APNA Programs Inclusivity & Accessibility Policy

Inclusivity is an important core value for the American Psychiatric Nurses Association. Accordingly, we
strive to provide a safe and inviting experience during our programs, regardless of gender, sexual
orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, national origin or ancestry, or religion. We
strive to ensure that barriers which may exclude individuals from engaging in an APNA program are
mitigated or avoided as much as possible.

If you have questions or feedback about specific accommodation for an upcoming program, please
reach out to us at inform@apna.org and we will be happy to work with you.

Safe Environment

APNA works to cultivate a safe space for open dialogue and constructive conversations. All participants
are expected to adhere to our Rules of Engagement, which prohibit harassment, hate speech, derogatory
comments, or offensive behavior of any kind.

Accessibility

Ensuring that psychiatric-mental health nurses have access to APNA programs is an essential priority for
APNA. We evaluate a number of considerations to ensure that our programs are accessible for as many
participants as possible. For example, the evaluation and selection of potential conference locations is
guided by a framework which incorporates various criteria. APNA is also happy to work with participants
on additional accommodations upon request.

There may be times that a barrier which prevents a participant from engaging in an APNA program is not
avoided or is unavoidable. When that happens, APNA commits to working with the person in best
meeting their individualized need(s). This might include ensuring access to on-demand recordings of
education presented at an APNA conference, for example.

Diversity

Diverse voices and perspectives are crucial to fostering professional growth and advancing the
psychiatric-mental health nursing profession. Through inclusive member-driven commitees that shape
program content, APNA strives to ensure that the variety of expertise and perspectives found within the
PMH nursing profession are welcome at APNA programs, both as thought leaders and participants.

Inclusive Language

APNA encourages the use of inclusive language by presenters and attendees, and continually works to
ensure that our program materials reflect inclusive language. To that end, APNA leadership refers to the
Guidelines on Inclusive Language and Images in Scholarly Communication for guidance.

Cultural Humility

APNA is dedicated to continuously learning and listening to guide the evaluation and improvement of
our inclusive practices. As such, multiple avenues are available for participants to provide comments and
suggestions regarding inclusivity at APNA events and we invite any individual to contact us at
inform@apna.org at any time

January 2024