Online registration for the conference is now closed. In person registrations will be taken on-site at the conference using credit card for payment only.
Questions? Please email registration@fasdunited.org.
This Code of Inclusion serves as a guide outlining our expectations for all participants who attend this conference. By embracing the principles below, we aim to foster an open dialogue in a safe and progressive environment, most notably for individuals with FASD. Upholding the Code of Inclusion is the responsibility of all who attend the conference:
1. Use of non-stigmatizing language & visuals
- Being mindful of the lived experiences of those diagnosed with FASD and their families while emphasizing a message of support and education can do more good than solely focusing on messaging around alcohol use during pregnancy.
- Promote dignity and respect of individuals with FASD, their caregivers, and those who use alcohol during pregnancy, through the use of person-first language, avoidance of blame assignment, and avoidance of stigmatizing visuals (e.g., avoid fear-based images).
- Focus on research and fact-driven information, while also avoiding politicization and reduce stigma and heighten accuracy.
2. Commitment to equity & inclusivity
- Inclusion entails embracing individuals from diverse backgrounds, ensuring they feel welcomed, valued, respected, and fully integrated into the collective. All participants are expected to demonstrate tolerance and respect towards others, including attendees, staff, and vendors, irrespective of their background, gender, socioeconomic status, political beliefs, or standing.
- Use of non-technical language can enhance inclusiveness and equity. Technical language and abbreviations that border on “professional jargon,” without explanation, may unintentionally exclude persons without similar training from the conversation.
3. Respectful disagreement towards different viewpoints
- Any professional field, especially as it develops consensus and responds to emerging evidence, will generate different viewpoints. Respect towards all perspectives, with balanced and calm presentation of evidence, are encouraged.
These behaviors are not consistent with principles of inclusion and DO NOT belong at the conference:
- Being disruptive or threatening anyone.
- Sexual harassment of any kind, including unwelcome sexual attention and inappropriate physical contact.
- Homophobia, racism, or behavior that discriminates against a group or class of people.
- Invasion of privacy, including taking photos that are unwanted or intrusive.
- Undue or excessive interruption of any event, speaker, or session.