Community Guidelines

The following guidelines govern the operation of the N.O.A.T. community

1. The single foremost goal for N.O.A.T. is to bring AT practitioners together to share in best practices, exchange relevant knowledge and foster growth in our fields of practice

2. Membership in The Network of Assistive Technologists is open to all Assistive Technology practitioners providing direct support to end users; those who work directly with the clients they support. N.O.A.T. members are those doing the job of an Assistive Technologist versus that of policy or management. Members may include vendors and those whose relation to the AT profession is primarily of a commercial nature

3. All members are encouraged to participate and share in a safe, supportive, collaborative and respectful manner

4. Discussions are how we share and learn. Be open to differing viewpoints, backgrounds, and interests. We learn from each other, even from our differences.

5. You are encouraged to examine, debate, and discuss but do not simply say one is  better than the other and always be open to opinions of others.

6. Members are asked to share info on the list versus direct messaging other members or communicating off list. If you need to go direct or off list, then please post a summary of your findings for everyone to learn from.

7. Please use descriptive subject lines, spell out acronyms at least once in the post, respect copyright and give credit where possible.

8. N.O.A.T. is not to be used for personal gain. Conflicts and / or financial interests are to be clearly stated in your message where applicable.

9. No direct marketing, promotions, or solicitations are permitted by any member.

10. Members who are vendors and / or primarily have a commercial interest in being a member agree to be additionally bound by the following

    1. No sales, prospecting, or marketing is permitted

    2. New product announcements are permitted one time per item or release and are to be shared as education and not simply marketing 

    3. Announcements of significant updates in features to an existing product or service are permitted one time per instance

    4. Sharing of known trouble, bugs, fixes, workarounds, and tips is permitted as needed for the education of all members

    5. Sharing of educational or instructional information intended to enhance other members professional knowledge and skills related to your product or service are permitted and encouraged at any time

    6. You are expected to be active and involved if your product is being discussed. Provide support and education. Even if the discussion is negative in nature, take the opportunity to educate the community, learn from the feedback, and be responsive instead of silent or defensive.

11. If a member fails to honour and abide by the community guidelines and membership criteria, The Network of Assistive Technologists may, at its sole and absolute discretion, moderate, suspend, or terminate the member’s membership.

Always remember

• Everything is always new to someone

• Nothing is too small to share

• Just because you know it, doesn’t mean everyone else should or does

• Some may find it obvious, others not so much - share anyways