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.

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.

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.

Foundation DEIA Commitment Progress Statements
January 22, 2023:
In June 2023, the Foundation Board of Directors approved the extension of the consolidated DEI workgroup for an additional year (June 2024). The workgroup’s goals during this time are to complete meetings with our program committees focused on identifying DEI related barriers, continue to be a resource for Foundation committees and volunteers as we progress current DEI initiatives, and present recommendations to the Board of Directors, including permanent structure, that will support new initiatives and continued progress.
In a commitment to ensuring those with disabilities are represented within the Foundation, the Board of Directors voted in October 2023 to approve the addition of “Accessibility”. The Foundation describes accessibility as:

“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 Foundation is committed to ensuring our volunteers and stakeholders have reasonable accommodations to fully participate in our programs and services.”

Led by the workgroup, the Foundation will begin reviewing all documents, services, and programs for accessibility and providing recommendations on areas to improve.

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