The Office of Continuing Education and Professional Development (OCEPD), in collaboration with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), is proud to launch a new suite of educational and training opportunities designed to support inclusive, neurodiverse workplaces across Canada.

Through our Beyond Awareness – Strategies for Neurodiverse Workplace Success program, employers and employees will gain practical tools to build more inclusive, dynamic workplaces where neurodivergent individuals can thrive. This initiative includes a speaker series in 2025 and 2026 as part of National AccessAbility Week (NAAW), as well as accessible online, asynchronous micro courses.
 

Beyond Awareness – Strategies for Neurodiverse Workplace Success aims to deepen understanding, reduce barriers, and promote meaningful inclusion by recognizing and valuing the unique strengths and perspectives that neurodivergent employees bring to the workplace.

Speaker Series

During National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) 2025, the Office of Continuing Education and Professional Development (OCEPD) featured two presentations by leaders in workplace accessibility as part of its Beyond Awareness – Strategies for Neurodiverse Workplace Success program. These sessions were recorded and are available to view:

• Mandi Crespo (National Accessibility Leader, BDO Canada) – Building Inclusive Workplaces: Lessons Learned from Neurodivergent Employees
• Kailea Switzer (Coach and Therapist) – Supporting Employees with ADHD in the Workplace

Two additional hybrid presentations are planned for NAAW 2026. Registration will open in March 2026, so watch our social media channels and sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know about the exciting lineup of speakers we are putting together and to secure your spot. Recordings will be made available here after the event.

Micro Courses

By the end of 2025, the Office of Continuing Education and Professional Development (OCEPD) will launch three micro-courses as part of the Beyond Awareness – Strategies for Neurodiverse Workplace Success program:

• Understanding Neurodiversity in the Workplace – An introduction to neurodiversity, offering foundational knowledge and insights into the experiences of neurodivergent individuals in professional settings.
• Supporting Neurodivergent Employees – Practical, actionable strategies for fostering inclusive environments and providing meaningful support in day-to-day workplace interactions.
• Neuroinclusive Hiring Practices and Inclusive Teams – Tools and guidance for HR professionals, hiring managers, and team leaders to implement inclusive recruitment processes and build supportive, diverse teams.

Each micro-course takes approximately one hour to complete and includes engaging videos, downloadable resources, a final quiz, and a certificate of completion. Course links will be posted here once available.
 

For more information about the Beyond Awareness – Strategies for Neurodiverse Workplace Success program, please contact pdp@upei.ca. 

This training and the informational website have been developed and delivered by the Office of Continuing Education and Professional Development at UPEI, with funding from the Accessible Canada Fund of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).

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