Public Service Neurodiversity Week/Schedule

Monday, October 20, 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:
- In person only:
  - Sign-up here for in-person (EN)
  - Sign-up here for in-person (FR)
- Virtual only:
  - Sign-up here for virtual

Main event schedule

Time (ET)	Activity	Description	Speakers / Moderators	Location
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. (1 hour)	Kiosk fair and networking	Meet representatives from departments, networks, and partner organizations supporting accessibility and neuroinclusion across the public service. Participating kiosks include: My Menopause at Work, LiveWorkPlay, and the Interdepartmental Network of Disability and Accessibility Chairs (INDAC).	—	Water Court Foyer, National Gallery of Canada
1:00 – 1:20 p.m. (20 minutes)	Welcome	Opening of the event by the co-hosts and an opening address from Elder Claudette Commanda of the Kitigan Zibi First Nation.	Dani Marshall, Project Management Advisor, Indigenous Services Canada Annie Godon, OHS Officer, Office of the Secretary to the Governor General Claudette Commanda, Elder, Kitigan Zibi First Nation	Auditorium and Zoom livestream
1:20 – 1:40 p.m. (20 minutes)	Opening remarks from senior leaders	Senior leaders from Canadian Heritage and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency share reflections on the importance of neuroinclusion in the federal public service.	Isabelle Mondou, Deputy Minister, Canadian Heritage Diane Allan, Associate Vice President, Policy and Programs, Canadian Food Inspection Agency	Auditorium and Zoom livestream
1:40 – 2:25 p.m. (45 minutes)	Fireside Chat – Leading with Inclusion: Neurodivergent Executives in the Federal Public Service	A conversation with neurodivergent executives on inclusive leadership and how cognitive diversity strengthens decision-making and innovation in the public service.	Moderator: Sancho Angulo, Co-Chair, Infinity, Manager, Accessibility, Canadian Heritage Alex Benay, Associate Deputy Minister, Enterprise Pay Coordination, Public Services and Procurement Canada James Gilbert, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategic Service and Policy, Employment and Social Development Canada Diane Allan, Associate Vice President, Policy and Programs, Canadian Food Inspection Agency	Auditorium and Zoom livestream
2:25 – 2:35 p.m. (10 minutes)	Health break	A short pause for participants to stretch or take a break before the final panel discussion.	—	—
2:35 – 3:35 p.m. (1 hour)	Panel Discussion – Navigating Change: Strategies for Neurodivergent Employees in the Federal Public Service	A panel of neurodivergent employees discusses how to navigate change and adapt to shifting priorities while maintaining well-being and success at work.	Moderator: Annie Godon, OHS Officer, Office of the Secretary to the Governor General Daniel Paulin, IT Manager, Correctional Service Canada John Ward, Human Resources Specialist Advisor, Canada Revenue Agency Alejandro Gonzalez, Senior Advisor, Organizational Leadership Development and Change Management, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada	Auditorium and Zoom livestream
3:35 – 3:55 p.m. (20 minutes)	Closing reflections	Closing remarks from Infinity’s co-chairs and a personal reflection from Infinity’s student representative.	José Nieto Moreno, Co-Chair, Infinity, Shared Services Canada Sancho Angulo, Co-Chair, Infinity, Canadian Heritage Eileen Bédard, Student, Canadian Heritage	Auditorium and Zoom livestream
3:55 – 4:00 p.m. (5 minutes)	Closing remarks	The event hosts conclude the day’s program and thank participants, speakers, and volunteers for their contributions.	Dani Marshall, Indigenous Services Canada Annie Godon, Office of the Secretary to the Governor General	Auditorium and 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

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Infinity Virtual Social – Connect, Play, and Celebrate!

Language: Bilingual (English and French)

Time: 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. (ET)

Duration: 2 hours

Description:

Join Infinity for a relaxed and energizing virtual social event as part of Public Service Neurodiversity Week 2025! This two-hour gathering is all about connection and community. Come as you are and enjoy:

Interactive trivia celebrating neurodiversity and creativity
Lighthearted networking activities to meet other public servants across Canada
A welcoming space to share stories, laughter, and ideas in a judgment-free environment

Whether you’re new to Infinity or a long-time member, this is your chance to unwind, connect, and celebrate Many minds, one mission in a fun, inclusive way.

Format: Virtual only

Platform: MS Teams (link provided by email after registration)

Accessibility: Participants are welcome to keep cameras on or off, move around as needed, and engage in whatever way feels most comfortable.

Registration information: Please complete the registration form to receive the event link directly to your inbox:

👉 Register here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=8uh8clanLkGkxpUgStaNhA6HqD_acQVBn3DmGSLeL1NURE9EM0w1Q0NGMkM4NERHRjUxUjE0OTNaQS4u

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.