Celebrate inaugural Public Service Neurodiversity Week

Octobre 21, 2024 - Defence Stories

Join the Defence Team Accessibility Office (DTAO) and Infinity - The Network for Neurodivergent Public Servants, in celebrating the first-ever Public Service Neurodiversity Week (PSNW) from October 21st to 25th. The theme, “Future Ready”, highlights the importance of embracing neurodiversity for the future of work in the public service and beyond.

What is neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity celebrates differences in the ways people’s brains work. Neurodivergent describes people whose brains function outside what is considered “typical”. This includes:

• Autism;
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD);
• Tourette’s syndrome;
• Dyslexia;
• Dyscalculia; and
• other cognitive differences.

PSNW is an opportunity to raise awareness of neurodiversity and highlight barriers faced in the workplace by neurodivergent people. PSNW aims to spark conversations about improving support and accessibility for neurodivergent employees in the workplace. PSNW is also a chance to support inclusive workplaces by celebrating the contributions and unique talents that neurodivergent public servants bring to their jobs.

Want to participate?

There are several activities being organized throughout the week, including:

• a hybrid kick-off event;
• an information session on neurodiversity;
• panel discussions on accommodations and diverse identities; and
• in-person and virtual social events.

For more information about the events being organized by Infinity and to register to attend, visit the PSNW Schedule on GCpedia.

Want to volunteer?

Infinity is looking for volunteers to help with greeting and directing attendees at in-person events in the National Capital Region. To learn more or to sign up as a volunteer, check out the PSNW in-person volunteer form on GC Forms.

The Defence Team welcomes feedback on any accessibility barriers encountered in dealing with the Department of National Defence (DND) or Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), as well as feedback on the Defence Team’s accessibility plans and progress reports. You can submit feedback anonymously or with your contact information through the Defence Team Accessibility Feedback and Request Form.

Managers can support neurodivergent public service employees, and any colleagues with disabilities, by encouraging the use of the Government of Canada Workplace Accessibility Passport. The GC Workplace Accessibility Passport helps streamline the accommodation process by allowing employees and their managers to have conversations about barriers faced in the workplace and finding collaborative solutions to address them.

All members of the Defence Team are encouraged to take time to learn about neurodiversity and how everyone can contribute to a more inclusive workplace by supporting their neurodivergent colleagues.