We are the Canadian Chapter of the Institute of Neurodiversity (ION). ION is a global grassroots movement that aims to be the voice of the neurodiversity community by increasing ION membership through country chapters and impacting society primarily in health care, education and employment through advocacy and policy development.
ION now has 21 chapters, with more joining. Canada became a member in February 2023. ION supports many of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). It seeks to create an inclusive world that understands, represents, and values neurodivergent people equally, improving their lives, increasing prosperity, and acting as a force for good through the alignment of the SDGs. ION and its chapters are led by neurodivergent people for neurodivergent people, embracing the "Nothing about us without us" principle.
IONC is a Canadian member organization that aims to improve neurodivergent lives, increase prosperity, and act as a force for good.
Greater awareness about neurodiversity in society through our work with a network of partners and collaborators.
Neurodivergent people with networks in healthcare, employment or education that are practicing neuroinclusion activities and drive neuroinclusion acceptance in systems that have yet to do so.
With associations, regulators, governments, businesses, academia and other organizations.
Support research that includes the lived experiences of neurodivergents across healthcare, employment and education streams; engage with DEI organizations in the data collection process to design and conduct information relevant to neurodiversity and employees; and work with institutions to participate in evidence-based policy recommendations.
Neurodivergents through lobbying and influencing, and active creation and/or participation in key webinars, conferences, and other events that support the other five mission statements.
Neurodivergent excellence through ION's awards and events, such as the Neurodiversity Celebration Week.
To have 10,000 members by the end of 2025 through the support of the following SDGs:
To support ION in its capacity to collaborate with the UN and encourage their involvement in promoting neurodiversity.