Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility:

The NATA Research & Education Foundation recognizes that every individual is different, each shaped by unique life experiences, with varied access and opportunities.  This recognition enables us to better understand our volunteers and other stakeholders, and eliminate disparities to create meaningful change. When we engage the strengths and talents of each volunteer, we ensure a strong organization capable of providing high-level research, supporting education, and enhancing knowledge to optimize the clinical experience and outcomes for our diverse populations.

NATA Foundation DEIA Defined
Diversity:  Diversity is the similarities and differences of people found in our workforce and communities. Diversity includes many characteristics such as race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, appearance, personality, religion, abilities, job function, life experience, geography, regional differences, work experience, family situation and others – all of which make us similar to and different from one another. The NATA Foundation commits itself to creating and fostering a diverse culture.

Equity:  Equity exists when each person has the appropriate access to opportunities and resources to attain their highest quality of life. The NATA Foundation will recognize and address systemic disparities where possible and how those disparities have impacted our volunteers and stakeholders.

Inclusion:  Inclusion is intentionally engaging human differences and viewing such differences as strengths. We create inclusion by actively seeking and valuing the voices and life experiences of each person. These actions build an environment that fosters respect, belonging and trust. The NATA Foundation volunteers are committed to each other and the stakeholders we serve, while being respectful of the differences each individual embodies.

Accessibility: When individuals with disabilities are in an environment that allows them to obtain the same information, engage and interact with others, and utilize the same services as those without disabilities. The NATA Foundation is committed to ensuring our volunteers and stakeholders have reasonable accommodations to fully participate in our programs and services.

NATA Foundation DEIA Policy Statement
The NATA Research & Education Foundation creates, fosters, and advances a culture that values diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in all its activities. Our stakeholders come from all walks of life and so should we. We want committed people from a wide variety of backgrounds involved with the Foundation’s leadership and programs. Our mission and stakeholders are best served when people bring a variety of views and backgrounds together to advance our strategic priorities.

NATA Foundation DEIA Commitment Progress Statements

November 2024: 
In June 2024 the Foundation’s DEI workgroup provided the Board of Directors with final recommendations to advance our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. Over the last two years, the workgroup engaged with every Foundation program committee to identify barriers, develop solutions, and identify resources to support new initiatives and continued growth. They also served as a resource to all Foundation committees and collaborated with other Strategic Alliance leaders to promote DEIA across the athletic training profession.

In our June meeting, the Board of Directors approved the formation of the new Access and Collective Engagement Committee. This committee will assist Foundation leadership, committees, and staff in achieving our goals of inclusivity and accessibility for all our stakeholders. There is an open call for a committee chair and members, including a student member. Applications for committee and student members are due January 1, 2025. The committee will commence its work in June 2025. Until then, the DEI workgroup will continue to support the Foundation’s DEIA-related needs.

Previous Statements:
November 2024 DEIA Progress Statement 
January 2024 DEIA Progress Statement 
January 22, 2023 DEI Commitment Progress Statement
June 28, 2022 DEI Commitment Progress Statement