Sinneave Foundation

Skills Group: Acceptance & Commitment Training (ACT)
2024-02-27 16:00 - 17:30, 2024-02-20 16:00 - 17:30 (America/Edmonton) | The Ability Hub, Suite #300, 3820 - 24th Avenue NW|Suite #300, 3820 – 24th Avenue NW|Suite #300, 3820 – 24th Avenue NW|Suite #300, 3820 – 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B-2X9|T3B-2X9|T3B-2X9|T3B-2X9, Canada
Registration for our January-February Skills Groups is now closed.
We offer Skills Groups every quarter. We open applications for each group approximately 4 weeks in advance of the start dates. When the application window opens, you can find a live link on this page as well as on our Event Calendar, which you can access by clicking HERE. When you click the live link, you will be directed to an application form to complete. Once your form is submitted, a staff member will follow up with you. If there is not a link, we are not currently accepting applications.

Skills Groups are skill development workshops that are facilitated by two Sinneave staff members (one is an autistic self-advocate). In each 90-minute workshop, participants learn a variety of strategies that are foundational to success in various aspects of daily life. They are then given opportunities to practice the strategies with the support of the facilitators and other group members.
The next Acceptance & Commitment Training group runs for eight consecutive weeks, beginning Tuesday, January 16 through March 5, 2024.
Do you ever act on “autopilot,” lost in your thoughts and not noticing the world around you?
Do you ever feel like your difficult thoughts and feelings (such as sadness or anxiety) are in control of you, and getting in your way?
Do you find that the things that matter to you in your life don’t get done as much as you’d like?
Do you struggle with motivation?
The skills we teach in Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) can help.
ACT is an evidence-based approach that increases:

your capacity to be present in the moment,
your ability to accept and work with difficult thoughts and feelings, and
helps you prioritize what matters to you.

ACT teaches you how to manage unwanted experiences. When our thoughts and emotions are all over the place, ACT teaches us to anchor so that we can weather the storm. It can help you lead a richer and more fulfilling life.
ACT teaches six core skills to help you:

Contact With the Present Moment: this focuses on being present and aware of your current internal and external world; it encourages being flexible in how you pay attention
Acceptance and Willingness: this is making room for unwanted or unpleasant feelings, or thoughts without trying to change them
Unhooking (defusion): this involves stepping back from and observing your thoughts and feelings without being caught up in them; that is, noticing your thoughts and feelings and deciding if you should pay attention to them, or just let them be
The Observing Self: This involves becoming more aware of and in contact with a part of you that is always there; the observing self is an observer of thoughts, feelings, and memories
Values: knowing your values helps to clarify what matters to you, like the person you want to be and the things you want to do
Committed Action: Life is in the doing; this involves committing to yourself to ACT in the direction of your value-driven goals

ACT is an attention-training program where you will learn to strengthen your attention “muscles” and flexibly direct your attention where you want it to go.
Research has proven ACT can be effective with a diverse range of people (including autistic people, teachers, caregivers and support workers) and with a variety of conditions (including ADHD, trauma, substance abuse and psychosis).
You will have the opportunity to learn and share in a safe and supportive environment.
Please note: Skills Groups are closed groups with a limited number of participants to allow for the greatest participation. They are filled by application only. These are not drop-in sessions.
To learn more about Skills Groups, visit our website, by clicking HERE

Drop-in Employment Support
2024-02-27 13:00 - 14:30, 2024-02-20 13:00 - 14:30 | The Ability Hub, Suite #300, 3820 - 24th Avenue NW|Suite #300, 3820 – 24th Avenue NW|Suite #300, 3820 – 24th Avenue NW|Suite #300, 3820 – 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B-2X9|T3B-2X9|T3B-2X9|T3B-2X9, Canada
Do you want to find a job, but aren’t sure where to start?
Are you applying for jobs, but not finding success?
Are you working in a job and want to improve your soft skills, like workplace communication?
You’re invited to attend one–or all–of our Drop-in Employment Support workshops in February. (Please note all sessions are in-person only. There is no online option available at this time.)
Tuesdays, February 6, 13, 20, 27, 2024
1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
Attendees will benefit from connecting with experienced professionals who understand neurodiversity and will help identify your strengths, interests, and potential career paths. Whether you have a formal diagnosis or not, if you’re an autistic or neurodivergent individual who is interested in improving your job prospects, consider stopping by.
There is no formal agenda. Participants are welcome to bring their curiosity and questions, resumes, and cover letters. Our employment specialists will focus on helping you to develop essential pre-employment skills, including:

creating an effective resume
learning and practicing interview techniques
job search strategies
and more!

Receive personalized guidance and learn more about how to successfully navigate the job search journey and the world of work.
Our goal is to create an inclusive and supportive environment where neurodivergent individuals can access resources, gain valuable insights, and enhance their employability, confidence, and career prospects.
There is no cost for these sessions and you don’t need to register in advance, just drop-in. We hope to see you there!
About the Presenters: Meet the Sinneave Employment Team: Marcela, Sherry, and Ryan. They are a dedicated group of professionals committed to empowering neurodivergent individuals on their journeys towards meaningful employment and career success.

Skills Group: Executive Functioning (EF)
2024-02-21 16:00 - 17:30, 2024-02-14 16:00 - 17:30 | The Ability Hub, Suite #300, 3820 - 24th Avenue NW|Suite #300, 3820 – 24th Avenue NW|Suite #300, 3820 – 24th Avenue NW|Suite #300, 3820 – 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B-2X9|T3B-2X9|T3B-2X9|T3B-2X9, Canada
Registration for our January-February Skills Groups is now closed.
We offer Skills Groups every quarter. We open applications for each group approximately 4 weeks in advance of the start dates. When the application window opens, you can find a live link on this page as well as on our Event Calendar, which you can access by clicking HERE. When you click the live link, you will be directed to an application form to complete. Once your form is submitted, a staff member will follow up with you. If there is not a link, we are not currently accepting applications.

Skills Groups are skill development workshops that are facilitated by two Sinneave staff members (one is an autistic self-advocate). In each 90-minute workshop, participants learn a variety of strategies that are foundational to success in various aspects of daily life. They are then given opportunities to practice the strategies with the support of the facilitators and other group members.
Skills Group sessions happen once a week for six consecutive weeks. The next Executive Functioning group begins Wednesday, January 31 and runs through March 6, 2024.
Do you:

Struggle with unexpected changes?
Have trouble getting started, or maybe have trouble stopping things you like to do when it’s time to do something you don’t like to do?
Have you ever avoided an experience or a person because of your anxiety?
How about when you have a great idea, but have trouble creating and acting on a plan to get it done.

If so, learning more about Executive Functioning (EF) may be for you. Research has shown us that the skills underlying Executive Functioning can be taught, practiced and improved on. When EF Skills are working, we tend to be happier and more productive.
We are excited to invite self-advocates and individuals who identify as autistic to attend this six part workshop on Executive Functioning (EF). We will discuss and practice skills including: Cognitive Flexibility, Getting Started, Staying Present, Bringing your Anxiety along for the Ride, and Organization/Planning.
Participants will learn about the importance of EF and how to improve EF skills through specific practice within a safe and supportive environment.
Please note: Skills Groups are closed groups with a limited number of participants to allow for the greatest participation. They are filled by application only. These are not drop-in sessions.
To learn more about Skills Groups, visit our website, by clicking HERE.

Drop-in Workshop – Electronic Communication: Strategies for managing electronic communication and maintaining good mental health
2024-02-20 16:00 - 17:30 | Hybrid: The Ability Hub and Online, 300, 3820 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B 2X9, Canada
Technology is rapidly changing and advancing. While we embrace the good things it has to offer, it has also introduced many new challenges.
Join us Tuesday, February 20, 2024 from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. to discuss the implications of online safety and strategies for navigating electronic communication and maintaining good mental health in the process.
This session is one of a series of six drop-in workshops designed to provide autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn and practice essential social communication skills. Each 90-minute workshop covers a different aspect of social communication, providing information, tips and strategies to help autistic and neurodivergent individuals to connect and thrive in social situations.
All workshops are in-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW).
There is no cost to attend these sessions.
Advance registration is not required – you can attend them all (we recommend this!) or just the ones that seem interesting to you.
All sessions begin promptly at 4:00 p.m.
If attending in-person presents a barrier for you, you can also choose to attend virtually via Sinneave Connects, our online learning portal. Sinneave Connects is FREE, but you must register for an account to use it.
If you already have a 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 portal and follow these steps:

Create a user name
Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
Select “Register”
Choose the Drop-in Workshop: Electronic Communication Strategies course to access the virtual link.

Drop-in Workshop – Electronic Communication: Strategies for managing electronic communication and maintaining good mental health
Other Social Communication Workshop topics include:
Non-verbal Communication: Learning how to tell if others want to talk with you
Do you find it challenging to know if people are interested and willing to talk with you? In this session, we’ll talk about non-verbal communication and learn some of the visual cues and strategies you can use to find out.
Strategies for Entering Conversations: Easy ways to start or join social conversations
We know that starting a conversation or joining in a conversation that is already underway can be difficult. In this session, we’ll learn and practice a few strategies to help you enter into conversations more confidently.
Strategies for Exiting Conversations: Easy ways to end or leave a conversation
How do you end or leave a conversation when it’s time to go? In this session, we’ll talk about strategies you can learn and practice to help you leave a conversation or end a conversation in tactful ways.
Electronic Communication: Strategies for managing electronic communication and maintaining good mental health
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 the implications of online safety and discuss strategies for navigating electronic communication and maintaining good mental health in the process.
Establishing Social Connections: 5 Pro-tips for developing social relationships in your community
Meeting new people and making friends isn’t always easy. In this session, we’ll share 5 tips you can practice and use when it comes to making friends and maintaining social relationships.
Handling Disagreements in communication: Tips for keeping your cool
Do you find it difficult to communicate when someone disagrees with you? In this session, we’ll talk about conflict and share tips to help you keep your cool when you’re in the middle of a disagreement, as well as provide strategies to help you work through it.
If you have any questions about these workshops or if you need help navigating the Sinneave Connects online learning portal, please reach out by email at info@sinneavefoundation.org OR call us at 403 210-5000. We’re here for you!

Family Day - Office Closed
2024-02-19 08:00 - 17:00 | The Ability Hub, Suite #300, 3820 - 24th Avenue NW|Suite #300, 3820 – 24th Avenue NW|Suite #300, 3820 – 24th Avenue NW|Suite #300, 3820 – 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B-2X9|T3B-2X9|T3B-2X9|T3B-2X9, Canada

Get Ready for Your Summer Job! - Youth Series
2024-02-16 13:00 - 15:30, 2024-02-15 13:00 - 15:30 | The Ability Hub, Suite #300, 3820 - 24th Avenue NW|Suite #300, 3820 – 24th Avenue NW|Suite #300, 3820 – 24th Avenue NW|Suite #300, 3820 – 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B-2X9|T3B-2X9|T3B-2X9|T3B-2X9, Canada
Are you an Autistic or neurodivergent high school or post-secondary student who’s thinking about getting a summer job?
You’re invited to join us for a special employment series designed just for you!
We know from experience that when a person has a better understanding of their strengths and interests it helps them feel more confident in taking steps to find a fulfilling job–so we’re here to help.
Get Ready for Your Summer Job! is a two-day workshop that will:

guide participants in discovering their strengths and interests,
provide an overview of various types of summer jobs,
explore seasonal opportunities in the Calgary area, and
share the necessary skills for successful employment, such as preparing a resume and cover letter, and honing interview skills.

This series takes place during Calgary Teachers’ Convention:
Thursday & Friday, February 15 & 16
1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
In-person @The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
We want to ensure our participants have the best possible experience, so to facilitate as much hands-on interaction as possible, this series is limited to 15 attendees. When you sign up, you are committing to attend both sessions.
Reserve your spot today by clicking the button below that says Get Ready for Your Summer Job! This button will direct you to Sinneave Connects, our online learning portal.
If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual and enroll in the course. If this is the first time you’ve used Sinneave Connects, you will need to create a FREE account. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3, 4… When you click the button below, it will direct you to the portal. Follow the prompts from there.

Create a Username
Create a password (remember to keep it someplace safe for next time)
Select “Register”
Choose the “Get Ready for Your Summer Job!” session

Get Ready for Your Summer Job!
About the Presenter: Ian Humphreys is an Employment Advisor at The Sinneave Family Foundation. With more than 10 years of experience in the disability and employment sectors, he leads impactful programs for Autistic and neurodivergent individuals like EmploymentWorks and EmploymentWorks Online. He has also facilitated one-on-one employment coaching via our Drop-in Employment Support workshops. He is passionate about empowering individuals on their employment journeys, fostering both personal and professional growth, and aiding them in the successful transition to the workforce.

Goal Setting: Creating a Blueprint for your Life
2024-02-15 16:00 - 17:30 | The Ability Hub, Suite #300, 3820 - 24th Avenue NW|Suite #300, 3820 – 24th Avenue NW|Suite #300, 3820 – 24th Avenue NW|Suite #300, 3820 – 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B-2X9|T3B-2X9|T3B-2X9|T3B-2X9, Canada
Do you have plans and dreams for your future, but aren’t sure of how to make them a reality?
Do you want to set meaningful goals for your life, but don’t know where to start?
This Learning & Connection activity may be just what you need!
Learn how to create meaningful and realistic goals and then take action steps to achieve them – one at a time.
In this session, participants will learn about the importance of values and how they inform our life goals. They will also learn about SMART goals and how to determine what yours might be. Attendees will have an opportunity to participate in a values exercise and a goal setting exercise to practice these skills.
Join us Thursday, February 15 from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24th Avenue NW in Calgary) If attending in person isn’t possible for you, you can also attend virtually via Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub.
If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual and enroll in the course. If this is the first time you’ve used Sinneave Connects, you will need to create a free account. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3.

Create a Username
Create a password (remember to keep it someplace safe for next time)
Select “Register”
Choose the “Goal Setting: Creating a Blueprint for your Life – Feb. 15” session

To access Sinneave Connects, click on the button below that reads, “Goal Setting: Creating a Blueprint for your Life – Feb 15”
Goal Setting: Creating a Blueprint for your Life – Feb 15
About the Presenter:
Cedric Nicholson is a certified professional executive and life coach with 20 years of working with people who have various disabilities and 7 years working specifically with individuals on the spectrum. Cedric is passionate about personal development and helping people reach their highest potential and is currently a Life Skills coach in the Launch + Skills program at Sinneave.

If you have questions or need help navigating Sinneave Connects, please email us at info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help!
P.S. This session pairs perfectly with our Visioning: Creating a Blueprint for your Life session on February 8. To find out more about that session, visit the event page by clicking on the words, Visioning.
P.S. Did you know we have a quick access button to Sinneave Connects on the upper right corner of our Homepage? Once you have a Sinneave Connects account, you can go directly to the portal and see what’s new!

Board Game Night - with Autism Awareness Club UCalgary
2024-02-14 17:30 - 19:00 | A Little Somethin’ Cafe at the Child Development Centre, 3820 24 Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B 2X9, Canada
If you enjoy playing board games and hanging out with a great group of people, you are invited to join the fun!
The Autism Awareness Club at University of Calgary (AACUC) is hosting several Board Game Nights this semester.
Mark your calendar and plan to join in the fun – you don’t have to be a U of C student to participate, anyone who enjoys games is welcome.

For game-lovers, there is no better way to spend Valentine’s Day. You’re invited:
Wednesday, February 14
5:30 – 7:00 p.m. in the café area at the Child Development Centre
3820 24th Avenue NW Calgary, AB (located at the Southeast corner of the University of Calgary campus, across from the Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House)

There is no cost to attend, however attendees are asked to email autismawarenessucalgary@gmail.com to RSVP so organizers know how many people to expect and prepare for.
If you have any questions about this event, please email autismawarenessucalgary@gmail.com directly.

Other dates this semester are:
Wednesday, February 28
Wednesday, March 13
Wednesday, March 27
