In November 2024, the Sinneave Family Foundation and the Neuroinclusivity in Housing Team from the Accessibility Institute at Carleton University, co-hosted a hybrid event.
Neuroinclusivity in housing is a complex issue. We purposefully brought together a group of recognized “thinkers and doers” to help us build momentum and inform action.
The program included speakers from the City of Calgary, housing developers, funders, and affordable housing providers from both Edmonton and Calgary.
Prior to the event we shared:
- A video about foundational neuroinclusivity in housing concepts
- A video about the work in progress.
- A helpful terminology resource. View or download PDF.
Over 2-days, more than 90 people attended in-person and virtually, representing stakeholders from across the housing ecosystem.
As a goal for the event, three learning objectives were outlined. At the end of the event could every attendee:
- Recognize elements that are important to consider when planning housing for Autistic people?
- Make connections between information and their work, and with new people and organizations?
- Identify opportunities to act individually and collectively?
We made some conscious decisions and learned some good lessons when planning this event and are pulling together a Neuroinclusivity in Housing Events resource. Check back soon for a link to download!
Presentations
Unlocking Opportunities: Past, Present and Future
Showcasing innovative collaborations that have created opportunities. How can these approaches and lessons learned translate to other regions?
Amy Tatterton, BRC, M.Ed., Director of Learning and Connection, The Sinneave Family Foundation
Emily King-Moore, Communications Director, HomeSpace Society
Finding Synergies: Exploring Opportunities
Showcasing a pathway to financing housing that aims to address affordability, accessibility and social outcomes. Offers a case study approach to discuss sustainably financing affordable units in a mixed income setting.
Hermonie Green, Communications and Impact Manager, Ayrshire Group
Lucie Morrison, Senior Marketing and Communications Specialist, Bespoke Social Profit Solutions Inc.
Mike Winnitoy, Vice President, Investments, Ayrshire Group
Jolene Livingston, Founder, Partners for Affordable Housing
What’s Happening in Alberta – Working Together for Impact
Overview of Stronger Foundations Alberta’s 10-year affordable housing strategy. Discuss municipal initiatives promoting community connections that advance solutions.
Adam Harrison, BA Sc, BURPI, Acting Leader, Partnerships, Housing Solutions, City of Calgary
Chris Slater, Chief Operating Officer, Onward Homes
Tanya McLeod, MHA, CHE, President, The Sinneave Family Foundation
Mixed Income Affordable Housing
Key elements and benefits of a mixed income approach. Discuss shift to more mixed market housing and partnership approaches that will work.
Bushra Hashim, Adaptive Design Specialist, Intern Architect, AAA, METAFOR
Jeff Lyness, Architect, AAA, OAA, MRAIC, Board Member, Liberty Housing Organization
Stacey Houston, CIHCM, Director, Housing, Civida
Neuroinclusivity in Housing: Impact Update
Sharing early findings from activities undertaken by the Neuroinclusivity in Housing team from the Accessibility Institute.
Roxanna-Maria Barbu, PhD, Lead Researcher, Neuroinclusivity in Housing, Accessibility Institute
Tara Connolly, M.A., RP, Assistant Director, Research and Development, Accessibility Institute
A Networked Approach to Neuroinclusivity in Housing
Collaboration is important to advancing social change and this emerging network could help. To promote mutual learning, system influence and capacity building, what actions should be prioritized by the network?
Barb Potter, MHS, BN, Consultant, The Sinneave Family Foundation
Presenting Organizations
Accessibility Institute at Carleton University
Accessibility Institute continues Carleton University’s commitment to advancing accessibility across disciplines and sectors toward a world that is fully inclusive and accessible for all, starting with people with disabilities.
Ayrshire Group
An Alberta based investment management firm that has a focused strategy of investing in real property and related venture capital.
Bespoke Social Profit Solutions
At Bespoke, their vision is a thriving social profit sector. A future where social profit organizations
have the resources they need to maximize their social impact.
Civida
The largest provider of community and affordable homes in Edmonton, Civida works in partnership with all levels of government and organizations to develop, support and improve communities, and the lives of the families and individuals they serve.
HomeSpace Society
A leading affordable housing provider in Calgary.
Liberty Housing Organization
A non-profit committed to creating socially, financially, and environmentally responsible homes.
METAFOR
multidisciplinary, award-winning design firm. Bringing a unique approach to design thinking through the integration of disciplines.
Onward Homes
A non-profit organization that provides homes to low-income Calgarians. Owns and operates more than 1,700 units across 31 buildings.
Partners for Affordable Housing
A social purpose organization promoting nationwide collaboration among non-profit housing providers and public, private, philanthropic supporters (P4 partners).
The Sinneave Family Foundation
An operating foundation that works with individuals, communities, and organizations across Canada to reduce barriers and enhance opportunities in education, employment, and housing for Autistic youth and adults.
Learn more about Sinneave’s work and access helpful Neuroinclusivity in Housing resources by clicking here.