone communication is not suitable for the person’s communication needs. The College will also provide publications in alternative formats, dependent upon document specifications.

The College is committed to meeting the needs of people who use support persons, service animals and assistive devices to access its services and products.

Support Person

A “support person” is an individual hired or chosen by a person with a disability to provide services or assistance with communication, mobility, personal care, medical needs or with access to goods and services. If a person with a disability is accompanied by a support person, the College shall ensure that both persons are permitted to enter the premises together and that the person with a disability is not prevented from having access to the support person while on the premises.

When confidential information is involved, the consent of the person with the disability will be obtained prior to discussing any confidential information in the presence of the support person.

Service Animals

If a person with a disability is accompanied by a guide dog or other service animal the College will permit the service animal to accompany that person in any area of the College ordinarily opened to the public or to members of the College.

Assistive Devices

An assistive device is a tool, technology or other mechanism that enables a person with a disability to do everyday tasks and activities such as moving, communicating or lifting. The College is committed to meet the needs of people using assistive devices when accessing its services and products.

In the event of a planned or unexpected disruption in services, the College will notify the public of the disruption, the reason for the disruption, its anticipated length and a description of alternative facilities or services, if available. The notice will be placed on the front door of our office, posted on our website and our telephone answering system will be updated accordingly.

The College promotes understanding, acceptance and finding the best solution for the delivery of its services. Staff will receive the following training:

• The purpose of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the requirements of the customer service standard.
• How to communicate and interact with people who have communication challenges.
• How to communicate and interact with people who use assistive devices or require a service animal or support person.
• What to do if a person with a disability is having difficulty in accessing goods and services.
• The College’s policies and practices relating to client-centred service.

Questions or feedback regarding the way the College provides services and programs to people with disabilities or about this policy can be made by contacting the Communications Manager at: 

416-598-1725 / 800-668-4990 ext. 222