May 20 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
*NEW FORMAT* Our employment support sessions are now by appointment only.
Benefit from connecting one-on-one and in-person with experienced professionals who understand neurodiversity and will help you identify your strengths, interests and potential career paths.
Our goal is to create an individualized, inclusive and supportive environment where neurodivergent individuals can access resources, gain valuable insights and enhance their employability, confidence and career prospects.
Attendees are encouraged to select from available topics to receive tailored guidance, resources and support:
- Career Exploration
- Cover Letter Writing
- Disclosure & Accommodations
- Interview Prep
- Job Search Strategies
- Resume Building
- Applicant Tracking System (ATS)
- 1:1 Facilitator guidance* (Maximum 45 minutes)
Receive up to 45 minutes of personalized guidance and coaching and learn more about how to successfully navigate the job search journey and the world of work.
In May, our Help Desk dates are Tuesdays, May 6 & 20.
*New* Attendees must book an in-person 45 minute appointment with one of our three facilitators. All appointments are at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW).
Available times:
3 appointments from 1:00 – 1:45 p.m.
3 appointments from 1:45 – 2:30 p.m.
Appointments can be booked on Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub. When you click the button below that says “Employment Skills Help Desk Registration – May 20, 2025” you will be directed to the log in page. If you already have an account, just log in as usual.
If you don’t have an account, it’s free and easy to set up.
- Create a user name
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
- Select “Register”
- Choose the Employment Skills Help Desk – May 20, 2025 course and follow the instructions.
Please select a time slot that works for you and click the enroll button. To allow for the greatest participation, participants are limited to ONE time slot per day. If no sessions are available, that means they are all booked for this week. Please choose an available time slot on a different day.
If you have any questions or require assistance with enrolling, please reach out to us at info@sinneavefoundation.org or call our office at 403 210-5000. We’re here to help!
Related Events
May 6 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
*NEW FORMAT* Our employment support sessions are now by appointment only.
Benefit from connecting one-on-one and in-person with experienced professionals who understand neurodiversity and will help you identify your strengths, interests and potential career paths.
Our goal is to create an individualized, inclusive and supportive environment where neurodivergent individuals can access resources, gain valuable insights and enhance their employability, confidence and career prospects.
Attendees are encouraged to select from available topics to receive tailored guidance, resources and support:
- Career Exploration
- Cover Letter Writing
- Disclosure & Accommodations
- Interview Prep
- Job Search Strategies
- Resume Building
- Applicant Tracking System (ATS)
- 1:1 Facilitator guidance* (Maximum 45 minutes)
Receive up to 45 minutes of personalized guidance and coaching and learn more about how to successfully navigate the job search journey and the world of work.
In May, our Help Desk dates are Tuesdays, May 6 & 20.
*New* Attendees must book an in-person 45 minute appointment with one of our three facilitators. All appointments are at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW).
Available times:
3 appointments from 1:00 – 1:45 p.m.
3 appointments from 1:45 – 2:30 p.m.
Appointments can be booked on Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub. When you click the button below that says “Employment Skills Help Desk – May 6, 2025” you will be directed to the log in page. If you already have an account, just log in as usual.
If you don’t have an account, it’s free and easy to set up.
- Create a user name
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
- Select “Register”
- Choose the Employment Skills Help Desk – May 6, 2025 course and follow the instructions.
Please select a time slot that works for you and click the enroll button. To allow for the greatest participation, participants are limited to ONE time slot per day. If no sessions are available, that means they are all booked for this week. Please choose an available time slot on a different day.
If you have any questions or require assistance with enrolling, please reach out to us at info@sinneavefoundation.org or call our office at 403 210-5000. We’re here to help!
Related Events
April 9 @ 3:00 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 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
April 7 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
The Autism Awareness Club at UCalgary is hosting a Movie Night! Grab your popcorn and join them for an unforgettable evening of film, fun, and friends!
Please note this will be the last Autism Awareness Club event of the semester.
Monday, April 7, 2025
5:30 – 7:00 PM
at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
All are welcome! You don’t need to be a UCalgary student to attend. Please RSVP your attendance to autismawarenessucalgary@gmail.com so the organizers can plan accordingly.
*Attendees will meet in the lobby at 5:30 pm and proceed to The Ability Hub on the 3rd floor together.
Related Events
New National Autism Network to help advance Canada’s Autism Strategy
March 21, 2025
Exciting news for Canada’s autism community! The Government of Canada has announced the launch of the National Autism Network (the “Network”), a significant step forward in implementing the country’s Autism Strategy. Autism Alliance of Canada (the Alliance) and The Sinneave Family Foundation (Sinneave) are honoured to work together to lead the co-creation of this new non-profit organization.
After years of advocacy and collaboration, this milestone marks the beginning of a new chapter—one focused on action. The Network will serve as a hub for engagement, collaboration, advocacy, and action. It will also bring together experts and community organizations across the country to help ensure that real needs are met with practical solutions.
“This is about making sure the perspectives and experiences of Autistic Canadians and their families are central to decision-making,” says Dr. Jonathan Lai, Executive Director of Autism Alliance of Canada. “The Network is an important step toward turning Canada’s Autism Strategy into meaningful change.”
The Network will focus on two key priorities:
- The Alliance will lead efforts to collaborate with governments and system leaders to inform the design and implementation of initiatives addressing the five priority areas of Canada’s Autism Strategy.
- Sinneave will lead the creation of the Network to facilitate inclusive and ongoing engagement, ensuring Autistic Canadians and their families play an active role in shaping policies and programs.
“Engagement is key,” says Tanya McLeod, President of The Sinneave Family Foundation. “We want to create opportunities for Autistic Canadians and families to share their insights to ensure that actions and policies reflect their real needs.”
While this is a significant step forward, challenges remain—including long wait times for diagnoses, barriers in education, and high unemployment rates. The Network will work to identify and share effective solutions nationwide, helping to build a more inclusive and supportive Canada.
To receive news about the National Autism Network and how you can get involved, visit the link below to sign-up to the Network email list:
Sign upFinancial Contribution from the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Autism #NationalAutismStrategy #NationalAutismNetwork #Inclusion #Canada #cndpoli #theNetwork
Le nouveau Réseau national de l’autisme soutiendra le déploiement de la Stratégie pour l’autisme au Canada
21 Mars 2025
Voici d’excellentes nouvelles pour la communauté autiste du Canada! Le gouvernement fédéral vient d’annoncer le lancement du Réseau national de l’autisme (le « Réseau »), ce qui représente une étape importante dans la mise en œuvre de la Stratégie pour l’autisme au Canada. Ll’Alliance canadienne de l’autisme (l’Alliance) et The Sinneave Family Foundation (Sinneave) sont honorées de pouvoir collaborer à la cocréation de cette nouvelle organisation à but non lucratif.
Ce jalon indique le début d’un nouveau chapitre d’action après des années de collaboration et de défense des droits. Le Réseau servira de portail d’engagement, de collaboration, de défense des droits et d’activité. Il regroupera des spécialistes et des organisations communautaires de partout au Canada afin de produire des solutions tangibles aux besoins bien réels de la communauté.
« On veut s’assurer que les points de vue et les expériences des personnes autistes et de leurs familles jouent un rôle fondamental lors de la prise de décisions, » précise Dr Jonathan Lai, directeur général de l’Alliance canadienne de l’autisme. « Le Réseau représente une étape importante pour mobiliser la Stratégie pour l’autisme et produire de réels changements. »
Le Réseau se donne deux priorités :
- L’Alliance mènera les efforts de collaboration avec les directions des systèmes et les paliers de gouvernement pour informer la conception et le déploiement d’initiatives abordant les domaines prioritaires clés de la Stratégie pour l’autisme au Canada.
- Sinneave participera à la création du Réseau en favorisant un engagement inclusif et continu, afin que les personnes autistes du Canada et leurs familles puissent jouer un rôle significatif dans la formulation des politiques et des programmes qui les concernent.
« L’engagement, c’est la clé, » explique Tanya McLeod, présidente de la Sinneave Family Foundation. « Nous voulons garantir aux personnes autistes et à leurs familles des occasions de partager leurs opinions afin que nos actions et politiques s’accordent à leurs besoins. »
Ce lancement représente un grand pas en avant, mais de grands défis demeurent présents sur le parcours des personnes autistes, notamment de longues périodes d’attente pour le diagnostic, des obstacles en éducation et des taux de chômage élevés. Le Réseau travaillera à produire des solutions pertinentes et à les partager à l’échelle du pays pour offrir un meilleur soutien et bâtir un Canada plus inclusif.
Pour recevoir des mises à jour du Réseau national de l’autisme et vous informer sur la façon dont vous pouvez y participer, suivez le lien ci-dessous afin de vous inscrire à la liste d’envoi du Réseau :
Contribution financière de l’Agence de la santé publique du Canada.
Autisme #StrategieNationaleAutisme # RéseauNationalAutisme #Inclusion #Canada #CdnPoli #leRéseau
—Le message en français précède—
May 14 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
You’re invited to join Neuroinclusive Workforce Solutions for a free, 1-hour virtual workshop on understanding strategies for hiring and onboarding neurodivergent employees. The workshop will be held on May 14, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am Mountain time.
In this workshop, you’ll learn about common challenges that neurodivergent folks have during both the hiring and the onboarding processes. Many organizations are inadvertently screening out highly-qualified neurodivergent candidates during the hiring process or setting them up to fail due to their onboarding processes. You’ll leave with easy steps to help avoid falling into the common traps. And you’ll better understand how to support your neurodivergent employees.
About the Presenter:
This workshop will be led by Aaron Baer. Aaron runs multiple neurodivergent-friendly businesses, is a highly-sought after speaker and coach in the neurodiversity space. He has over three+ decades of lived experience with ADHD, autism, and other neurodivergences.
This virtual workshop is hosted on our Solutions Hub. 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 workshop, but it’s FREE and EASY!
1. Click the button below that says “Neuroinclusive Hiring & Onboarding Workshop Registration to be directed to the hub.
2. Create a username
3. Pick a password
4. Register in the “Neuroinclusive Hiring & Onboarding” session
Register using the link below:
Neuroinclusive Hiring & Onboarding Workshop RegistrationRelated Events
April 16 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
You’re invited to join Neuroinclusive Workforce Solutions for a free, 1-hour virtual workshop on providing effective neuroinclusive feedback to neurodivergent employees. The workshop will be held on April 16, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am Mountain time.
In this workshop, you’ll learn how to give effective feedback to neurodivergent employees. You’ll leave with actionable ways to make performance management conversations, 1-on-1s, and annual reviews a lot more effective. And you’ll understand better what your neurodivergent employees have been trying to tell you when they give you feedback!
About the Presenter:
This workshop will be led by Aaron Baer. Aaron runs multiple neurodivergent-friendly businesses, is a highly-sought after speaker and coach in the neurodiversity space. He has over three+ decades of lived experience with ADHD, autism, and other neurodivergences.
This virtual workshop is hosted on our Solutions Hub. 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 workshop, but it’s FREE and EASY!
1. Click the button below that says “Neuroinclusive Feedback Workshop Registration to be directed to the hub.
2. Create a username
3. Pick a password
4. Register in the “Neuroinclusive Feedback” session
Register using the link below:
Neuroinclusive Feedback Workshop RegistrationRelated Events
April 23 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Are you interested in learning more about your employment journey and the steps you can take to lead you on a path to success?
The session on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 will focus on matching your strengths to the right jobs. Specifically, you will have the opportunity to:
- Learn about your strengths and how your strengths can help you find the right job for you and,
- Identify your strengths and interests which will help with aligning your job search to industries and roles that are a good match.
Join our facilitators Ryan Elkanah and Sherry Taylor as they provide expert knowledge on the following topics:
- Employment Preparedness,
- Life Skills and,
- Soft Skills.
About our Facilitators:
Ryan Elkanah and Sherry Taylor are part of the Sinneave Employment Team committed to empowering Autistic and neurodivergent individuals on their journeys towards meaningful employment and career success.
Please note spots are limited to eight participants and will be on a first-come first-served basis. Registration is through Sinneave Connects below and the session will be held in-person only at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW).
To Register:
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 “The Employment Classroom Sessions Registration – April 23, 2025” to access the learning hub and follow these steps:
- Pick a username
- Pick a password (Don’t forget to record it somewhere safe for next time!)
- Choose the, “The Employment Classroom Sessions Registration – April 23, 2025” event and click on the enroll button
If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to us at info@sinneavefoundation.org or call our office at (403) 210-5000. We’re here to help!
Other Employment Classroom Sessions topics include:
The Employment Classroom Sessions #1: Knowing yourself and your employment goals – April 9, 2025
Learn about your personality and what you want to get out of work and understand your skills, values, and motivations for setting realistic and fulfilling employment goals, which in turn can lead to a more satisfying and successful career journey.
The Employment Classroom Sessions #2: Matching your strengths to the right jobs – April 23, 2025
Identify your strengths and interests which will help with aligning your job search to industries and roles that are a good match.
Related Events
April 9 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Are you interested in learning more about your employment journey and the steps you can take to lead you on a path to success?
The session on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 will focus on knowing yourself, your employment goals, and you will have the opportunity to:
- Learn about your personality and what you want to get out of work and,
- Understand your skills, values, and motivations for setting realistic and fulfilling employment goals, which in turn can lead to a more satisfying and successful career journey.
Join our facilitators Ryan Elkanah and Sherry Taylor as they provide expert knowledge on the following topics:
- Employment Preparedness,
- Life Skills and,
- Soft Skills.
About our Facilitators:
Ryan Elkanah and Sherry Taylor are part of the Sinneave Employment Team committed to empowering Autistic and neurodivergent individuals on their journeys towards meaningful employment and career success.
Please note spots are limited to eight participants and will be on a first-come first-served basis. Registration is through Sinneave Connects below and the session will be held in-person only at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW).
To Register:
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 “The Employment Classroom Sessions Registration – April 9, 2025” to access the learning hub and follow these steps:
- Pick a username
- Pick a password (Don’t forget to record it somewhere safe for next time!)
- Choose the, “The Employment Classroom Sessions Registration – April 9, 2025” event and click on the enroll button.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to us at info@sinneavefoundation.org or call our office at (403) 210-5000. We’re here to help!
Other Employment Classroom Sessions topics include:
The Employment Classroom Sessions #1: Knowing yourself and your employment goals
Learn about your personality and what you want to get out of work and understand your skills, values, and motivations for setting realistic and fulfilling employment goals, which in turn can lead to a more satisfying and successful career journey.
The Employment Classroom Sessions #2: Matching your strengths to the right jobs
Identify your strengths and interests which will help with aligning your job search to industries and roles that are a good match.
Related Events
April 29 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
*NEW FORMAT* Our employment support sessions are now by appointment only.
Benefit from connecting one-on-one and in-person with experienced professionals who understand neurodiversity and will help you identify your strengths, interests and potential career paths.
Our goal is to create an individualized, inclusive and supportive environment where neurodivergent individuals can access resources, gain valuable insights and enhance their employability, confidence and career prospects.
Attendees are encouraged to select from available topics to receive tailored guidance, resources and support:
- Career Exploration
- Cover Letter Writing
- Disclosure & Accommodations
- Interview Prep
- Job Search Strategies
- Resume Building
- Applicant Tracking System (ATS)
- 1:1 Facilitator guidance* (Maximum 45 minutes)
Receive up to 45 minutes of personalized guidance and coaching and learn more about how to successfully navigate the job search journey and the world of work.
In April, our Help Desk dates are Tuesdays, April 15 & 29.
*New* Attendees must book an in-person 45 minute appointment with one of our three facilitators. All appointments are at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW).
Available times:
3 appointments from 1:00 – 1:45 p.m.
3 appointments from 1:45 – 2:30 p.m.
Appointments can be booked on Sinneave Connects, our online learning platform. When you click the button below that says “Sinneave Connects” you will be directed to the log in page. If you already have an account, just log in as usual.
If you don’t have an account, it’s free and easy to set up.
- Create a user name
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
- Select “Register”
- Choose the Employment Skills Help Desk – April 29, 2025 course and follow the instructions.
Please select a time slot that works for you and click the enroll button. To allow for the greatest participation, participants are limited to ONE time slot per day. If no sessions are available, that means they are all booked for this week. Please choose an available time slot on a different day.
If you have any questions or require assistance with enrolling, please reach out to us at info@sinneavefoundation.org or call our office at 403 210-5000. We’re here to help!