Social Communication Workshop: Strategies for Exiting Conversations
2025-10-15 17:00 - 18:30 (America/Edmonton) | Online via Sinneave Connects
How do you end or leave a conversation when it’s time to go? In this workshop, we’ll talk about strategies you can learn and practice to help you leave a conversation or end a conversation in tactful ways whether that’s through one-on-one or group conversations.

In this workshop, you will gain the skills and knowledge to:

Discuss strategies for exiting conversations

Recognizing disinterest in communication

Managing rejection & moving forward

Setting the stage for future engagements

This session is one of several drop-in workshops we offer that are designed to provide Autistic or neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn and practice essential social communication skills in a safe and welcoming setting. Each 90-minute workshop covers a different aspect of social communication, providing information, tips, and strategies intended to help in day-to-day social situations.

Wednesday, October 15, 20255:00 – 6:30 pmOnline via Sinneave Connects

There is no cost to attend this workshop. If you register in advance you’ll be notified of any last minute changes to the schedule, but you can also just drop-in. This workshop is virtual, via Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub.

If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s easy! Click the button below that says “Sinneave Connects” to access the hub and follow these steps:

Create a user name

Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)

Select “Register”

Choose the Social Communication Workshop: Strategies for Exiting Conversations – October 15, 2025 course to access the virtual link.

Click on the, “Choose session” button, and then press Confirm.

Sinneave Connects

About the Presenter:

Cedric Nicholson is a Life Skills Coach with The Sinneave Family Foundation where he is passionate about empowering others to set meaningful goals, create effective plans, and take purposeful steps toward personal growth and self-improvement. He is a certified professional life coach with over 20 years of experience mentoring, coaching, and supporting individuals in the developmental disability field.

If you have any questions about these workshops, please reach out by email at info@sinneavefoundation.org OR call us at 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.

Your Time, Your Way
2025-10-15 17:00 - 19:30, 2025-10-16 17:00 - 19:30, 2025-10-21 17:00 - 19:30, 2025-10-22 17:00 - 19:30, 2025-10-28 17:00 - 19:30, 2025-10-29 17:00 - 19:30, 2025-10-30 17:00 - 19:30, 2025-11-04 17:00 - 19:30 and 7 more dates | The Ability Hub, Suite #300, 3820 - 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B-2X9, Canada
Many individuals can benefit from what is often referred to as a “third space”—a place separate from home or work or school where there is no obligation to spend money on food or beverages. So we’re opening our doors to members of our community.

We invite you to drop in and use our space to help you unwind or recharge—with no pressure to engage in structured activities. We have several rooms and spaces available–a quiet lounge, computer desks, hang out sofas–you choose. It’s your time to use your way.

Our space provides flexible seating options, focus tools, and adjustable lighting options as we strive to make our space more welcoming and inclusive to those who wish to spend time in it.

Our drop-in hours are 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Here are some suggestions of things you may like to do, but this is not an exhaustive list:

Socializing: Chat with others, make new connections, or catch up with friends

Using Computers: Access the internet, complete personal tasks, or explore hobbies online. Use our computers and wifi or bring your own device and connect via our network

Relaxing: Sit quietly, read, listen to music with headphones, or just enjoy the calm space

Independent Work: Bring personal projects, homework or studying you may need to do, or use the time to focus on tasks

Unstructured Activities: puzzles, sketching, journaling, or engaging in other personal hobbies

Exploring Resources: Learn about other programs, events, or services Sinneave offers

Simply Being: Spend time in the space without any specific activity, just enjoying the presence of others without any expectations to engage

To ensure a welcoming and safe space for all users, please read over the Rules of the Space before you arrive:

Check-In is Required: Everyone signs in upon arrival

No Alcohol or Drugs: This is a substance-free space for everyone’s safety and comfort

Respectful Content and Behavior: No engagement with explicit content and all interactions should be respectful

Noise Levels: Keep volume moderate to accommodate diverse activities

No formal supervision provided: Attend and engage independently

Social Communication Workshop: Pro-tips for Social Communication
2025-10-21 17:00 - 18:30 | Online via Sinneave Connects
Meeting new people and making friends isn’t always easy. In this session, we’ll share pro-tips and strategies you can practice and use when it comes to making friends and maintaining social relationships.

This session is one of several drop-in workshops we offer that are designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn and practice essential social communication skills in a safe and welcoming setting. Each 90-minute workshop covers a different aspect of social communication, providing information, tips and strategies intended to help in day-to-day social situations.

Tuesday, October 21, 20255:00 – 6:30 p.m.Online via Sinneave Connects

There is no cost to attend this workshop. If you register in advance you’ll be notified of any last minute changes to the schedule, but you can also just drop-in. This workshop is virtual, via Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub. Sinneave Connects is free, but you need to register for an account to use it.

If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s easy! Click the button that says “Sinneave Connects” to access the hub and follow these steps:

Create a user name

Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)

Select “Register”

Choose the Social Communication Workshop: Pro-tips for Social Communication – October 21, 2025 course to access the virtual link.

Click on the, “Choose session” button, and then press Confirm.

Sinneave Connects

About the Presenter:

Yonatan Tesfagiorgis is a Life Skills Coach at The Sinneave Family Foundation and has been working with neurodivergent and Autistic individuals for over 8 years. He strives to offer skill building strategies using a neuro affirming framework and provides an inclusive space for all individuals.

If you have any questions or if you need help navigating Sinneave Connects, please reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.

Building Your Toolbox and Supporting the Transition to Employment: Define Success at Work
2025-10-22 18:00 - 19:30 | The Ability Hub, Suite #300, 3820 - 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B-2X9, Canada
As parents, guardians, and caregivers; you play an important part in the successful transition of a young adult into the workforce.

Session: Define Success at Work

This in-person session is focused on supporting your young adult to identify their workplace values and create a definition of what success will look like for them. You will learn how to work together to create an action plan that will identify if a potential job aligns with your young adult’s values, and to guide informed decision-making about potential job options. You will also learn how to recognize your own needs in your journey to supporting your young adult through their transition into employment.

In this in-person session, you will help your young adult to:

Identify their workplace values

Envision and define what success will mean to them

Identify whether a potential job opportunity aligns with their values

Wednesday, October 22, 20256:00 – 7:30 pmIn-person At The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)

This series introduces you to The Sinneave Family Foundation’s Family Work Readiness Toolkit (FWRT), a practical, strengths-based resource designed to help youth explore their interests, skills, values, and preferred work environments. You will learn how to use the toolkit to guide supportive conversations, set goals, and take meaningful action toward employment success.

Through this series, you will:

Build confidence in supporting your young adult’s employment journey

Learn how to apply the FWRT at home to break the process into manageable steps

Explore community resources that complement the toolkit

Connect with other parents and guardians navigating similar experiences

By the end of the series, you will have a stronger understanding of how to support your young adult’s transition into the workforce with practical tools, shared insight, and a clear starting point.

** Space in this session is limited, and advance registration is required through Sinneave Connects. If there are no spots available, you can sign up to be placed on a waiting list and a member of our team will reach out to you if spots open up.**

** Please note there is a Pre-Course survey that you are encouraged to complete after you successfully register for this session. You can find it in the Course Syllabus on the event page called, “Pre-Course Survey”. **

There is no cost to attend and Sinneave Connects is free, but you need to register for an account to use it.

If you already have an account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s easy! Click the button that says, “Sinneave Connects” to access the hub and follow these steps:

Create a user name

Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy!)

Select “Register”

Choose the Building Your Toolbox and Supporting the Transition to Employment: Define Success at Work – October 22, 2025 session.

Click on the, “Choose session” button, and then press Confirm.

Sinneave Connects

About the Presenter:

Stéphanie Chapman is a Bilingual Online Program Facilitator for the EmploymentWorks program. She has 15+ years of professional experience in the fields of education and disability across the lifespan, and personally as a caregiver. Stéphanie is dedicated to creating inclusive spaces for families of all shapes and sizes to learn and grow together.

If you have questions, please reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call us at 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.

Your Time, Your Way - Fall Theme Night
2025-10-23 17:00 - 19:30 | The Ability Hub, Suite #300, 3820 - 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B-2X9, Canada
Many individuals can benefit from what is often referred to as a “third space”—a place separate from home or work or school where there is no obligation to spend money on food or beverages. So we’re opening our doors to members of our community.

We invite you to drop in and use our space to help you unwind or recharge—with no pressure to engage in structured activities. We have several rooms and spaces available–a quiet lounge, computer desks, hang out sofas–you choose. It’s your time to use your way.

Our space provides flexible seating options, focus tools, and adjustable lighting options as we strive to make our space more welcoming and inclusive to those who wish to spend time in it.

On Thursday, October 23, we’re hosting a special activity during the Your Time, Your Way time.

Drop-in as we have different fall activity stations set up, and you will have an opportunity to move through all stations at your pace and comfort. Some of the activities you can partake in, while sipping on a delicious hot chocolate with marshmallows are:

Pumpkin decorating

Making leaf lanterns

Completing a maze

Thursday, October 23, 20255:00 – 7:30 p.m.In-person @ The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)

Here are some other suggestions of things you may like to do if you aren’t interested in participating in the fall theme night, but this is not an exhaustive list:

Socializing: Chat with others, make new connections, or catch up with friends

Using Computers: Access the internet, complete personal tasks, or explore hobbies online. Use our computers and wifi or bring your own device and connect via our network

Relaxing: Sit quietly, read, listen to music with headphones, or just enjoy the calm space

Independent Work: Bring personal projects, homework or studying you may need to do, or use the time to focus on tasks

Unstructured Activities: puzzles, sketching, journaling, or engaging in other personal hobbies

Exploring Resources: Learn about other programs, events, or services Sinneave offers

Simply Being: Spend time in the space without any specific activity, just enjoying the presence of others without any expectations to engage

To ensure a welcoming and safe space for all users, please read over the Rules of the Space before you arrive:

Check-In is Required: Everyone signs in upon arrival

No Alcohol or Drugs: This is a substance-free space for everyone’s safety and comfort

Respectful Content and Behavior: No engagement with explicit content and all interactions should be respectful

Noise Levels: Keep volume moderate to accommodate diverse activities

No formal supervision provided: Attend and engage independently

The Joy of Cooking: Cooking Skills for Independent Living
2025-10-27 17:00 - 20:00 | The Ability Hub, Suite #300, 3820 - 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B-2X9, Canada
Whether independent living is one of your current goals and you are planning to move out soon, or it is a long-term goal for the future – you can begin preparing for it now – starting in the kitchen!

This hands-on session is a great way to help you increase your confidence in the kitchen. While preparing a tasty and well-balanced dinner, participants will also learn about:

the importance of good hygiene,

cleanliness in the kitchen and the importance of preventing cross-contamination,

the proper use of utensils, and

how to properly measure and prepare food, and work with others.

And then, you’ll get to enjoy what you’ve made for dinner! The menu for this session is Chicken and Rice with Black Pepper Sauce and a side of Steamed Broccoli (Yum!)

Monday, October 27, 20255:00 – 8:00 p.m.In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)

This session is limited to six participants. If there are no spots available, you can sign up to be placed on a waiting list and a member of our team will reach out to you if spots open up.

There will only be light support provided by staff, so participants need to be able to follow instructions, and be willing to work in a small group to prepare the meal. All supplies will be provided.

To register, click the button that says, “Sinneave Connects” and follow the instructions. If you have an account, just log in as usual. If you don’t have an account yet, it’s free and easy to sign up.

Create a user name

Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)

Select “Register”

Choose the Joy of Cooking: Cooking Skills for Independent Living – October 27, 2025 course and click on the, “Enroll” button.

Sinneave Connects

About the Presenter:

Nathaniel Anderson is a former participant of the Launch + Skills program, which he found extremely valuable. He is eager to use his skills and experiences as a way of giving back. Nathan began cooking at the age of 14 and has been working professionally for three years.

During this time, he has gained experience in nearly every aspect of the job, including: prepping ingredients, making cold salads, grilling, sautéing pastas and other dishes, and plating meals. He is proud to call himself, “a self-proclaimed foodie” that enjoys eating and making meals from multiple cultures.

If you have questions or if you need help navigating Sinneave Connects, please reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.

Navigating Healthcare: From Planning to Follow-Up
2025-10-28 17:00 - 18:00 | Online via Sinneave Connects
Navigating the healthcare system can often feel overwhelming — from knowing which provider to see, to preparing for appointments, asking the right questions, and managing follow-up care. To support individuals in these everyday situations, we have developed four new micro-eLearning modules, which are available on Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub:

Figure Out Who to See,

Plan for Your Next Health Appointment,

Communicate Effectively During Appointments, and

Take Charge of Follow-Up Care.

In this 60-minute session, participants will be introduced to each module, learn how these resources can support them in different stages of the healthcare journey, and how to access them for ongoing use. The session is designed to build awareness of the modules and spark interest in applying them when navigating healthcare.

Tuesday, October 28, 20255:00 – 6:00 p.m.Online via Sinneave Connects

There is no cost to attend this session. Sinneave Connects is free, but you need to register for an account to use it.

If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s easy! Click the button that says, “Sinneave Connects” to access the hub and follow these steps:

Create a user name

Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy!)

Select “Register”

Choose the Navigating Healthcare: From Planning to Follow-Up – October 28, 2025 session.

Click on the, “Choose session” button, and then press Confirm.

Sinneave Connects

About the Presenter:

Nabeeha Nadeem is a Learning and Connection Associate at The Sinneave Family Foundation. She delivers the information and navigation service where she has the pleasure to meet with Autistics and neurodivergent individuals one-on-one providing consistent, person-centered information, and navigating individuals to Sinneave programs and services and/or community-based resources.

If you have questions, please reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.

Social Communication Workshop: Strategies for Using Electronic Communication
2025-10-28 17:00 - 18:30 | Online via Sinneave Connects
Technology is rapidly changing and advancing. While we embrace the good things it has to offer, it has also introduced many new challenges. In this session, we’ll talk about understanding the different forms of electronic communication that people use to connect with each other. We will also discuss strategies for navigating electronic communication, understanding safety protocols, and boundaries when communicating electronically.

This session is one of several drop-in workshops we offer that are designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn and practice essential social communication skills in a safe and welcoming setting. Each 90-minute workshop covers a different aspect of social communication, providing information, tips and strategies intended to help in day-to-day social situations. You can attend the session(s) that interest you the most or we recommend attending them all!

Tuesday, October 28, 20255:00 – 6:30 pmOnline via Sinneave Connects

There is no cost to attend this workshop. If you register in advance you’ll be notified of any last minute changes to the schedule, but you can also just drop-in.

This workshop is virtual, via Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub. If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s easy! Click the button that says “Sinneave Connects” to access the hub and follow these steps:

Create a user name

Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)

Select “Register”

Choose the Social Communication Workshop: Strategies for Using Electronic Communication – October 28, 2025 course to access the virtual link.

Click on the, “Choose session” button, and then press Confirm.

Sinneave Connects

About the Presenter:

Yonatan Tesfagiorgis is a Life Skills Coach at The Sinneave Family Foundation and has been working with neurodivergent and Autistic individuals for over 8 years. He strives to offer skill building strategies using a neuro affirming framework and provides an inclusive space for all individuals.

If you have any questions about these workshops or if you need help navigating the Sinneave Connects online learning hub, please reach out by email at info@sinneavefoundation.org OR call us at 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.

Social Communication Workshop: Handling Disagreements and Keeping Your Cool
2025-11-05 17:00 - 18:30 | Online via Sinneave Connects
Do you find it difficult to communicate when someone disagrees with you? In this workshop, we will talk about conflict and share tips to help you keep your cool when you are in the middle of a disagreement, as well as provide strategies to help you work through it.

This is one of several workshops designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn and practice essential social communication skills in a safe and welcoming setting. Each 90-minute workshop covers a different aspect of social communication, providing information, tips and strategies intended to help in day-to-day social situations.

Wednesday, November 5, 20255:00 – 6:30 p.m.Online via Sinneave Connects

There is no cost to attend these sessions. If you register in advance you’ll be notified of any last minute changes to the schedule, but you can also just drop-in. Attend them all or just the ones that seem interesting to you.

This workshop is virtual, via Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub. If you already have a Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s free and easy! Click the button that says “Sinneave Connects” to access the hub and follow the instructions on the log-in screen.

Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)

Create a user name

Select “Register”

Select the “Social Communication Workshop: Handling Disagreements – November 5, 2025” course and enroll.

Sinneave Connects

About the Presenter:

Cedric Nicholson is a Life Skills Coach with The Sinneave Family Foundation where he is passionate about empowering others to set meaningful goals, create effective plans, and take purposeful steps toward personal growth and self-improvement. He is a certified professional life coach with over 20 years of experience mentoring, coaching, and supporting individuals in the developmental disability field.

If you have any questions about these workshops or if you need help navigating Sinneave Connects, please reach out by email at info@sinneavefoundation.org OR call us at 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.

Building Your Toolbox and Supporting the Transition to Employment: Plan Ahead for Career Success
2025-11-05 18:00 - 19:30 | The Ability Hub, Suite #300, 3820 - 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B-2X9, Canada
As parents, guardians, and caregivers; you play an important part in the successful transition of a young adult into the workforce.

Session: Plan Ahead for Career Success

This in-person session is focused on supporting your young adult to begin to plan for the future. You will learn how to identify areas for professional growth including creating a plan for ongoing development, and identifying resources and supports that your young adult can reach out to. You will also learn how to recognize your own needs in your journey to supporting your young adult through their transition into employment.

In this in-person session, you will learn how to:

Help your young adult identify skills that they would like to develop further,

Help your young adult to identify different supports and resources, and

Help your young adult to create an Ongoing Development Plan.

Wednesday, November 5, 20256:00 – 7:30 p.m.In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)

This series introduces you to The Sinneave Family Foundation’s Family Work Readiness Toolkit (FWRT), a practical, strengths-based resource designed to help youth explore their interests, skills, values, and preferred work environments. You will learn how to use the toolkit to guide supportive conversations, set goals, and take meaningful action toward employment success.

Through this series, you will:

Build confidence in supporting your young adult’s employment journey,

Learn how to apply the FWRT at home to break the process into manageable steps,

Explore community resources that complement the toolkit and,

Connect with other parents and guardians navigating similar experiences.

By the end of the series, you will have a stronger understanding of how to support your young adult’s transition into the workforce with practical tools, shared insight, and a clear starting point.

** Space in this session is limited, and advance registration is required through Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub. If there are no spots available, you can sign up to be placed on a waiting list and a member of our team will reach out to you if spots open up.**

There is no cost to attend these sessions. Sinneave Connects is free, but you need to register for an account to use it.

If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s easy! Click the button that says, “Sinneave Connects” to access the hub and follow these steps:

Create a user name

Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy!)

Select “Register”

Choose the Building Your Toolbox and Supporting the Transition to Employment: Plan Ahead for Career Success – November 5, 2025 session.

Click on the, “Choose session” button, and then press Confirm.

Sinneave Connects

About the Presenter:

Stéphanie Chapman is a Bilingual Online Program Facilitator for the EmploymentWorks program. She has 15+ years of professional experience in the fields of education and disability across the lifespan, and personally as a caregiver. Stéphanie is dedicated to creating inclusive spaces for families of all shapes and sizes to learn and grow together.

If you have questions, please reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.

Financial Security and Abuse Prevention Webinar
2025-11-07 11:00 - 12:00 | Online via AIDE Canada
Financial abuse can take many forms. Persons with cognitive or other functional disabilities can be especially vulnerable to financial abuse. This online webinar aims to inform persons with cognitive disabilities and their caregivers about financial abuse so that it can be stopped or prevented. You will also learn the signs of financial abuse, understand your rights, and know what steps you can take for protection and support.

Join AIDE Canada and The Sinneave Family Foundation for an important and empowering session on recognizing and preventing financial abuse. In addition to the presentation, the presenter will share free and available financial abuse videos, as well as two published guides on the topic for people with cognitive disabilities and their caregivers.

Friday, November 7, 202511:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.Online via AIDE Canada

Please RSVP for this webinar by clicking on the button that says, “RSVP” to let the organizers know, and for you to receive the online webinar link.

RSVP

About the Presenter:

Dr. Golnaz Ghaderi is a psychologist working at a private practice in Ottawa. Her doctoral research focused on the knowledge and perspectives of persons with intellectual disabilities and their support providers regarding financial abuse. Dr. Ghaderi has been involved in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities for several years. With her research, she aimed to raise awareness and inform prevention strategies for financial abuse among persons with intellectual disabilities.

If you have questions, please reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.

Tips & Strategies for interpreting non-verbal cues
2025-11-13 17:00 - 18:00 | The Ability Hub, Suite #300, 3820 - 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B-2X9, Canada
If interpreting non-verbal social cues and body language is challenging for you, we can help! In this fun and engaging workshop, participants will use “Body Language Decoder Cards” to help learn, understand, and interpret basic body language and social cues.

For context, it’s thought that up to 90% of communication is non-verbal in nature. Body language, facial expressions, and unwritten social rules can be difficult to interpret for many Autistic and neurodivergent people, leaving them feeling disconnected in social settings.

You’re invited to start building a foundation for better communication with this workshop.

Thursday, November 13, 20255:00 – 6:00 p.m.In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)

As this workshop is interactive and involves practicing the strategies learned, participation is in-person only at this time. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required as space is limited.

To register:

Click the button that says, “Sinneave Connects” you will be directed to the login page. If you already have an account, just log in as usual.

If you don’t have an account, it’s free and easy to set up.

Create a user name

Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)

Select “Register”

Choose Tips & Strategies for interpreting non-verbal cues – Registration and follow the instructions.

Sinneave Connects

About the Presenter:

Sherry Taylor has over 15 years of experience in the not-for-profit industry. She currently is the Program Coordinator with the EmploymentWorks (EW) program at The Sinneave Family Foundation. She started working with the EW virtual program and made the transition to the in-person program continuously developing curriculum and content for Autistic youth, adults, and persons with disabilities, and professionals.

If you have any questions, please email info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.

Navigating Bullying and Neurodivergence Series
2025-11-19 17:00 - 18:30 | The Ability Hub, Suite #300, 3820 - 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B-2X9, Canada
This workshop series is for Autistic and neurodivergent individuals who want to build practical skills to understand, respond to, and help prevent bullying. Together, we’ll explore why bullying happens, how to recognize it in different settings (including online and in the workplace), and how it uniquely affects neurodivergent people. These interactive sessions offer hands-on activities to practice strategies in a supportive, inclusive environment.

Please note: This is a skill-building series and not a bullying support group, or a substitute for professional mental health or crisis support.

Participants are strongly encouraged to attend all three in-person sessions for this series which will be held as follows:

Session 1: Understanding Bullying on November 19. Details are available on this page.

Session 2: Building Your Skills on November 26. More details are available here.

Session 3: Putting It into Practice on December 3. More details are available here.

Session 1: Understanding Bullying

This session will cover the following topics:

Different types and places bullying happens,

Why bullying happens,

Autism and bullying,

Bullying vs. conflict, harassment, and discrimination,

How bullying affects people and,

Practicing what we’ve learned.

Wednesday, November 19, 20255:00 – 6:30 p.m.In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)

In this workshop series, participants will gain the skills and knowledge to:

Explain the various reasons why bullying occurs and recognize the different forms and locations of bullying, including online and in the workplace,

Identify the signs and impact of bullying and describe how Autism and bullying are connected,

Differentiate between bullying, normal conflict, and diagnosis-based discrimination,

Reflect on their own actions for signs of bullying behaviour,

Support someone else who is being bullied and try a variety of strategies to reduce the impact of bullying,

Develop strategies to address and react to a bullying situation and help prevent future bullying and,

Be aware of supports for emotional coping and healing, and resources for legal/logistical support.

** Space in these sessions are limited, and advance registration is required through Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub. **

There is no cost to attend and Sinneave Connects is free, but you need to register for an account to use it.

If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s easy! Click the button that says, “Sinneave Connects” to access the hub and follow these steps:

Create a user name

Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy!)

Select “Register”

Choose the Navigating Bullying and Neurodivergence Series – Registration event

Click on the, “Enroll” button, and then press Confirm. You will be registered for all three sessions in this series. Don’t forget to mark your calendar and attend them all!

Sinneave Connects

About the Presenters:

Tracie Czerkawski is a Learning Strategist at The Sinneave Family Foundation. She has 15+ years of professional experience in education and human services, and a lifetime of lived neurodivergent experience. Tracie aims to create friendly and inclusive learning opportunities where participants feel a sense of belonging.

Mason Jaffray is an Autistic Self-Advocate, currently working as a Program Facilitator at The Sinneave Family Foundation. Mason has taught many of Sinneave’s Skills Groups, such as Acceptance and Commitment Training and Executive Functioning, and finds the skills and ideas in the groups indispensable in his daily life.

If you have questions, please reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call us (403) 210-5000. We’re here to help.

Building Your Toolbox and Supporting the Transition to Employment: Ask and Advocate for Your Needs
2025-11-19 18:00 - 19:30 | The Ability Hub, Suite #300, 3820 - 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B-2X9, Canada
As parents, guardians, and caregivers; you play an important part in the successful transition of a young adult into the workforce.

Session: Ask and Advocate for Your Needs

This in-person session is focused on supporting your young adult to advocate for their needs. You will learn how to identify their support needs, and brainstorm potential solutions they can share with their employer. You will learn how to create a Needs Communication Plan with your young adult so they have a clear idea of what they need to address when they are talking to an employer. You will also learn how to recognize your own needs in your journey to supporting your young adult through their transition into employment.

In this in-person session, you will learn how to:

Help your young adult identify workplace support needs,

Help your young adult to identify strategies and supports that will help address these needs, and

Help your young adult to create a Needs Communication Plan.

Wednesday, November 19, 20256:00 – 7:30 pmIn-person At The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)

This series introduces you to The Sinneave Family Foundation’s Family Work Readiness Toolkit (FWRT), a practical, strengths-based resource designed to help youth explore their interests, skills, values, and preferred work environments. You will learn how to use the toolkit to guide supportive conversations, set goals, and take meaningful action toward employment success.

Through this series, you will:

Build confidence in supporting your young adult’s employment journey,

Learn how to apply the FWRT at home to break the process into manageable steps,

Explore community resources that complement the toolkit, and

Connect with other parents and guardians navigating similar experiences.

By the end of the series, you will have a stronger understanding of how to support your young adult’s transition into the workforce with practical tools, shared insight, and a clear starting point.

** Space in this session is limited, and advance registration is required through Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub. If there are no spots available, you can sign up to be placed on a waiting list and a member of our team will reach out to you if spots open up.**

There is no cost to attend and Sinneave Connects is free, but you need to register for an account to use it.

If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s easy! Click the button that says, “Sinneave Connects” to access the hub and follow these steps:

Create a user name

Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy!)

Select “Register”

Choose the Building Your Toolbox and Supporting the Transition to Employment: Ask and Advocate for Your Needs – November 19, 2025 session.

Click on the, “Choose session” button, and then press Confirm.

Sinneave Connects

About the Presenter:

Stéphanie Chapman is a Bilingual Online Program Facilitator for the EmploymentWorks program. She has 15+ years of professional experience in the fields of education and disability across the lifespan, and personally as a caregiver. Stéphanie is dedicated to creating inclusive spaces for families of all shapes and sizes to learn and grow together.

If you have questions, please reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call us 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.

Navigating Healthcare: From Planning to Follow-Up
2025-11-20 17:00 - 18:00 | Online via Sinneave Connects
Navigating the healthcare system can often feel overwhelming — from knowing which provider to see, to preparing for appointments, asking the right questions, and managing follow-up care. To support individuals in these everyday situations, we have developed four new micro-eLearning modules, which are available on Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub:

Figure Out Who to See,

Plan for Your Next Health Appointment,

Communicate Effectively During Appointments, and

Take Charge of Follow-Up Care.

In this 60-minute session, participants will be introduced to each module, learn how these resources can support them in different stages of the healthcare journey, and how to access them for ongoing use. The session is designed to build awareness of the modules and spark interest in applying them when navigating healthcare.

Thursday, November 20, 20255:00 – 6:00 p.m.Online via Sinneave Connects

There is no cost to attend this session. Sinneave Connects is free, but you need to register for an account to use it.

If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s easy! Click the button that says, “Sinneave Connects” and follow these steps:

Create a user name

Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy!)

Select “Register”

Choose the Navigating Healthcare: From Planning to Follow-Up – November 20, 2025 session.

Click on the, “Choose session” button, and then press Confirm.

Sinneave Connects

About the Presenter:

Ali Skeet is a Learning and Connection Associate at The Sinneave Family Foundation. She delivers the Information and Navigation Service, where she has the pleasure to meet with Autistics and Neurodivergent individuals one-on-one to provide consistent, person-centered information, and help navigate individuals to Sinneave programs and services, and or community-based resources.

If you have questions, please reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.

Disability Tax Credit Webinar
2025-11-25 17:00 - 18:45 | Online via Plan Institute
The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit that can help reduce the amount of taxes owed by a person with a disability or someone who supports them. It is also a gateway benefit that gives access to other programs such as the Canada Disability Benefit and the Registered Disability Savings Plan.

Join Plan Institute for an online webinar that will explain what the DTC is and how to make the best use of it, information about eligibility criteria, misconceptions about the DTC, application tips, and what happens after you apply. The presentation will conclude with a 45 minute Q&A period with a DTC specialist.

Tuesday, November 25, 20255:00 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.Online via Plan Institute

Please RSVP for this webinar by clicking on the button that says, “RSVP” to let the organizers know, and for you to receive the online webinar link.

RSVP

If you have questions, please reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
