Tics and Tourette Across the Globe (TTAG) e.V. is officially registered as an umbrella association representing a community of Tics and Tourette Syndrome (TS) associations collaborating at an international level to improve conditions for people touched by tics and TS.
(View statutes)
TTAG allows for collaborative advocacy, bringing Tics and Tourette on the forefront of international communities, governments, health professionals, educators, policymakers and other relevant stakeholders.
- Enhance TS awareness and information on a global level, promoting evidence-based treatment and supporting the efforts of its members throughout the world, combating ignorance, stigma and intolerance with regard to TS.
- Establish and promote an exchange of information, experience, best practices, and experts throughout the world to improve the lives of people with TS.
- Promote and support establishment of TS associations in more countries around the world.
- Develop relationships and exchange information with other relevant international and/or global organizations with similar aims.
- Support for, and participation in, national and international scientific research and surveys with particular emphasis on early diagnosis and intervention.
As a global community, TTAG welcomes TS associations from around the world, organisations/legal bodies working and advocating for people with Tourette-related conditions, and professionals, such as clinicians, therapists, doctors, researchers, academics, teachers, etc, working for people with TS and tic disorders, to become members and support TTAG's purposes and aims.
We offer annual membership for the following categories:
Agenda
13:00–13:10 Welcome note from TTAG Chair
13:10–13:30 Tics and Tourette Across the Globe (TTAG) - 1st anniversary
13:30–14:00 Introduction to TTAG Ambassador Program
14:00–14:40 Networking with coffee and treats
14:40–14:50 Welcome note from ESSTS Chair
14:50–14:55 Quick break
14:55–16:30 Panel Discussion:
Support Organizations and Patient’s Rights – An International Perspective
16:30–17:00 TTAG Closing Summary
Panel Members
ESSTS Member/Researcher
1. Prof. Dr. Kirsten Müller-Vahl - ESSTS Chair (MHH, Germany)
TTAG Member/Researcher
2. Dr. Seonaid Anderson – TTAG, Belgium (Neuro-Diverse.org)
Patient Organization Representative
3. Mr. Julian Fletcher - Tourette OCD Alberta Network, Canada
4. Mr. Stefano Carrara - Tourette Italia EST, Italy
5. Ms. Emma McNally - Tourettes Action, UK (virtual attendance)
Expert by Experience
6. Mr. Jerry Gidner – TTAG, USA
7. Mr. Paul Stevenson - Genius Within, UK
Questions
Section I: Working Together
1) How can Tourette Support Associations collaborate with stakeholders to advocate for patient rights and engage in effective ways within their own country and lobbying efforts across countries?
Section II: Campaigning for Change
1) What are some effective approaches to lobbying for patient rights, and how can Tourette Support Associations and stakeholders use these strategies to advance their goals?
2) In your experience, what types of lobbying activities have been successful in promoting patient rights in your country?
Section III: Rights of Individuals with Tourette Syndrome: Inclusive Employment Opportunities
1) In what ways can the workplace be made more accommodating for individuals with Tourette's?
Section IV. The Role of Support Associations in Research
1) How can individuals with lived experience of Tourette syndrome be more involved in research and contribute to the development of new studies? What steps can be taken to foster collaboration between TS experts and individuals with TS?
2) There is a significant disparity in Tourette syndrome research across different countries. How can we generate greater interest and awareness in TS research, and who can we collaborate with to raise our profile?
Section V: Audience Questions and Answers
Closing Statement
Our session was open to everyone interested in, or touched by, tics and Tourette Syndrome (TS).
For example, support association representatives, people with TS, educators, researchers and clinicians. TTAG’s vision is to bring all individual stakeholders together so we can work more closely together for a stronger impact on our community.
During this informative session we provided a brief overview of TTAG activities and plans for the future including our new TTAG Ambassador program.
The TTAG session was an exciting interactive opportunity to explore international perspectives including a diverse panel discussion and networking opportunities.
The official registration signing celebration took place at the legendary Centre Général Guisan on the shores of Lake Geneva during the 14th European Conference on Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorders.
Meet some of TTAG's board of directors and global patient association representatives: Argentina, Belgium, Italy (Tourette Italia), Mexico, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom, USA-New Jersey.
TTAG's very first meeting aired live during the virtual 13th European Conference on Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorders.