September 5 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Our women’s group is back for Fall, starting Thursday, September 5 from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Join us in-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW) or Online via Sinneave Connects.
These sessions are intended to provide a safe space for women to connect, ask questions, share stories, and enjoy valuable peer connection.
In this particular session, we will discuss Autistic women and masking, exploring the concept of masking and how it impacts the lives of neurodivergent women. We will also discuss some resources that can be used to navigate your own journey and experiences with masking.
Please note: During this session, Sinneave staff, guest presenters, and attendees may share information about community resources. Information provided may not always be accurate, up-to-date, or reliable. Attendees are encouraged to be critical consumers of information available on the internet. Providing information about a community resource is not endorsement and Sinneave does not assume any risk for the outcome of using the information shared during this session.
All are welcome no matter how you identify, however, please be aware that information and resources provided are based on female assigned at birth. All gender expressions are welcome.
Attending in person is a great way to meet new people and practice social skills. However, if that’s not possible, you can also connect online 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 a FREE account, it’s easy! Click on the words, “Sinneave Connects” 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!)
- Register!
- Choose the “Women & Autism – September 5″ event to enroll and access the virtual link.
About the Facilitator
Sanique Denton is a social worker who is passionate about advocating for and standing as an ally with neurodivergent individuals. She has worked with Autistic and neurodivergent individuals across their life span in various capacities for more than 8 years. As a Life Skills Coach at Sinneave, Sanique is honoured to share a safe space with neurodivergent women who meet with her to share their lived experiences.
If you have any questions about this session, or need help navigating Sinneave Connects, please contact us by emailing info@sinneavefoundation.org or calling 403 210-5000. We’re here to help!
Please note: While advance registration is not necessary for most of our Learning & Connection activities (you are welcome to just drop-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!
Related Events
September 10 @ 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 September, join us on Tuesday, September 10 & 24.
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 where you most need support, including the following areas:
- Creating a more effective resume and cover letter
- learning and practicing interview techniques
- job search strategies
- and more!
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: Sherry, Marcela and Ryan. They are a dedicated group of professionals committed to empowering neurodivergent individuals on their journeys towards meaningful employment and career success.
Related Events
September 23 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Increase your confidence in the kitchen with our Joy of Cooking: Cooking Skills for Independent Living class!
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, September 23, 2024
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
The menu for this class is Beef Stroganoff.
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 – September 23″ event
- Register!
About the presenter: Before coming to Canada, Santiago “Santi” Ghio says he was a picky eater. When he was in high school, he learned how to cook through a special cooking program and his love of cooking led him to an internship program at SAIT. Soon after, he registered for SAIT’s culinary program and graduated in 2017 as a professional cook.
Santi learned he was on the spectrum in 2022 and participated in Sinneave’s Launch + Skills program. Having previously worked part-time in restaurants and grocery stores, Santi now works in the kitchen at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
Now, he wants to share his 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
September 12 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
If you wanted to do something outside, but now it’s “raining cats and dogs” and your friend said they’d go out in the rain “when pigs fly” we would understand if you were confused.
Phrases of Confusion (also known as idioms) are multi-word expressions that have non-literal meanings, which can often only be figured out by using contextual information.
Idioms can be heard everywhere: in the workplace, at school, at the local bar, and even at home. Each language has its own set of unique idioms, but they don’t often translate well. And, if you aren’t familiar with them, they can leave a person feeling very confused.
Unfortunately, the literal meaning is never the correct meaning of what the speaker is trying to get across.
Good communication is already difficult enough for some Autistic individuals, so finding a solution for learning idioms is important.
In this fun and interactive session, participants will learn about and discuss some common idiomatic expressions and be able to understand and identify idioms, learning tips, and strategies to predict the meanings of many of them.
Thursday, September 12, 2024
4:00 – 5:00 p.m. at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24th Avenue NW)
or Online via Sinneave Connects
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 on the words that say, “Sinneave Connects” below to be directed to the portal.
- Pick a user name
- Pick a password
- Register
- Select the “Phrased & Confused – September 12” event to access the online link
About the Presenter:
Sherry Taylor is a Program Coordinator with the EmploymentWorks program at Sinneave and is passionate about developing fun and engaging curriculum and content for Autistic youth & adults. With more than 15 years experience in the not-for-profit sector, she loves empowering people to reach their full potential by giving them practical tools for navigating daily life.
If you have questions about this event or need technical support navigating Sinneave Connects, please email us at info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000.
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October 10 @ 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Building on what we learned in Self-advocacy Part One, this session will provide practical tips and strategies for you to practice effectively communicating your needs with others. When you have an understanding of what’s important to you, you can clearly communicate, set boundaries and make decisions that align with your beliefs and goals.
This session is one of a new series of two drop-in workshops designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn about self-advocacy and practice skills essential to learning to speak up for yourself confidently. Each 90-minute workshop will cover different aspects of self-advocating and provide 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 Self-advocacy Workshop Part Two: Finding Your Voice course to access the virtual link.
There are two workshops in this series:
*NEW* Self-Advocacy Part One – Knowing Yourself
You’ve probably heard the phrase “Self-advocacy” before, but do you know what it is and how to do it? Self-advocacy is expressing your needs and preferences in a way that ensures your voice is heard in the decisions that impact your life. An important first step to self-advocacy is understanding the barriers you face and the strengths you bring to each situation. The information provided in this session will enhance your ability to self-advocate.
*NEW* Self-Advocacy Part Two – Finding Your Voice
Building on what we learned in Part One, this session will provide practical tips and strategies for you to practice effectively communicating your needs with others. When you have an understanding of what’s important to you, you can clearly communicate, set boundaries and make decisions that align with your beliefs and goals.
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
October 3 @ 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
You’ve probably heard the word “Self-advocacy” before, but do you know what it is and how to do it?
Self-advocacy is expressing your needs and preferences in a way that ensures your voice is heard in the decisions that impact your life. An important first step to self-advocacy is understanding the barriers you face and the strengths you bring to each situation.
In this session, you will learn what self-advocacy is and how can it benefit you. This session will also help you understand your strengths and some of the barriers you face. This knowledge will enhance your ability to self-advocate.
This session is one of a new series of two drop-in workshops designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn about self-advocacy and practice skills essential to learning to speak up for yourself confidently. Each 90-minute workshop will cover different aspects of self-advocating and provide 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 Self-advocacy Workshop Part One: Knowing Yourself course to access the virtual link.
There are two workshops in this series:
*NEW* Self-Advocacy Part One – Knowing Yourself
You’ve probably heard the phrase “Self-advocacy” before, but do you know what it is and how to do it? Self-advocacy is expressing your needs and preferences in a way that ensures your voice is heard in the decisions that impact your life. An important first step to self-advocacy is understanding the barriers you face and the strengths you bring to each situation. The information provided in this session will enhance your ability to self-advocate.
*NEW* Self-Advocacy Part Two – Finding Your Voice
Building on what we learned in Part One, this session will provide practical tips and strategies for you to practice effectively communicating your needs with others. When you have an understanding of what’s important to you, you can clearly communicate, set boundaries, and make decisions that align with your beliefs and goals.
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
October 15 @ 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 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
October 8 @ 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 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
October 1 @ 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 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
September 24 @ 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 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?