Join our CommunATy

Tiled images of community members with 'The CommunATy' overlaid.

What is the CommunATy?

The large number of Assistive Technology users from all around Western. The name 'CommunATy' is derived from a desire to build a sense of community for our staff and students and the fact this community is brought together by the common thread of using Assistive Technology (AT).

You can engage with the CommunATy in a variety of ways. All engagements, both online and in person are expected to be kind, respectful and inclusive - as we work together to get the most from your Assistive Technology. You can read more about behavioural expectations on our Equity and Diversity website. Western considers respect and inclusion as two of our core values and has zero tolerance for bullying and harassment in any form.

Why did we start our CommunATy?

Many of you come to the Assistive Technology team with experience, questions and insights which can benefit us all. That's where the concept of having an active CommunATy began. An initiative that arose due to COVID-19, the AT team developed CommunATy Hour. Launching on the 7th of April 2020, CommunATy Hour was a digital drop-in run via Zoom which was held successively throughout the year, providing a dedicated time for AT users to network, raise questions regarding Assistive Technologies and engage with support from our AT Specialists, IT support staff, Disability Advisors and other students.

CommunATy Focus Sessions

Continuing on from their launch in 2020, CommunATy Hour Focus Sessions will be run throughout the year, based on student interest. These are a time to delve deeper into certain aspects of Assistive Technology and its use.

What do you want to focus on?

If there's anything in particular you would like us to cover then let us know. If there's an AT aspect we can hook into then we're happy to see what we can do to make it happen!

Staff CommunATy Yammer Group

As well as being able to join the vUWS CommunATy alongside other staff and students, Western staff are welcome to use the Yammer CommunATy to network and discuss AT with other staff members. Special staff-focused training and support opportunities will be posted to the Yammer group as it becomes available throughout the year.