Sinneave Foundation

Celebrating Autism!
2024-01-04 16:30 - 17:30 (America/Edmonton) | Hybrid: The Ability Hub and Online, 300, 3820 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B 2X9, Canada
Join us for this one-hour session celebrating all things Autism!
When we read or search about autism online, one thing we notice is that a lot of the information uses negative-based and disability-focused language. Words like “inflexible”, “rigid”, “lack of” and “difficulty “are commonly found alongside the definitions of Autism.
However, we know that the medical model of disability which uses those terms doesn’t tell the whole story.
At The Sinneave Family Foundation, we are focused on changing the perception and language around Autism, starting with celebrating the many positive traits and characteristics common among Autistics and empowering those individuals to embrace who they are and what they have to offer.
In this session, we will shift the views on Autism towards the positives, amplify the strength and vibrancy of the Autistic culture, and ways we can support Autism inclusion in the workplace and in life. The event will include a short presentation, information sharing, and discussion in a safe and welcoming small group environment.
Thursday, January 4, 2024
4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24th Avenue NW Calgary, AB)
This one-hour session is FREE and available both in person or virtually via Sinneave Connects, our online learning platform.
If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you haven’t yet opened an account, it’s easy! Click the button below that says, “Celebrating Autism! – Jan 4” to be directed to the portal and follow the prompts.

Pick a user name
Pick a password (Don’t forget to record it somewhere safe for next time!)
Select “Register”
Choose “Celebrating Autism! – Jan 4” and enroll.

Celebrating Autism! – Jan 4
Please note: While advance registration is not necessary for most of our Learning & Connection activities (you are welcome to just pop-in), IF you do pre-register it helps us in our planning AND allows us to notify you in the event of a last-minute change or cancellation. Either way, we’d love to see you!
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 program at Sinneave. She started working with the EW Online 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 about this session, please contact us by emailing info@sinneavefoundation.org or calling 403 210-5000.
P.S. Did you know there’s a quick access button to Sinneave Connects in the upper right corner of our Homepage.

Employment Drop-In Support
2024-01-02 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
We are passionate about coming alongside Autistic and neurodivergent job seekers to assist them on their employment journeys. Whether you have a formal diagnosis or not, if you’re interested in improving your job prospects, consider joining us for our Drop-in Employment Support sessions in January 2024.
Please note these sessions will be in person only and NOT offered virtually or online.
Tuesdays, January 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2024
1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
You will benefit from connecting with experienced professionals who understand neurodiversity and will help identify your strengths, interests, and potential career paths.
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.

Drop-in Social Communication Workshop - Strategies for entering conversations
2023-04-11 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
“Work on Your Social Communication” workshops are back!
These workshops are 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 on connecting and thriving in social situations. Participants will have the opportunity to learn and practice new skills, receive feedback and mentorship in a small group setting.
All sessions are in-person at The Ability Hub, located on the 3rd floor of the Child Development Centre (3820 24th Avenue NW).
There is a Zoom option available if attending in person is a barrier for you. Email info@sinneavefoundation.org for the link.
There is no cost to attend these sessions.
Advance registration is not required and you can choose to attend them all, or only the ones that seem interesting to you.
All sessions begin promptly at 4:00 p.m.
The workshop topics and dates are as follows:
Tuesday, April 4– 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.
Tuesday, April 11 – 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.
Tuesday, April 18 – 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.
Tuesday, April 25 – Establishing Social Connections: 5 Pro-tips for successful social relationships.
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.
Tuesday, May 2 – Strategies for self care and electronic communication safety tips
Technology is rapidly changing and advancing. While we embrace the good things it has to offer, it has also introduced many new challenges. Particularly in the area of electronic communication and managing mental health. In this session, we’ll talk about the implications of online safety and discuss strategies for navigating electronic communication and maintaining good mental health.
Tuesday, May 9 – Handling Disagreements: Top tips for keeping your cool.
Do you get frustrated when someone disagrees with you? Do you find it difficult to stay calm and composed? In this session, we’ll talk about conflict and share the top tips to help you keep your cool when you’re in the middle of a disagreement and strategies to help you work through it.
If you have any questions, please contact us at info@sinneavefoundation.org.
We look forward to seeing you there!

The Art of Parenting...with Autism (or, the art of being an autistic parent) - Part 1
2023-04-06 16:00 - 17:00 | Zoom meeting via Sinneave Connects
Parenting is fraught with joys and challenges on even the best days. But when you’re an autistic parent, these things can be amplified.
This new Exploration Session designed especially for parents covers the spectrum in two parts. It is for parents who are autistic and also, it is for parents of both autistic and non-autistic children.
Part 1 will focus on being an autistic parent and the art of balancing what you need versus the needs of your children. Through a short presentation, discussion and activities, participants will receive support and tips and strategies for navigating the joys and challenges of parenting and coping in the healthiest ways possible, with a focus on self-care and compassion.
If you are an autistic parent, or the parent of an autistic child, you will benefit from this session.
Join us Thursday, April 6 from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
This session is entirely virtual, via our Sinneave Connects online learning platform.
If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you haven’t yet opened a FREE account, it’s easy! Click the link below to be directed to the portal.

Pick a user name
Pick a password (Don’t forget to record it somewhere safe for next time!)
Choose the “Art of Parenting – Part 1” event to be directed to the livestream.

The Art of Parenting…with Autism – Part 1 Virtual Link

If you have any questions about this Exploration Session or if you need support navigating the Sinneave Connects learning hub, please email info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000.
Part 2 will focus on parenting both autistic and non-autistic children. Coming Thursday, May 4 – Look for details coming soon!

Drop-in Employment Support - Cover Letter Writing
2023-04-05 13:00 - 15:00 | 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
We are delighted to introduce Employment Drop-in Sessions for 2023. Designed specifically for Autistic and Neurodivergent individuals, these sessions aim to provide a space for learning and practicing essential pre-employment skills on an as-needed basis.

Each week, our skilled Employment Program Facilitators will dive into a different aspect of the job-search journey providing attendees a diverse set of strategies and skills to develop, practice and build on.

The sessions consist of a short, informative presentation that provide practical tips, recommendations and advice on the topic of the day. Attendees will have the opportunity to put their newfound knowledge into action by practicing these new skills with the support of the facilitator and other attendees.

The sessions are in-person at The Ability Hub located on the 3rd floor of the Child Development Centre at 3820 24th Avenue NW. The best part is that the sessions are free!

You can choose to attend all six sessions or pick the ones that align with your interest or greatest need, no advance registration is required.

All sessions will begin promptly at 1:00 p.m. and a Sinneave Program Facilitator will be available to support participants until 3:00 p.m..

Sessions run weekly, every Wednesday starting February 8 through May 17, 2023. Each topic will be offered at least twice, so if you miss the first date, you can catch the second.

Topics and corresponding dates are below:

Career Exploration
Offered February 8, March 22, May 10

Are you unsure of what job might be a good fit for you? In this session, we will discuss ways that you can think about your skills, strengths and interests and use those to inform what jobs would be interesting to you, might be a good fit for you, and help you develop a strategy to begin your search.

Résumé Building
Offered February 15, March 29, May 17

Do you have a resume? Has it been a while since someone had a chance to review it? Or maybe you have new work experience but you are unsure of the best way to update your resume. In this session we’ll learn how you can make sure that your resume is up to date and application-ready.

Cover Letter Writing
Offered February 22, April 5

What is a cover letter? Do you really need one? What does it include and why is it important for job applications? This session will cover all of that and more so you can learn how to use a cover letter to help you stand out against other applicants.

Interview Preparation
Offered march 1, April 12

Do you find interviews challenging? Do you get nervous and feel unprepared even though you know you are a good fit for the job? In this session we will discuss how to prepare for an interview and how to answer some of the most commonly asked interview questions.

Job Search Strategies
Offered March 8, April 19

Searching for a job can be stressful and take up a lot of time, but it doesn’t have to! In this session you will learn a variety of strategies to help you plan and manage your job search process effectively.

Disclosure & Workplace Accommodations
Offered March 15, May 3

What is disclosure and why talk about it? This session provides an opportunity for participants to discuss the topic of disclosing their diagnosis/need for a workplace flexibility (accommodation) to their employer.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Email info@sinneavefoundation.org or call us 403 210-5000
