Date: Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Time: 8:00 to 4:00 PM ET
Location: Estrimont, 44 Av. de l’Auberge, Orford, QC J1X 6J3
Language: French, with bilingual discussions (French & English)
Inclusions: Lunch and refreshments
Audience: TACC members and anyone interested in neurodiversity who wishes to take part in the conversation
The Transforming Autism Care Consortium (TACC) connects and mobilizes research strengths across Quebec to improve quality of life for autistic individuals and people with neurodevelopmental conditions. As a community-partnered network recognized by the Fonds de recherche du Québec, TACC works to build bridges between researchers, trainees, clinicians, and individuals with lived and living experience.
The annual Member Assembly is a full-day, in-person event focused on collaboration, shared priorities, and advancing inclusive, community-informed research across the network.
Program highlights
- Strategic Plan: Explore TACC’s new strategic plan, including key priorities and how members can help move them forward.
- Keynote by Valérie Jessica Laporte (Le bleuet atypique): A neurodivergent artist, author, and advocate, Laporte will share reflections on research, inclusion, and building stronger relationships between scientists and autistic individuals.
- Open Forum or “unconference”: Interactive discussion sessions for participants to raise and explore key topics related to research and neurodevelopment. No preparation is needed—this is a space for open exchange, rooted in the goal of improving research practices and outcomes.
- Member Assembly: Open to TACC members (only), a 1.5 hour session to discuss progress and plan next steps for the network. (Virtual participation is available for members who cannot attend in person)
Agenda
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
|
8:00 – 9:00 a.m. |
RegistrationPrefunction Area, 2nd Floor |
|
9:00 – 9:30 a.m. |
RTSA 2.0: The New Strategic PlanMagog-Orford Room Opening remarks by Mélanie Couture, Co-Director, TACC, |
|
9:30 – 10:30 a.m. |
Opening Keynote: When Research Meets Lived ExperienceMagog-Orford Room Research and lived experience can illuminate each other. Author and speaker Valérie Jessica Laporte explores how dialogue between scientists and autistic individuals deepens understanding of diagnosis, mental health, inclusion, and aging. This keynote will highlight the importance of this collaboration in advancing research that is grounded in real-life experiences. |
|
10:30 – 10:45 a.m. |
Presentation & Instructions – Open ForumMagog-Orford Room Overview and format of the “unconference” activity by Marie Hélène Gervais, Coordinator, TACC |
|
10:45 – 11:00 a.m. |
Refreshment BreakPrefunction Area, 2nd Floor |
|
11:00 – 11:30 a.m. |
Open Forum: Unconference (Block 1)Five spaces distributed across the following rooms: Magog, Orford, Nolain A (2 spaces), and Green Space/Bar (to be determined based on weather) Discussions on participant-selected themes related to neurodiversity and current research. |
|
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. |
General Assembly and Working Lunch (Members Only)Orford Room TACC members will meet to discuss progress and plan next steps for the network’s mission. Note: Members who cannot attend in person are invited to join virtually. Please reserve your spot. Networking LunchDining Room A networking lunch will be held for all participants who are not attending the General Assembly. This is an opportunity to connect informally with other attendees, exchange ideas, and continue conversations. |
|
1:00 – 1:45 p.m. |
Open Forum: Unconference (Block 2) |
|
1:45 – 2:00 p.m. |
Break |
|
2:00 – 2:45 p.m. |
Open Forum: Unconference (Block 3) |
|
2:45 – 3:00 p.m. |
Refreshment BreakPrefunction Area, 2nd Floor |
|
3:00 – 4:00 p.m. |
Synthesis Session and Closing RemarksMagog-Orford Room |
Unconference guidelines
Curious about what to expect during the open forum or “unconference” blocks? Explore and download the guidelines below.
Transportation
Driving directions
For driving directions to/from Estrimont Hotel and Spa, consult Google Maps.
If you are not driving, here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Bus from Montreal to Magog
Limocar offers service from Berri-UQAM Station (1717 rue Berri) in Montreal to Exit 115 on Highway 10 (Couche-Tard in Magog). Buses depart approximately every 4 hours and travel takes approximately 1.5 hours. Tickets range between $35 and $45 CAD.
For the latest schedule and ticket information, please visit:
https://limocar.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/WebSchedule_2025-04.pdf
Step 2: Taxi from Magog to Estrimont
Estrimont is located about 5 km from the Magog bus stop.
Taxi options (estimated fare: $15-20 CAD):
Taxi Magog-Orford: +1 (819) 843-3377
Taxi Coop de Sherbrooke: +1 (819) 562-4717