Public Service Neurodiversity Week/About

What?

Public Service Neurodiversity Week (PSNW) is a Government of Canada-wide initiative coordinated by Infinity – The Network for Neurodivergent Public Servants. Now in its second year, PSNW aims to increase awareness of neurodiversity in the workplace, recognize the contributions and experiences of neurodivergent public servants, and support the adoption of inclusive practices across the federal public service.

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
Encourage neuroinclusion across departments and agencies

A look back: PSNW 2024

The first-ever Public Service Neurodiversity Week took place from October 20 to 24, 2024. Under the theme Future Ready, PSNW 2024 featured over a dozen virtual events, including panel discussions, fireside chats, learning sessions, and a national keynote address. Nearly 3,400 public servants participated in the week’s activities, demonstrating strong interest across departments, regions, and levels.

Highlights from PSNW 2024 included:

A Government of Canada-wide keynote session featuring neurodivergent leaders from across the public service
Interactive panels on inclusive hiring, career development, and accessibility
Networking sessions and wellness breaks led by and for neurodivergent employees
A first-of-its-kind resource fair at 90 Elgin Street in Ottawa showcasing tools and supports for neuroinclusion in the workplace

The success of PSNW 2024 laid the foundation for continued learning, collaboration, and progress. Feedback from participants emphasized the need for more regular discussions on neurodiversity, as well as sustained efforts to build more accessible and supportive environments across the public service.

Celebrating PSNW

How did you decide on October?

We felt that October was an ideal time to organize an event to celebrate neurodiversity as it overlaps with Canadian and global celebrations for various communities under the neurodivergent umbrella, including:

Autism Awareness Month (Canada)
ADHD Awareness Month
OCD Awareness Week
Invisible Disabilities Week
National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)

Public Service Neurodiversity Week (PSNW) serves as a time to celebrate neurodivergent public servants, while also coinciding with celebrations targeted toward specific communities.

How can we celebrate PSNW?

For departments and agencies Departments and agencies play a significant role in the success of PSNW and in ensuring broad reach across our federal public service. While each organization can choose how to celebrate PSNW in a way that suits its context, possible approaches include:

Organizing a department-specific learning event or activity related to neurodiversity
Sharing government-wide events and activities organized by Infinity through internal communications (e.g., newsletters, emails) or social media
Sending out a message to employees from a senior executive to commemorate PSNW

For employee networks and affinity groups

Neurodivergence intersects with many lived experiences and identities. Employee networks and affinity groups representing diverse communities are encouraged to celebrate PSNW with us. Options include:

Organizing a learning event or discussion exploring the intersection between members of your community and neurodivergence
Promoting PSNW events organized by Infinity through your own communications channels

To support departments and agencies in communicating PSNW-related activities to their employees, Infinity has prepared communications resources and messaging tools. Please contact infinite-infinity@pch.gc.ca for access to these materials.