Public Service Neurodiversity Week

From GCwiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search




"Bilingual banner for Public Service Neurodiversity Week 2026 featuring colourful handprint designs on either side of the event title. The theme, “Authentically Us” and “Authentiquement nous-mêmes,” appears in colourful lettering. A subtle network pattern fills the blue background, with the neurodiversity infinity symbol and Canada wordmark along the bottom.


Bilingual banner for Public Service Neurodiversity Week 2026 featuring colourful handprint designs on either side of the event title. The theme, “Authentically Us” and “Authentiquement nous-mêmes,” appears in colourful lettering. A subtle network pattern fills the blue background, with the neurodiversity infinity symbol and Canada wordmark along the bottom.


Registration now open for PSNW 2026's hybrid flagship event!

Join us on Monday, October 19, 2026 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. ET virtually via Zoom!

Celebrate the third annual Public Service Neurodiversity Week! - October 19-23, 2026

Public Service Neurodiversity Week (PSNW) is a Government of Canada-wide initiative led by Infinity – The Network for Neurodivergent Public Servants. Now in its second year, PSNW brings public servants together to raise awareness about neurodiversity in the workplace, celebrate the strengths of neurodivergent employees, and explore how we can build a more inclusive and accessible federal public service.

This online resource hub provides up-to-date information about this year’s event, including:

  • Registration
  • Speaker and panelist bios
  • Accessibility features
  • Information resources for neurodiversity in the workplace

Goals

Raise awareness about neurodiversity and the experiences of neurodivergent employees in the federal workplace

Celebrate the contributions of neurodivergent public servants

  • Promote conversations about cognitive accessibility in the workplace
  • Encourage neuroinclusion across departments and agencies


This year’s theme, Authentically Us, reflects the importance of creating workplaces where neurodivergent people can participate, contribute and succeed without undue pressure to mask, minimize their needs or conform to narrow expectations about how people should communicate, work or lead.


Why neurodiversity matters

It’s estimated that 15–20% of people are neurodivergent. This includes individuals with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, non-verbal learning disabilities (NVLD), and other cognitive differences. Despite their skills and potential, neurodivergent people continue to face barriers to employment, advancement, and inclusion. According to the 2024 Public Service Employee Survey, about 3% of federal public servants self-identify as having a cognitive disability, and a further 3% self-identify as having a learning disability. As the largest employer in Canada, the federal public service has an opportunity to lead by example—by creating work environments where all public servants, including neurodivergent employees, can succeed and serve Canadians with excellence.