Neuroinclusivity in Housing Event - Sinneave Foundation

A conference scene with a speaker at a podium, attendees networking, and brochures on a table.

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. Check out this 1 page infographic that shares strategies to help you plan a gathering that sparks connection and promotes change. View or download PDF.

Presentations

Unlocking Opportunities: Past, Present and Future

The image shows two individuals seated on a stage, each in an armchair. The person on the left wears glasses and a light-colored blazer over a black top. They hold a microphone in their right hand and the person on the right has long hair and is wearing a light-colored, blouse. They are speaking into a microphone and gesturing with their right hand. The background features dark drapes and the chairs have a plush texture. Potted flowers are visible near the first person's chair. The bottom of the image has a graphic design of a house with the text "Neuroinclusivity in Housing."

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

View the recording here. (Video length 22:46)

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Finding Synergies: Exploring Opportunities

The image depicts a panel of three individuals seated on stage with dark draped curtains as the backdrop. On the left, a woman with short blonde hair is speaking into a microphone and gesturing with her hand. In the center, another woman with long dark hair sits attentively, hands resting in her lap. On the right, a man with dark hair and a beard is holding a microphone and appears engaged in the discussion. Each person is seated in a cushioned armchair. A small round table in the middle holds a bouquet of flowers and a white takeaway coffee cup. The lower portion of the image contains a banner with the text “Neuroinclusivity in Housing” alongside a house icon.

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

View the recording here. (Video length 01:02:47)

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What’s Happening in Alberta – Working Together for Impact

The image shows two people sitting in large, upholstered chairs on a stage. The person on the left is holding a microphone and speaking, while the person on the right listens, also holding a microphone. Between them is a small table with flower arrangements. The image has a blue and purple gradient overlay. The lower portion of the image features a house graphic containing the text “Neuroinclusivity in Housing."

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

View the recording here. (Video length 30:53)

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Mixed Income Affordable Housing

The image is divided into two sections. On the left, a woman stands at a podium with a microphone, wearing earrings and a pendant necklace. She has medium-length hair and is dressed in a short-sleeve top. On the right, a man and a woman stand side by side. The man holds a microphone, wearing glasses, a jacket, and a shirt with a badge around his neck. The woman is clapping and dressed in a sleeveless vest over a long-sleeve top, also wearing a badge. Both are captured against a dark curtain backdrop. At the bottom of the image, there is a light blue curved section with the text "Neuroinclusivity in Housing" next to an illustration of a house.

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

View the recording here. (Video length 01:12:46)

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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

View the recording here. (Video length 35:45)

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A Networked Approach to Neuroinclusivity in Housing

The image shows a woman speaking at a podium with a microphone. The background features dark, vertical curtains. The woman has long hair and wears a blazer over a patterned blouse. The image is tinted with a blue and purple gradient. In the lower right corner, there is a graphic of a house outline along with the text, "Neuroinclusivity in Housing." The image has a curved, diagonal border at the bottom with alternating black and white lines.

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

View the recording here. (Video length 14:17)

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A panoramic image of a professional event with attendees, two women standing, and a panel discussion.

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.

City of Calgary
The City of Calgary is working with partners to address the complexity of housing and housing affordability.

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.