AOTA Event Code of Conduct
The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) is committed to providing an environment that encourages the free expression and exchange of ideas and promotes equal opportunities and respectful treatment for all participants. All participants are expected to treat others with respect and consideration, follow venue rules, and alert AOTA staff or security of any dangerous situations or anyone in distress.
AOTA prohibits and will not tolerate any form of harassment or bullying at its events, including venues associated with the events.
Harassment is defined by AOTA as unwanted and unwelcome attention or other conduct that creates an environment where a reasonable person would feel unwelcome, uncomfortable, intimidated, excluded, or abused. Harassment based on gender, race, religion, national origin, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, genetic information, disability, matriculation, political affiliation, and any other personal characteristic is strictly prohibited.[1]
Violation of this code of conduct may result in an individual being asked to leave the event at which the incident occurred, without warning or refund; being barred from attending AOTA events in the future; and, if relevant, being barred from or revocation of membership in the association. Event security and/or local police may be contacted in the Code of Conduct violator poses an imminent threat to others or are disrupting the event.
If an AOTA staff member is found to be in violation, the Association’s employment policy, Prohibition against Sexual and Other Harassment and Discrimination, will be followed. Action regarding an Association staff member may result in termination of employment.
This policy applies to all attendees, speakers, exhibitors, contractors, volunteers, and guests at AOTA-sponsored events. If an individual experiences or witnesses a violation of the Event Code of Conduct, they should contact AOTA staff (AOTA staff are identifiable by their AOTA Staff name badge) as soon as possible, or contact security, if he/she feels unsafe. Individuals may also report complaints to Frank Gainer, Vice President, Meetings and Events at (202) 210-5461 (cell) or fgainer@aota.org. All complaints will be responded to promptly and treated seriously and, to the extent possible, confidentially. Complaints that require broader investigation will be handled by the AOTA Ethics Committee. AOTA expressly forbids any retaliation against individuals for reporting harassment. Similar actions may also be taken against any individual who knowingly provides false information regarding a harassment situation.
[1] These are the protected characteristics in the District of Columbia where AOTA is incorporated.