Leeds & Grenville — Beyond the Label Conference 2025, May 24th

Kemptville – We are delighted to invite you to the 2nd Annual Beyond The Label Conference on Saturday, May 24th, 2025. This dynamic, inclusive event is dedicated to advancing equity, accessibility, and universal design in schools, workplaces, and communities. This isn’t about “fixing” or “accommodating” neurodivergent individuals. It’s about reimagining environments so that all minds can thrive. When we build with neurodiversity in mind, we create better systems for everyone.

Last year, we challenged societal norms and stigma surrounding mental health and neurodiversity. This year, we are taking it a step further, showing how integrating the needs of all persons is a win-win situation for everyone. Through dynamic presentations, engaging discussions and workshops, we will explore in greater detail tools that can be used in education and the workplace by persons with neurodiversities.

Our esteemed speakers and their topic of conversation include: Rebecca Rafuse, RP of DiversX who will explore neurodiversity and the concept of universal design; Dr. Tess Clifford of KidsInclusive Kingston who will discuss the steps toward neuroaffirming clinical practice; and returning speaker Lorraine Driscoll of Building Better Brains Learning Clinic who will take a deep dive beyond IEPs and into a brain-based approach which helps neurodivergent students to thrive.

Our workshops and panel discussions include: a practical VR (virtual reality) experience with Peter Young; an interactive See Me, Support Me inclusion game with Kathy-Ann Laman; a comprehensive introductory guide to creating your own N.A.P. (Neuro-Inclusive Action Plan) Toolkit; and a highly interactive panel discussion where we have honest conversations on how we embed neurodiverse needs into policy, education, and community design.

Additionally, explore vendors, authors and service agencies working towards integrating neurodiverse needs in education and service delivery. A complimentary lunch and snacks will be served during the event. This conference is made possible by funding from the North Grenville Community Grant Program. Everyone committed to inclusive change is invited – educators, employers, community leaders, advocates, neurodivergents and allies. Don’t miss out on this societal changing event!

Date: May 24th, 2025
Time: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Location: North Grenville Municipal Centre, 285 County Road 44, Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0

Registration: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/beyond-the-label-conference-redesigning-spaces-for-all-minds-to-thrive-tickets-1320129806789