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Public Service Neurodiversity Week/Schedule

< Public Service Neurodiversity Week
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Monday, October 21, 2025

  • Language: Bilingual (English and French)
    • Simultaneous translation available?: Yes
  • Time: 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. (ET)
  • Duration: 4 hours
  • Description: This hybrid event marks the flagship celebration of Public Service Neurodiversity Week (PSNW) 2025 under the theme Many minds, one mission. The program will feature opening remarks from senior leaders, a fireside chat on neurodiversity in leadership, and a panel discussion with neurodivergent employees reflecting on navigating change in today’s public service. The event highlights lived experiences, inclusive leadership, and strategies for building neuroinclusive workplaces across Canada’s federal public service.
  • Format: Hybrid (in-person + virtual)
  • Location (in-person): National Gallery of Canada, 380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON K1N 9N4
  • Platform (virtual): Zoom (for virtual participants)
  • Sponsoring department: Canadian Heritage (supporting Infinity – The Network for Neurodivergent Public Servants)
  • Registration information:

Main event schedule

Time Activity Description Speakers (including presenters, moderators) Format Location
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Kiosk fair and networking (in-person only) Participants can visit kiosks hosted by networks, departments, and community partners to learn about initiatives that support neurodiversity and accessibility. This is also a chance to connect informally with colleagues before the main program begins. Hosts and volunteers (TBD) In-person only Water Court Foyer, National Gallery of Canada (380 Sussex Dr., Ottawa)
1:00 – 1:10 p.m. Welcome An Indigenous elder from the Kitigan Zibi Anishnabeg nation will open the celebration with a welcome and prayer, The co-hosts will open the event with a land acknowledgement and an overview of the day’s agenda. They will also outline accessibility features available to participants and provide practical information for both in-person and virtual attendees. Moderators: Annie Godon (OSGG); Dani Marshall (ISC) Hybrid Auditorium, National Gallery of Canada + Zoom livestream
1:10 – 1:30 p.m. Opening remarks from senior leaders Senior leaders from Canadian Heritage and other departments will share words of welcome to participants, highlighting the importance of building a public service that empowers the success of neurodivergent employees. The speakers will highlight the importance of neurodiversity in the federal public service and set the stage for the afternoon’s discussions under the theme “Many minds, one mission.” Senior leaders (TBD) Hybrid Auditorium, National Gallery of Canada + Zoom livestream
1:30 – 1:40 p.m. Health break A short break for participants to recharge. In-person attendees can access the decompression room, while virtual attendees are encouraged to take a quick pause. — In-person and virtual pause Auditorium, National Gallery of Canada + Zoom livestream
1:40 – 2:25 p.m. Fireside chat – Leading with inclusion: A conversation with senior leaders on neurodiversity This moderated conversation will bring together senior leaders who identify as neurodivergent or as strong allies. The discussion will focus on how inclusive leadership drives better decision-making, creates supportive workplaces, and strengthens the public service as a whole. Moderator: Sancho Angulo (Infinity) • Panelists: Senior leaders (TBD) Hybrid Auditorium, National Gallery of Canada + Zoom livestream
2:25 – 2:35 p.m. Health break A brief pause before the final panel discussion. Attendees can stretch, refresh, or prepare for the next session. — In-person and virtual pause Auditorium, National Gallery of Canada + Zoom livestream
2:35 – 3:35 p.m. Panel – Embracing change: Neurodivergent public servants on navigating uncertainty A panel of neurodivergent employees will share personal experiences and strategies for managing change in the workplace. Discussion will explore how to navigate shifting priorities, balance competing demands, and adapt to uncertainty in today’s public service environment. Moderator: Annie Godon (OSGG) • Panelists (TBD) Hybrid Auditorium, National Gallery of Canada + Zoom livestream
3:35 – 4:00 p.m. Closing remarks and reflections The co-hosts will close the event with a summary of key themes and a message of thanks to speakers, participants, and volunteers. They will also share resources and encourage continued learning and engagement beyond PSNW. Dani Marshall (Infinity) and co-hosts Hybrid Auditorium, National Gallery of Canada + Zoom livestream

Accessibility features for the October 20 event

In-person

For those attending in-person at the **National Gallery of Canada**, the following measures will be available:

  • ASL and LSQ interpretation displayed on large screens in the auditorium
  • CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) in both English and French
  • Earplugs and masks available at registration in the Water Court Foyer
  • Wheelchair and mobility device access throughout the venue, including designated areas
  • Accessible washrooms located near the Water Court Foyer
Floor plan

To help navigate the facilities, you can access the floor plan for the National Gallery of Canada.

Given that this event falls on a Monday, please note that the Gallery will be closed on the day of the event, and there will be no access to the museum's exhibits and collections for attendees.

Amenities

As the NGC is closed on the day of the event, certain amenities, such as the cafeteria, boutique, and cloakroom will be closed. There is a Happy Goat Coffee Company location at the Gallery that will be open for those seeking food or beverage options. We encourage you to bring a reusable water bottle to keep hydrated throughout the event. Please avoid bringing snacks or meals into the facility containing peanuts or tree nuts.


Virtual

The main event for Public Service Neurodiversity Week 2025 will also be fully accessible for participants joining online via Zoom. The following features will be available to ensure accessibility:

  • ASL and LSQ interpretation provided and displayed throughout the livestream
  • CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) available in both English and French
  • Simultaneous English–French interpretation through Zoom’s language channel feature
  • Presentation materials provided in both English and French where applicable to support full participation

Participants will not be able to turn on their microphones or cameras during the event, but they will be able to follow all sessions with the same accessibility supports as in-person attendees.

If you experience any technical difficulties or accessibility challenges during the event, volunteers will be monitoring the platform to provide real-time assistance through the Zoom help chat.

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

PSNW 5 à 7 - Networking event

  • Language: Bilingual (English and French)
  • Time: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. (ET)
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Description:

Join colleagues and peers for an informal networking evening to celebrate Public Service Neurodiversity Week (PSNW) 2025. This is an opportunity to connect with others in the federal public service, exchange experiences, and build relationships in a relaxed setting. Food and beverages are available for purchase at your own expense. The menu is available online: Royal Oak Pub menu.

  • Format: In-person only
  • Address: Royal Oak Pub, 180 Kent Street, Ottawa, ON K1P 0B6
  • Accessibility features
    • Front entrance accessibility
    • Washroom easily accessible
    • Wheelchair stall
  • Registration information: No registration or reservations required

Thursday, October 23, 2025

Infinity After Hours: Museum Meet-Up – Canadian War Museum

  • Language: Bilingual (English and French)
  • Time: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. (ET)
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Description:

Join Infinity for the next event in our Infinity After Hours: Museum Meet-Ups series at the Canadian War Museum. This is a chance to explore one of Canada’s premier cultural institutions after hours and connect with colleagues in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Admission is free as part of the Museum’s Thursday-evening access program.

  • Format: In-person only
  • Address: Canadian War Museum, 1 Vimy Place, Ottawa, ON K1A 0M8
  • Accessibility features:
    • Accessible entrances
    • Wheelchair-accessible washrooms and elevators
    • Assistive listening devices available on request
  • Registration information:

Spaces are limited to 50 attendees, and you may be placed on a waiting list.

    • Register here: GCX Registration Form
    • If your organization does not have access to GCxchange, please email infinite-infinity@pch.gc.ca directly to book.
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