Sinneave + Carya: Relationships with Your Autistic Adult Children
2026-05-14 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-05-21 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-05-28 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-06-04 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Edmonton) | Alberta
*We are no longer accepting participants for this group. Please watch our social media channels and website for more dates for this group later in the year.

We are pleased to offer Carya’s Relationships With Your Adult Children group with a focus on supporting parents and caregivers of Autistic adults as they grow in independence.

This group is designed to support parents as they reflect on and adapt to changing relationships with their adult children. In this group, parents and caregivers will:

Build understanding around family dynamics and how they change as children develop into adults,

Learn how to maintain personal boundaries and communication skills to improve or support relationships with their adult children, and

Learn how to maintain personal wellness when encountering challenging family relationships.

Participants will examine and explore their values when it comes to relationships with their children who are now adults. You will receive information from our experienced facilitators and be introduced to tools and information while having the chance to have group conversations with others who have similar experiences.

About Carya

Carya is a social impact agency that has been responding to the evolving social needs of the Calgary community since 1910.

With more than a century of expertise, they are deeply rooted in being a place of connection and support for Calgarians when and where they it most.

Carya impacts the lives of thousands of Calgarians each year, through a range of comprehensive, low to no-cost programs and services that enhance mental well-being, strengthen families, improve living conditions, and create meaningful social connections.

Visit their website to learn more about Carya Calgary.

Neurodiversity Acknowledgement

We honour neurodiversity and strive to create environments that value the many ways people think, learn, and communicate. Our programs, services, and activities are designed to be neuroaffirming, accessible, and guided by the input from the people we serve.

Read our full Neurodiversity Acknowledgement

Victoria Day - Office Closed
2026-05-18 00:00 - 23:59 | Alberta

Caregiver Resilience: Isolation and Loneliness
2026-05-19 15:30 - 17:00 | Online via Autism Edmonton Eventbrite
As caregivers, feeling disconnected and lonely can impact physical wellness. In this session, learn how these things impact you, while gaining important strategies to help you enjoy the world outside the house.

This session is intended for everyone, however, its focus will particularly benefit women and aging adults.

This session is brought to you by Autism Edmonton and YMCA with support from The Sinneave Family Foundation.

Tuesday, May 193:30 – 5:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)Online via Autism Edmonton

Registration for this event is via Autism Edmonton’s Eventbrite page. You can register by clicking the button that says “Register.”

Register

About the YMCA:

At YMCA, we believe in the power of people. Every day, our dedicated employees and volunteers bring energy, positivity, and inclusivity to everything they do. They are the spark that ignites potential in others – helping individuals grow, thrive, and truly belong.

When people feel connected and supported, communities become stronger, more resilient, and full of life. That’s the impact of people-powered change. Together, we create welcoming spaces where everyone is valued, differences are celebrated, and possibilities are endless. Be the spark. Shine bright. Help others shine too.

Your Time, Your Way - Yu-Gi-Oh Night
2026-05-19 17:00 - 19:30 | The Ability Hub, Suite #300, 3820 - 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B-2X9, Canada
Tuesday, May 19, we’re hosting a Yu-Gi-Oh theme night. Join us between 5:00 and 7:30 p.m. and participate as much or as little as you want. Whether you’re new to the game or an experienced player, all skill levels are welcome.

Learn the basics, trade cards, or enjoy casual free play with others in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Participants should bring their own deck of cards to participate.

*Please note: selling cards will not be permitted.

Each week, we offer a “third space”—a place separate from home or work or school where there is no obligation to spend money on food or beverages—to members of our community.

You are invited to drop in and use our space to 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.

The rest of our space remains open for people who don’t want to participate in structured activities. We provide flexible seating options, focus tools, and adjustable lighting options in an effort to make our space more welcoming and inclusive to those who wish to spend time in it.

Suggested activities:

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

Women's Group: Peer Support for 18+
2026-05-19 18:00 - 19:30 | The Ability Hub, Suite #300, 3820 - 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B-2X9, Canada
We’re thrilled to offer a group designed specifically for Autistic and neurodivergent adults (18+) who identify as women or who connect with experiences of womanhood.*

In this session, we will continue to discuss various aspects of different types of relationships, such as:

Relationships with family

Workplace relationships

Romantic relationships

Other casual relationships, and

Making friends.

Participants are welcome to share lived experiences and discuss strategies that have been helpful for them as they relate to making friends, building and maintaining relationships, and learning about relationship dynamics.

This is not a therapy group, but rather, a supportive, non-clinical space to discuss and share ideas, lived experiences, and connect meaningfully with others. The content and resources shared in this group are informed by both lived Autistic experience and research as they intersect with gendered experiences in society.

*This group is intended for Autistic and neurodivergent folks who identify as women or who connect with experiences of womanhood, inclusive of non-binary and other 2SLGBTQ+ identities and expressions. This boundary ensures that participants can share openly without explanation, justification or judgement.

Please also note: During this session, Sinneave staff, guest presenters, and attendees may share information about community resources. Some information provided may not be accurate, up-to-date, or reliable for everyone. Attendees are also encouraged to be critical consumers of information available on the internet. Providing information about a community resource is not endorsement, and Sinneave does not assume any risk for the outcome of using the information shared during this session.

Tuesday, May 196:00 – 7:30 p.m.In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)There is no cost to attend.

Registration is appreciated, but not required. If you sign up in advance, our facilitators are able to contact you in the event of a last-minute change in plans. Drop-ins are also welcome.

To register, log in to Sinneave Connects. If you don’t have a Sinneave Connects account yet, it’s easy! Click the button that says, Sinneave Connects to access the learning hub and follow the prompts on the log-in page.

Sinneave Connects

About the Presenters:Kristen Coglon is a Life Skills Coach at The Sinneave Family Foundation. She has been working with Sinneave for more than 4 years and in the Human Services field for more than 10 years. Her experiences have been working with individuals across the lifespan, and she has gained valuable skills and knowledge that contribute to her daily work. Kristen is a passionate and empathetic person who is happy to be a listening ear, supportive coach, and an advocate for Autistic and neurodivergent adults.

Alexandra (Ali) Skeet is a Learning and Connection Associate at The Sinneave Family Foundation. She delivers the Information and Navigation service where they have the pleasure to meet with Autistic and neurodivergent individuals one-on-one to provide consistent, person-centred information and navigation to Sinneave programs and services, and/or community-based resources. Ali has both professional and lived experience navigating identity, and the intersectional impact of societal expectations/beliefs on neurodivergent individuals. They bring over a decade of experience in the field of mental health, and a passion for person-centered care and intersectional inclusivity.

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

The Employment Classroom: Preparing for and doing well in an interview
2026-05-20 10:00 - 12:00 | The Ability Hub, Suite #300, 3820 - 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B-2X9, Canada
Are you interested in learning more about all the stages of the employment journey and the steps you can take to lead you on a path to success?

Our Employment Classroom series of workshops cover many topics related to finding a job and keeping a job, including employment preparedness, life skills, and soft skills for the workplace.

In this particular session, participants will learn:

How to prepare for an interview

What skills you need to practice for the interview

How to answer questions confidently

How to perform well in an interview

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn what is expected in professional settings, how to navigate specific questions, and receive and provide feedback, if desired.

Wednesday, May 2010:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)

This workshop combines classroom instruction and time to practice what you’ve learned with support from the facilitators, if needed. Attendees to these workshops must be able to participate independently.

Please note: These classes are limited to 15 attendees. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. *If the course is full, you will be added to a waitlist. Please do not attend until your registration has been confirmed by our staff.

To Register:

Click the button that says, Sinneave Connects to access registration through our online hub. If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s free and easy. Just follow the instructions on the Log-in page.

Sinneave Connects

About our Facilitators:

Ryan Elkanah is a late-diagnosed AuDHD adult and professional relationship builder who brings curiosity, empathy, and lived experience to every space they enter. Having navigated masking, burnout, loss, and the ongoing work of reclaiming agency, they approach their work with humility, intention, and care. Ryan creates spaces where people can show up fully, where reflection and authenticity meet courage and growth. Grounded in a neuro-affirming, trauma-informed, person-centered, and strengths-based approach, they walk alongside others in the lifelong practice of becoming.

Marcela Montes-Lobos is an EmploymentWorks online facilitator at the Sinneave Family Foundation and is a late-diagnosed Hispanic neurodivergent adult who has embraced her unique diversity as well as her family’s. Having lived experience in language barriers, as well as other barriers that many neurodivergent folks face in life, she decided mid-life to return to school, leaving a career in the airline indjustry and becoming an Addiction and Disability Support Worker. She is passionate about creating safe spaces, always encouraging participants’ autonomy, curiosity and empowering them on their journey.

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

Your Time, Your Way
2026-05-20 17:00 - 19:30, 2026-05-21 17:00 - 19:30, 2026-05-26 17:00 - 19:30, 2026-05-27 17:00 - 19:30, 2026-05-28 17:00 - 19:30 | The Ability Hub, Suite #300, 3820 - 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B-2X9, Canada
Each week, we offer a “third space”—a place separate from home, work, or school where there is no obligation to spend money on food or beverages—to members of our community.

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

We provide flexible seating, focus tools, and adjustable lighting options in an effort to make our space welcoming and inclusive to those who wish to spend time in it.

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 environment 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

Neurodiversity AcknowledgementWe honour neurodiversity and strive to create environments that value the many ways people think, learn, and communicate. Our programs, services, and activities are designed to be neuroaffirming, accessible, and guided by the input from the people we serve. Read the full neurodiversity acknowledgement on our website.

Building Your Toolkit for Caregivers: Aligning Expectations for Employment
2026-05-20 18:00 - 19:30 | The Ability Hub, Suite #300, 3820 - 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B-2X9, Canada
We all have expectations around what the transition to employment will look like for our young adult, but what happens when our expectations do not align with theirs?

In this strengths-based workshop we will discuss tools and strategies to improve shared communication between caregiver and young adult throughout their transition to employment. These skills will help to align expectations and create space to support all parties through this transition.

Please note: caregivers do not need to be parents in order to attend this workshop. Caregivers can be legal guardians, supportive roommates, natural supports, or family members.

Participants will gain the knowledge and skills to:

Recognize the factors that impact communication between caregivers and young adults

Use strengths-based tools to support their young adult in the “preparing for work” phase

Model and implement strategies and routines that support shared growth and understanding

Reflect on expectations and needs regarding the transition process

Wednesday, May 206:00 – 7:30 p.m.In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)

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

Click the button that says “Sinneave Connects” and sign in as usual to enroll in the course.

If you have not created a free Sinneave Connects account yet, you will need to do that to access the online link. Click the button that says “Sinneave Connects” and follow the prompts on the sign-in page.

Sinneave Connects

This workshop complements The Sinneave Family Foundation’s Family Work Readiness Toolkit (FWRT), a practical, strengths-based resource designed to equip caregivers in supporting youth as they explore their interests, skills, values, and preferred work environments. Look for it on Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub.

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

The Vergence: Neuroinclusive Market and Creative Expo
2026-05-23 15:00 - 21:00 | Alberta
The Vergence is an evening experimental expo, a micro-market, and a creative convergence designed for makers, movers, and minds that work a little differently.

Saturday, May 233:00 – 9:00 p.m.Inglewood Community Association Hall (1740 24 Avenue SE)Admission is free or by donation

Browse curated vendors, explore hands-on workshops, gain sensorial sovereignty via silent-disco headphones. Experience freedom of expression and movement in a space intentionally built for sensory comfort, creative expression, and genuine community.

Whether you’re a longtime member of the neurodivergent community or simply someone who’s tired of events that feel the same–this was made with you in mind.

The Vergence is presented by The Divergent Collective.

When you click the button that says “The Vergence” you will be redirected to their Eventbrite page, where you will find more details and ways you can participate.

The Vergence

Please note: This is not a Sinneave event. If you have questions about the market and expo, please reach out to The Divergent Collective directly. You can find them on Instagram @divergent_collective_yyc

The Role of Stigma and Trauma in Shaping Autistic Experiences
2026-05-26 12:00 - 13:00 | Online via Autism Edmonton Eventbrite
This presentation will include an overview of research on the impacts of trauma and stigma on Autistic people. Together, we will explore how autism-related stigma in society, research, and interpersonal interactions translates into a greater risk of experiencing trauma, including exclusion and discrimination, for many Autistic people.

The presenter will discuss Autistic peoples’ experiences with stigmatization and trauma in a variety of contexts (including interpersonal relationships, school, work, clinical, and community spaces), and address the self-reported coping methods Autistic people use.

They will also explore intersectional, neurodiversity-affirming, and trauma-informed approaches to supporting Autistic people in their day-to-day lives.

This session is brought to you by Autism Edmonton with support from the Sinneave Family Foundation.

Tuesday, May 2612:00 – 1:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)Online via Autism Edmonton

Registration for this event is via Autism Edmonton’s Eventbrite page. You can register by clicking the button that says “Register.”

Register

About the Presenter:

Tamara Garfield is a doctoral student at Drexel University in the Community Health and Prevention program of the Dornsife School of Public Health in Philadelphia, PA. Tamara identifies as Autistic and uses she/her and they/them pronouns. Their work includes a focus on meaningfully including Autistic people in research to improve quality of life and health-related outcomes for Autistic people. Tamara discovered a passion for this work as a peer mentor in high school and pursued a BA in psychology and a MA in community counseling with a focus on neurodivergence, stigma, and trauma.

In her current work, Tamara is studying how contextual factors, including stigma and trauma, shape Autistic peoples’ experiences in employment and education and, in turn, how these experiences impact their health and wellbeing. In their free time, Tamara loves spending time with her cats, gardening, cooking, listening to podcasts, and watching movies or TV shows.

Navigating Healthcare: From Planning to Follow-Up
2026-05-26 18:30 - 19:30 | 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, this 60-minute facilitated session will introduce participants to four 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.

Learn how these resources can support you in different stages of the healthcare journey, and how to access them for ongoing use.

Tuesday, May 266:30 – 7:30 p.m.Online via Sinneave Connects

This virtual session is hosted on 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 free and easy to set up. Click the button that says, “Sinneave Connects” and follow the prompts on the log-in screen.

Sinneave Connects

About the Presenter:

Alexandra (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 Autistic and neurodivergent individuals one-on-one to provide consistent, person-centred information, and navigate individuals to Sinneave programs and services and community-based resources. Ali has more than a decade of experience in the mental health field and has a passion for person-centred care and intersectional inclusivity.

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

Neurodiversity AcknowledgementWe honour neurodiversity and strive to create environments that value the many ways people think, learn, and communicate. Our programs, services, and activities are designed to be neuroaffirming, accessible, and guided by the input from the people we serve. Read the full neurodiversity acknowledgement on our website.

The Invisible Labour of Autistic Masking
2026-05-27 12:00 - 13:00 | Online via Autism Edmonton Eventbrite
This session explores Autistic masking and communication through the lens of Communication Work, a health communication concept that examines why and how communication can become effortful and exhausting.

Drawing on the presenter’s dissertation research, the workshop highlights findings that conceptualize Autistic masking as a form of communication work enacted in response to stigma, social expectations, and efforts to avoid social isolation and disenfranchisement. The session emphasizes that masking is not simply a set of behaviors used in isolated interactions but an ongoing communicative process that unfolds over time—helping explain why masking can be so exhausting and why its negative impacts often persist even as individuals become more practiced in these behaviors.

The workshop will introduce evidence-based strategies for managing communication work, regaining communicative agency, and navigating interactions with non-Autistic others.

Designed to be interactive and practical, the session offers tools to help reduce the invisible labor of masking and support more sustainable communication practices.

This session is brought to you by Autism Edmonton with support from the Sinneave Family Foundation.

Wednesday, May 2712:00 – 1:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)Online via Autism Edmonton

When you click on the button that says “Register,” you will be redirected to Autism Edmonton’s Eventbrite page where you can reserve your spot.

Register

About the Presenter:

Abigail D. Hazlett, PhD, is an Autistic health communication researcher who earned her doctorate in Communication Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in March 2026. Her work focuses on how people communicate during stressful, uncertain, or inequitable health experiences, and how those interactions shape well-being, health choices, and access to care. Using interviews, collaborative research with communities, and mixed methods, Hazlett studies how everyday conversations about health are influenced by larger systems such as healthcare institutions, culture, and social norms.

Hazlett is also a co-author of the Integrative Theory of Communication Work, which explains communication as a form of labor shaped by expectations, demands, and available resources. Influenced by her own experience and in collaboration with a community advisory board of late-identified and/or diagnosed Autistic adults, her dissertation applied this framework to understand how late-identified Autistic adults mask their Autistic traits in response to social pressures and exclusion, and how these experiences affect identity, well-being, and healthcare access.

Her research aims to inform practical, equity-focused interventions that help people navigate difficult conversations about health and identity while strengthening systems of care.

Caregiver Resilience: Living Authentically
2026-05-28 13:00 - 14:30 | Online via Autism Edmonton Eventbrite
In this session, attendees will learn how to identify their values and what’s important to them and how they can use that knowledge to live more authentically. Living authentically means valuing yourself and learning to live according to your values instead to the expectations of others.

While this session is for everyone, its focus will particularly benefit women and aging adults.

This session is brought to you by Autism Edmonton and YMCA with support from the Sinneave Family Foundation.

Thursday, May 281:00 – 2:30 p.m. (Mountain Time)Online via Autism Edmonton

Registration for this event is via Autism Edmonton’s Eventbrite page. You can register by clicking the button that says “Register.”

Register

About the YMCA:

At YMCA, we believe in the power of people. Every day, our dedicated employees and volunteers bring energy, positivity, and inclusivity to everything they do. They are the spark that ignites potential in others – helping individuals grow, thrive, and truly belong.

When people feel connected and supported, communities become stronger, more resilient, and full of life. That’s the impact of people-powered change. Together, we create welcoming spaces where everyone is valued, differences are celebrated, and possibilities are endless. Be the spark. Shine bright. Help others shine too.

National AccessAbility Week
2026-05-31 00:00 - 2026-06-06 23:59 | Alberta

Your Time, Your Way
2026-06-02 17:00 - 19:30, 2026-06-03 17:00 - 19:30, 2026-06-04 17:00 - 19:30, 2026-06-09 17:00 - 19:30, 2026-06-10 17:00 - 19:30 | The Ability Hub, Suite #300, 3820 - 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B-2X9, Canada
Members of our community are invited to drop-in and use our space on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays to unwind or recharge—with no pressure to engage in structured activities. We have several rooms available–a quiet lounge, computer desks, hang out sofas–you choose. It’s your time to use your way.

Each week, we offer a “third space”—a place separate from home, work, or school where there is no obligation to spend money on food or beverages.

We provide flexible seating, focus tools, and adjustable lighting options in an effort to make our space welcoming and inclusive to those who wish to spend time in it.

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 environment 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: Neurodivergent and Neurotypical Communication
2026-06-03 17:00 - 18:30 | The Ability Hub, Suite #300, 3820 - 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B-2X9, Canada
Communication can vastly differ between neurodivergent and neurotypical people. Without some understanding of these different communication styles, interactions can be confusing and misunderstandings can occur. But, a little knowledge can go a long way.

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

Describe how communication can differ between neurodivergent and neurotypical people

Recognize how communication across neurotypes is a form of cross-cultural communication

Identify their own authentic communication preferences and needs

Evaluate the benefits and challenges of using authentic communication in different settings

Practice expressing or requesting their communication preferences and needs

Wednesday, June 35:00 – 6:30 p.m.In-person @ The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)There is no cost to attend

Advance registration is not required, however, if you want to sign up, our team can contact you in the event of any last minute changes or cancellations. Click the button that says “Sinneave Connects” to enroll in the course.

If you have not created a free Sinneave Connects account yet, you will need to do that. Just follow the prompts on the sign-in page.

Sinneave Connects

About this Workshop:

Our Social Communication workshops are designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn and practice a variety of social communication skills in a safe and welcoming setting. Participants will be provided with information, tips, and strategies that they can choose to apply in common day-to-day social situations.

About the Presenter:

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

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

Neurodiversity AcknowledgementWe honour neurodiversity and strive to create environments that value the many ways people think, learn, and communicate. Our programs, services, and activities are designed to be neuroaffirming, accessible, and guided by the input from the people we serve. Read the full neurodiversity acknowledgement on our website.

Emotional Blindness: Enhancing awareness of and interpreting body language
2026-06-09 18:00 - 19:00 | The Ability Hub, Suite #300, 3820 - 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B-2X9, Canada
Many Autistics describe having difficulty understanding and articulating the emotions they are feeling as well as interpreting the non-verbal gestures and clues of others while in conversation.

In this interactive workshop, attendees will learn to understand and interpret basic body language, which will help with social and communication skills.

Together, participants will explore some of the most important nonverbal clues, learn how to “read” the actions and reactions of others, and adjust their own body language to appear more positive, engaging and approachable.

Tuesday, June 96:00 – 7:00 p.m.In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)

To register:

Click the button that says, Sinneave Connects to access registration through our online hub. If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s free and easy. Just follow the instructions on the log-in page.

Sinneave Connects

About the presenter:Sherry Taylor has more than 15 years of experience in the non-profit sector. She is the Coordinator of Sinneave’s EmploymentWorks program as well as an employment coach and workshop facilitator extraordinaire! She is passionate about developing curriculum and content that engages, entertains and educates.

Neurodiversity AcknowledgementWe honour neurodiversity and strive to create environments that value the many ways people think, learn, and communicate. Our programs, services, and activities are designed to be neuroaffirming, accessible, and guided by the input from the people we serve. Read the full neurodiversity acknowledgement on our website.

The Employment Classroom: Searching and Applying for Jobs
2026-06-10 10:00 - 12:00 | The Ability Hub, Suite #300, 3820 - 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B-2X9, Canada
Are you interested in learning more about all the stages of the employment journey and the steps you can take to lead you on a path to success?

Our Employment Classroom workshops cover many topics related to finding and keeping a job, including employment preparedness, life skills, and soft skills for the workplace.

In this particular session, participants will learn:

How to ensure your resume gets through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)

Who to include in your Reference List

How to format your Reference List

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn what is expected in professional settings, how to navigate specific questions, and receive and provide feedback, if desired.

Wednesday, June 1010:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)

This workshop combines classroom instruction and time to practice what you’ve learned with support from the facilitators, if needed. Attendees to these workshops must be able to participate independently.

Please note: These classes are limited to 15 attendees. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. *If the course is full, you will be added to a waitlist. Please do not attend until your registration has been confirmed by our staff.

To Register:

Click the button that says, Sinneave Connects to access registration through our online hub. If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s free and easy. Just follow the instructions on the Log-in page.

Sinneave Connects

About our Facilitators:

Ryan Elkanah is a late-diagnosed AuDHD adult and professional relationship builder who brings curiosity, empathy, and lived experience to every space they enter. Having navigated masking, burnout, loss, and the ongoing work of reclaiming agency, they approach their work with humility, intention, and care. Ryan creates spaces where people can show up fully, where reflection and authenticity meet courage and growth. Grounded in a neuro-affirming, trauma-informed, person-centered, and strengths-based approach, they walk alongside others in the lifelong practice of becoming.

Marcela Montes-Lobos is an EmploymentWorks online facilitator at the Sinneave Family Foundation and is a late-diagnosed Hispanic neurodivergent adult who has embraced her unique diversity as well as her family’s. Having lived experience in language barriers, as well as other barriers that many neurodivergent folks face in life, she decided mid-life to return to school, leaving a career in the airline indjustry and becoming an Addiction and Disability Support Worker. She is passionate about creating safe spaces, always encouraging participants’ autonomy, curiosity and empowering them on their journey.

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

Neurodiversity AcknowledgementWe honour neurodiversity and strive to create environments that value the many ways people think, learn, and communicate. Our programs, services, and activities are designed to be neuroaffirming, accessible, and guided by the input from the people we serve. Read the full neurodiversity acknowledgement on our website.

Autistic Voices and Perspectives - Jess Burylo
2026-06-10 12:00 - 13:00 | Alberta
What does it really mean to speak up for yourself and feel confident doing it?

Join Autism Edmonton for an honest and inspiring conversation with Jessica Burylo, an Autistic self-advocate whose work is helping change how we understand identity, accessibility, and belonging.

Jessica is a PhD student at the University of Alberta, where she explores Autistic identity and joy. She also works with Elections Canada to reduce barriers so people with disabilities can take part in federal elections, and collaborates with Accessibility Standards Canada to improve how programs and services are designed. Across everything she does, Jessica brings both professional insight and lived experience.

This session is not about having all the answers. It is about learning how to trust your voice and use it.

Together, we will explore what self-advocacy can look like in everyday life, how to build confidence in who you are, and how to navigate systems that were not built with you in mind. Most importantly, we will talk about joy and why it matters.

You will leave with practical ideas, a stronger sense of self, and a reminder that your voice matters.

This learning session is brought to you by Autism Edmonton, with support from the Sinneave Family Foundation.

Wednesday, June 1012:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)Online via Autism Edmonton

When you click on the button that says “Register,” you will be redirected to Autism Edmonton’s Eventbrite page, where you can reserve your spot.

Register

About the Presenter:

Jessica Burylo (she/her) is an Autistic self-advocate and PhD student at the University of Alberta, where her research explores Autistic identity and joy. She works as an Outreach Officer with the Inspire Democracy team at Elections Canada, supporting efforts to reduce barriers to participation in federal elections for people with disabilities.

She works with Accessibility Standards Canada to help shape national standards for accessible program and service delivery, and serves as an advisor to Proof Positive: Autism Wellbeing Alliance. Her work brings together accessibility and lived experience with a focus on creating spaces where Autistic people can meaningfully participate and thrive.
