January 23 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Many individuals can benefit from what is often referred to as a “third space”, a place separate from home and work/school. In this brand new offering, we invite you to drop in and utilize our space as a safe place to help you unwind or recharge — with no pressure to engage in structured activities.
No diagnosis or disclosures are required.
Activities Permitted:
- Socializing: Chatting with others, making new connections, or catching up with friends.
- Using Computers: Accessing the internet, completing personal tasks, or exploring hobbies online.
- Relaxing: Sitting quietly, reading, listening to music with headphones, or just enjoying a calm space.
- Independent Work: Bringing personal projects, studying, or using the time to focus on tasks.
- Unstructured Activities: Doing puzzles, sketching, journaling, or engaging in other personal hobbies.
- Exploring Resources: Learning about other programs, events, or services Sinneave offers.
- Simply Being: Spending 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, familiarize yourself with the Rules of the Space:
- Check-In Required: Everyone signs in upon arrival.
- No Alcohol or Drugs: 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
Related Events
February 4 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Drop-in and visit our Employment Specialists for FREE personalized coaching and guidance as you navigate your employment journey!
In February, join us on Tuesday, February 4 & 18, 2025
1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
Benefit from connecting with experienced professionals who understand neurodiversity and will help you identify your strengths, interests and potential career paths.
Participants are encouraged to bring their resumes, cover letters, curiosity and questions. Our facilitators will focus on helping you develop essential pre-employment skills, including:
- Creating a more effective resume and cover letter
- learning and practicing interview techniques
- job search strategies
- and more!
Receive up to 30 minutes of personalized guidance and learn more about how to successfully navigate the job search journey and the world of work. Support availability is limited and is on a “first come, first served” basis.
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.
About our Facilitators:
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.
If you have questions about these sessions, please contact us by email at info@sinneavefoundation.org or call us at 403 210-5000.
Related Events
February 11 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Session Info:
In this innovative workshop, senior leaders and HR executives will explore the principles of neuro-inclusion through the lens of design thinking, recognizing that creating an inclusive culture is more than a checklist—it’s a fundamental shift in organizational mindset. Through interactive activities, reflective exercises and case studies, leaders will examine current policies and practices from the perspective of those they impact, uncovering hidden biases and unwritten ‘neurotypical’ codes around professionalism and productivity. This workshop will challenge leaders to question why their policies and workplace designs exist as they do, and consider what the ramifications are for inclusivity. Designed to be highly engaging and practical, this workshop provides a safe space for leaders to critically evaluate and transform their practices, ensuring their workplace truly reflects inclusive values and leverages the unique contributions of every employee.
Presenters:
Sky McLaughlin, PhD. (she/her)
Sky is a dynamic DEIA leader with 20+ years of experience in inclusive, trauma-informed education, specializing in curriculum design, teacher training and training-of-trainers in diverse, multicultural settings. Sky led instruction and curriculum review for Norquest College’s Autism CanTech! program, fostering workplace inclusion for disabled and Autistic youth. Founder of MT Consulting Group, Sky is a certified Conscious Facilitator and holds an MA in Teaching and a Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics.
Anica Dang (they/she)
As an Autistic ADHDer, Anica’s diverse background in higher education and project management fuels their passion for neurodivergent-friendly workplaces. Leveraging their coaching skills, Anica empowers employees with ADHD and autism to thrive, and trains workplaces in neuro-inclusion. Anica holds an MS, Student Affairs in Higher Education.
Register below to secure your spot as space is limited!
Certificate of Participation will be provided to all attendees.
This series is hosted on our Neuroinclusive Workforce Solutions Employer Portal. If you already have an account, just log in as usual. If you haven’t yet, you will need to create an account to access the virtual training, but it’s FREE and EASY!
1. Click the button below that says “Neuroinclusive Solutions” to be directed to the portal.
2. Create a username
3. Pick a password
4. Register in the Leading with Neuro-inclusion: Design Thinking for Inclusive Cultures webinar
Related Events
January 13 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Increase your confidence in the kitchen with our Joy of Cooking: Cooking Skills for Independent Living class! The menu for this class is Oven Baked Personal Pizza with Rutabaga Fries and dipping sauce!
Whether independent living is a short term goal and you’re planning to move out soon, or it’s a long-term goal for some time in the future – you can begin preparing for it now–starting in the kitchen!
This hands-on session is a great way to help you sharpen your skills.
While preparing a tasty menu, participants will also learn about:
- the importance of good hygiene
- cleanliness in the kitchen and the importance of preventing cross-contamination
- the proper use of utensils
- how to properly measure and prepare food, and
- working with others.
And then, you’ll get to enjoy what you’ve made!
Join us Monday, January 13, 2025
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
This activity is in-person only and limited to six participants. Registration for this session is required and takes place on Sinneave Connects, our online Learning Hub.
Important Information:
- There will only be light support provided by staff, so participants need to be able to follow instructions and be willing to work in a small group to prepare the meal.
- All supplies will be provided.
- Participants are asked to stay and help clean up after the activity concludes.
- Please inform us of any allergies BEFORE the event.
Once the first 6 spaces fill up, you can choose to add your name to a Waiting List. If a spot opens up, you will get an email saying you have been registered. PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND unless you receive a confirmation email saying you have been registered in the class. If you aren’t sure, please email info@sinneavefoundation.org or call us at 403 210-5000.
To Register:
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 will need to create a free account. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3. Click on the words that say, “Sinneave Connects” below and follow the prompts.
- Pick a user name
- Pick a password (Don’t forget to record it somewhere safe for next time!)
- Choose the “Joy of Cooking – January 13, 2025″ event
- Register!
About the presenter: Sydney Crosby is a born and raised Calgarian who has had a passion for cooking ever since she was a child making cakes out of mud or sand in the back yard. Sydney is a former Launch + Skills participant who attended SAIT and graduated in 2022 with a professional cooking diploma.
When Sydney isn’t working on her business or YouTube cooking channel, she likes to relax by listening to music, reading, writing, and knitting. Being creative and cooking a variety of dishes is something she really enjoys and her two favourite dishes are keto lemon cheesecake and a family recipe called Grandma’s Cheesy Potato’s.
Now, she wants to share her knowledge and love of cooking with others on the spectrum, inspiring them to develop confidence in the kitchen and build skills for independent living and delicious eating!
Related Events
March 19 @ 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
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.
This session is one of six drop-in workshops designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn and practice essential social communication skills in a safe and welcoming setting. Each 90-minute workshop covers a different aspect of social communication, providing information, tips and strategies intended to help in day-to-day social situations.
There is no cost to attend these sessions.
You don’t need to register in advance; you can attend them all or just the ones that seem interesting to you. BUT, attending in person is a great way to meet new people and get hands-on practice. If attending in-person isn’t possible 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 Social Communication Workshop 6 – Handling Disagreements – March 19, 2025 course to access the virtual link.
Other Social Communication Workshop topics include:
The Art of 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.
Establishing Social Connections: Pro-tips for developing successful social relationships
Meeting new people and making friends isn’t always easy. In this session, we’ll share tips and strategies you can practice and use when it comes to making friends and maintaining social relationships.
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.
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!
PS Did you know? We have a quick access button to Sinneave Connects on our Homepage?
Related Events
March 12 @ 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
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.
This session is one of six drop-in workshops designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn and practice essential social communication skills in a safe and welcoming setting. Each 90-minute workshop covers a different aspect of social communication, providing information, tips and strategies intended to help in day-to-day social situations.
There is no cost to attend these sessions.
You don’t need to register in advance; you can attend them all or just the ones that seem interesting to you. BUT, attending in person is a great way to meet new people and get hands-on practice. If attending in-person isn’t possible 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 Social Communication Workshop 5 – Strategies for managing electronic communication – March 12, 2025 course to access the virtual link.
Other Social Communication Workshop topics include:
The Art of 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.
Establishing Social Connections: 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 pro tips and strategies 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!
PS Did you know? We have a quick access button to Sinneave Connects on our Homepage?
Related Events
March 5 @ 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Meeting new people and making friends isn’t always easy. In this session, we’ll share pro tips and strategies you can practice and use when it comes to making friends and maintaining social relationships.
This session is one of six drop-in workshops designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn and practice essential social communication skills in a safe and welcoming setting. Each 90-minute workshop covers a different aspect of social communication, providing information, tips and strategies intended to help in day-to-day social situations.
There is no cost to attend these sessions.
You don’t need to register in advance; you can attend them all or just the ones that seem interesting to you. BUT, attending in person is a great way to meet new people and get hands-on practice. If attending in-person isn’t possible 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 Social Communication Workshop 4 – Pro tips for developing successful social relationships – March 5, 2025 course to access the virtual link.
Other Social Communication Workshop topics include:
The Art of 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.
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!
PS Did you know? We have a quick access button to Sinneave Connects on our Homepage?
Related Events
February 26 @ 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
How do you end or leave a conversation when it’s time to go? In this workshop, we’ll talk about strategies you can learn and practice to help you leave a conversation or end a conversation in tactful ways.
This session is one of six drop-in workshops designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn and practice essential social communication skills in a safe and welcoming setting. Each 90-minute workshop covers a different aspect of social communication, providing information, tips and strategies intended to help in day-to-day social situations.
There is no cost to attend these sessions.
You don’t need to register in advance; you can attend them all or just the ones that seem interesting to you. BUT, attending in person is a great way to meet new people and get hands-on practice. If attending in-person isn’t possible 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 Social Communication Workshop 3 – Strategies for Exiting Conversations – February 26, 2025 course to access the virtual link.
Other Social Communication Workshop topics include:
The Art of 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.
Establishing Social Connections: 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 tips and strategies you can practice and use when it comes to making friends and maintaining social relationships.
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.
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!
PS Did you know? We have a quick access button to Sinneave Connects on our Homepage?
Related Events
February 19 @ 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
We know that starting a conversation with someone new or joining in a conversation that is already underway can be difficult. In this workshop, we’ll learn and practice a few strategies to help you enter into conversations more confidently.
This session is one of six drop-in workshops designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn and practice essential social communication skills in a safe and welcoming setting. Each 90-minute workshop covers a different aspect of social communication, providing information, tips and strategies intended to help in day-to-day social situations.
There is no cost to attend these sessions.
You don’t need to register in advance; you can attend them all or just the ones that seem interesting to you. BUT, attending in person is a great way to meet new people and get hands-on practice. If attending in-person isn’t possible 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 Social Communication Workshop 2 – Strategies for Entering Conversations – February 19, 2025 course to access the virtual link.
Other Social Communication Workshop topics include:
The Art of 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 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.
Establishing Social Connections: 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 tips and strategies you can practice and use when it comes to making friends and maintaining social relationships.
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.
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!
PS Did you know? We have a quick access button to Sinneave Connects on our Homepage?
Related Events
February 12 @ 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Much of our everyday communication involves non-verbal body language and unwritten social rules. Many Autistic and neurodivergent people find it challenging to navigate social situations because they have a hard time interpreting various forms of non-verbal communication. But these skills can be learned!
This session is one of six drop-in workshops designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn and practice essential social communication skills in a safe and welcoming setting. Each 90-minute workshop covers a different aspect of social communication, providing information, tips and strategies intended to help in day-to-day social situations.
There is no cost to attend these sessions.
You don’t need to register in advance; you can attend them all or just the ones that seem interesting to you. BUT, attending in person is a great way to meet new people and get hands-on practice. If attending in-person isn’t possible 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 Social Communication Workshop 1: The Art of Non-verbal Communication -February 12, 2025 course to access the virtual link.
Other Social Communication Workshop topics include:
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.
Establishing Social Connections: 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 tips and strategies you can practice and use when it comes to making friends and maintaining social relationships.
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.
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!
PS Did you know? We have a quick access button to Sinneave Connects on our Homepage?