Know Before You Go – Duty of Care

Deafblind Network of Ontario (DBNO) is excited to host the Deafblind International (DbI) 18th international World Conference as a live, in-person conference in Ottawa, Ontario.

The information outlined in this Duty of Care document is of vital importance for you and your safety. Please read the document thoroughly and be sure to check back regularly to keep up with evolving requirements to participate safely.

Duty of Care 
The health and safety of everyone attending the conference including attendees, staff, volunteers, and suppliers is the top priority for DBNO. As such, we are undertaking preventative measures to reduce the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus at the (DbI) 18th International World Conference July 22 – 28, 2023, in accordance with COVID-19 regulations provided by the Ontario Government and guidelines provided by Ontario Ministry of Health, local health authorities and the Shaw Convention Centre and the Westin Ottawa host hotel along with and other venues offering extended social activities to delegates.

DBNO will update this Duty of Care reflecting our ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and comfort of those joining us at the conference.

Personal Accountability Commitment
We are committed to following government regulations and guidelines as they apply to the COVID-19 as well as the requirements of local health authorities and our suppliers. Additionally, we ask all those attending to follow the attendance requirements and help us host a safe and successful 18th International World Conference July 22 – 28, 2023.

DbI 2023 attendees, event organizers and partners agree to engage safely which includes, but is not limited to; proof of full vaccination, contact tracing, health screening, wearing a mask at all times in public areas, engaging in appropriate physical distancing and not attending the event if you are experiencing any signs, symptoms (including a sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion), or have recently been exposed to, or diagnosed and not yet cleared by provincial health authorities as non-contagious with COVID-19.

DBNO Vaccine Policy
In compliance with provincial government regulations and the Shaw Centre, DBNO requires in-person conference attendees to be fully vaccinated (in accordance with the Ministry of Health) against COVID-19, unless they have a medical exemption. This policy is in accordance with current provincial proof of vaccination regulations for indoor conference, meeting, and event spaces. In-person attendees will be required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination along with government-issued photo ID.

Convention Centre (Shaw Centre)
At this time the Shaw Center is required by Provincial regulations to ask every person entering the convention centre be fully vaccinated (as defined by Health Canada) in accordance with the Ministry of Health. In addition to being fully vaccinated the Shaw Centre requires everyone entering the building to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination along with government issued photo ID each day. Negative COVID-19 tests will not be accepted. Those entering the building may also be required to complete a health screening questionnaire and provide contract tracing information before entering the Shaw Centre each day.

Conference Hotel
The Westin Ottawa Hotel is our primary dedicated conference hotel with a special group rate for DbI 2023 attendees. The attached link will provide travel and safety guidelines, please visit our travel guidance page HERE

Group Transport by Bus:
Bus drivers will ensure their vehicles are sanitized between and well-ventilated during trips. Please be sure to sanitize your hands before boarding and wear a mask at all times. Drinking and eating is not allowed while on the buses.

Updated: February 11, 2022