MDAchat is a service of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Web site. The focus of MDAchat is to encourage adults and children affected by neuromuscular diseases and their families, friends and caregivers -- interactively -- to share points-of-view, experiences and similar interests. All MDAchat participants will be granted access via a password registration. MDAchat groups will have assigned schedules. Such scheduling helps to ensure participants with common interests will be online at set times and allows everyone to plan accordingly.
Users of MDAchat are entirely responsible and liable for all activities conducted, including the consequences of their own conduct through any association resulting from entering and/or using MDAchat. MDAchat discourages users participating in online discussions from giving personal identifying information. MDAchat is not liable for situations encountered as a result of any user release of personal information online or off-line. MDAchat does not provide lists of users or release any personal user information to solicitors for distribution without prior approval; except that any message posted or e-mailed to MDA is public, and MDA may use such messages in furtherance of its corporate purpose including, but not limited to, compiling databases and developing professional materials, testimonial materials, and responses to inquiries.
MDAchat requires users to exercise courtesy, self-restraint and respect for other people and their points-of-view. MDAchat will not tolerate disruptive conduct, expressed hatred of any form, harassment or abuse, threats of any kind to persons/people and/or property, and/or obscene or sexually explicit material in conversation, topics or nicknames. Within the context of the MDA ALS Website Disclaimer, MDA reserves the right to establish MDAchat management, operations, content and participation policies for all online sessions and the right to take whatever action is required to resolve conflict, inappropriate behavior or any matter associated with MDAchat based on its sole judgment and decision. Such action may include temporary or permanent removal and/or ban from MDAchat.
All activities, events and discussions on MDAchat must conform to applicable local, state and Federal laws. For any action that is defined as a "criminal offense," such as stalking, for example, MDAchat will release information to proper authorities, honor all court subpoenas and otherwise cooperate with all legal investigations.
MDAchat does encourage users to notify the MDAchat administrator if violations of MDAchat User Policy are encountered. Please e-mail this information as soon as possible to mdachat@mdausa.org -- and be as specific as possible.
When you enter MDAchat, you indicate your understanding, agreement and willingness to abide by the MDAchat User Policy and with the MDA ALS Website Disclaimer. Also, you release MDA from all liability related to your entering and/or using MDAchat.
