These reports showcase the work we do to support the Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorder community.
Use the reader below to explore the 2022-2023 Annual Report which details our 50th year serving our community! You’ll find stories of our impact and insights into our new strategic plan, including the areas where we grew to meet our community’s needs.
We are especially proud of several accomplishments, our second virtual National Conference with over 2,000 attendees; the growth of our newest chapter model to ensure consistent and accessible boots on the ground support; and the development of our Neurodiverse Workforce Development Program, which prepares people with TS and co-occurring conditions with career training and vital information about the rights they have in the workplace.
As the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic persisted around the world and within our community, the TAA continued to innovate and develop resources specific to the new challenges the pandemic presented. With many people reporting increased isolation, struggles with mental health, and severity of tics, we adapted our services to the changing landscape and continued to grow as an organization. We saw a sharp increase in reported cases of sudden and rapid onset of tics worldwide. This phenomenon saw widespread interest from media outlets across the globe. The TAA created and disseminated resources about the common misconceptions and differences between Tourette Syndrome and Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) to the public.
In Fiscal Year 2021 the Tourette Association of America (TAA) was able to pivot successfully to ensure that those impacted by Tourette Syndrome, Tic Disorders, and related disabilities received resources, support, and customized care despite the Covid-19 pandemic. In fact, by the close of the year we tripled our virtual offerings, more than 100 virtual support initiatives – including a free Virtual Conference, weekly webinars, a virtual Gala, and virtual walks around the country. Thank you to the volunteers, staff, and our community who helped these programs come to life; they never stopped working in the name of TS awareness, research, and support.
2020 has certainly proven to be one of the most unpredictable and challenging years for everyone. While the uncertainty of the pandemic may have made us rethink how we support the community, it did not derail us. In fact, by the close of this year the Tourette Association of America will have tripled our virtual offerings.
Fiscal year 2019 was marked by incredible progress toward the fulfillment of our mission. It showcased something powerful: the togetherness of the Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorder community demonstrating that we are the most powerful when we all work together. We are never alone.
It has been nothing short of an exceptional year for the Tourette Association of America. Looking back on all that has been accomplished, it’s hard to believe so much change could be possible in so little time. But that’s the beauty of our resilient community, and it’s the gift of your continued support. We cultivate strength from nurturing one another and from listening to each other’s stories. Our efforts empower awareness and growth that can shift public perception and understanding.
