December 2 @ 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm
Our Navigating Bullying and Neurodivergence workshops are for Autistic and other neurodivergent individuals who want to build practical skills to understand, respond to, and help prevent bullying.
Together, we will explore why bullying happens, how to recognize it in different settings (including online and in the workplace), and how it uniquely affects neurodivergent people. These interactive sessions offer hands-on activities to practice strategies in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Please note: This is a skill-building series and not a bullying support group, or a substitute for professional mental health or crisis support. If you need immediate assistance, please visit Alberta.ca for resources.
Attendance at all the workshops is not mandatory, but we strongly encourage you to attend all 3 to most benefit from the content.
In Session 3: Putting it Into Practice, we will discuss:
- Noticing bullying behaviour in yourself
- What to do if you witness bullying
- How to help someone who is being bullied
- Ways to prevent future bullying
- Plus, additional supports and anti-bullying resources.
Mark your calendar. Other Navigating Bullying and Neurodivergence workshops include:
Session 1: Understanding Bullying – Wednesday, November 18
Participants will learn about bullying, including why it happens, and the different types and places bullying takes place. We will learn the difference between bullying and conflict, harassment and discrimination. We will also look at how bullying specifically affects Autistic people.
Session 2: Building Your Skills – Wednesday, November 25
Participants will learn about the things that contribute to and prevent bullying. We will also discuss what to do if you’re being bullied, including how to cope, and how to deal with the bully.
About the Presenter:
Cedric Nicholson is a certified professional life coach with over 20 years of experience mentoring, coaching, and supporting individuals in the developmental disability field. For the past 7.5 years, he has been proudly employed with the Sinneave Family Foundation. Cedric is passionate about empowering others to set meaningful goals, create effective plans, and take purposeful steps toward personal growth and self-improvement.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call (403) 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Neurodiversity Acknowledgement
We honour neurodiversity and strive to create environments that value the many ways people think, learn, and communicate. Our programs, services, and activities are designed to be neuroaffirming, accessible, and guided by the input from the people we serve.
Related Events
November 25 @ 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm
Our Navigating Bullying and Neurodivergence workshops are for Autistic and other neurodivergent individuals who want to build practical skills to understand, respond to, and help prevent bullying.
Together, we will explore why bullying happens, how to recognize it in different settings (including online and in the workplace), and how it uniquely affects neurodivergent people. These interactive sessions offer hands-on activities to practice strategies in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Please note: This is a skill-building series and not a bullying support group, or a substitute for professional mental health or crisis support. If you need immediate assistance, please visit Alberta.ca for resources.
Attendance at all the workshops is not mandatory, but we strongly encourage you to attend all 3 to most benefit from the content.
In Session 2: Building Your Skills, participants will:
- Receive a brief overview of the topics discussed in Session 1
- Learn and apply strategies to address and react to bullying situations
- Learn and apply strategies to help prevent future bullying situations
- Find supports to help heal from past bullying
- Assess their own actions for signs of bullying behaviour
- Learn how to support someone else who is being bullied
Mark your calendar. Other Navigating Bullying and Neurodivergence workshops include:
Session 1: Understanding Bullying – Wednesday, November 18
Participants will learn about bullying, including why it happens, and the different types and places bullying takes place. We will learn the difference between bullying and conflict, harassment and discrimination. We will also look at how bullying specifically affects Autistic people.
Session 3: Putting It Into Practice – Wednesday, December 2
Participants will take the things they have learned and look inward, noticing bullying behaviours you may have. We will also discuss what to do if you witness bullying, how to help someone who is being bullied, and ways to prevent future bullying.
About the Presenter:
Mara Jaffray is an Autistic Self-advocate, currently working as a Program Facilitator at the Sinneave Family Foundation.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call (403) 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Neurodiversity Acknowledgement
We honour neurodiversity and strive to create environments that value the many ways people think, learn, and communicate. Our programs, services, and activities are designed to be neuroaffirming, accessible, and guided by the input from the people we serve.
Related Events
November 18 @ 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm
Our Navigating Bullying and Neurodivergence workshops are for Autistic and other neurodivergent individuals who want to build practical skills to understand, respond to, and help prevent bullying.
Together, we will explore why bullying happens, how to recognize it in different settings (including online and in the workplace), and how it uniquely affects neurodivergent people. These interactive sessions offer hands-on activities to practice strategies in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Please note: This is a skill-building series and not a bullying support group, or a substitute for professional mental health or crisis support. If you need immediate assistance, please visit Alberta.ca for resources.
Attendance at all the workshops is not mandatory, but we strongly encourage you to attend all 3 to most benefit from the content.
In Session 1: Understanding Bullying, we will discuss:
- Different types and places bullying happens
- Why bullying happens
- Autism and bullying
- Bullying vs. conflict, harassment, and discrimination
- How bullying affects people
- Practicing what we’ve learned
Mark your calendar. Other Navigating Bullying and Neurodivergence workshops include:
Session 2: Building Your Skills – Wednesday, November 25
Participants will learn about the things that contribute to and prevent bullying. We will also discuss what to do if you’re being bullied, including how to cope, and how to deal with the bully.
Session 3: Putting It Into Practice – Wednesday, December 2
Participants will take the things they have learned and look inward, noticing bullying behaviours you may have. We will also discuss what to do if you witness bullying, how to help someone who is being bullied, and ways to prevent future bullying.
About the Presenter:
Cedric Nicholson is a certified professional life coach with over 20 years of experience mentoring, coaching, and supporting individuals in the developmental disability field. For the past 7.5 years, he has been proudly employed with the Sinneave Family Foundation. Cedric is passionate about empowering others to set meaningful goals, create effective plans, and take purposeful steps toward personal growth and self-improvement.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call (403) 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Neurodiversity Acknowledgement
We honour neurodiversity and strive to create environments that value the many ways people think, learn, and communicate. Our programs, services, and activities are designed to be neuroaffirming, accessible, and guided by the input from the people we serve.
Related Events
November 18 @ 6:00 pm – 7:45 pm
Our Women’s Group is designed specifically for Autistic and other neurodivergent adults (18+) who identify as women or who connect with experiences of womanhood.*
This session is all about celebrating Autistic and neurodivergent joy!
Some topics may include:
- Recognizing and embracing our passionate interests
- Learning how to feel empowered to move through sensory and emotional barriers
- Learning to embrace joy and excitement
- Celebrating diversity, Autistic and other neurodivergent traits
- and more!
Participants are welcome to share lived experiences and discuss strategies that have been helpful for them as they relate to our discussion topics.
*Please note, this is not a therapy group, but rather, a supportive, non-clinical space to discuss and share ideas, lived experiences, and connect meaningfully with others. The content and resources shared in this group are informed by both lived Autistic experience and research as they intersect with gendered experiences in society.
*This group is intended for Autistic and neurodivergent folks who identify as women or who connect with experiences of womanhood, inclusive of non-binary and other 2SLGBTQ+ identities and expressions. This boundary ensures that participants can share openly without explanation, justification or judgement.
About the Presenter:
Alexandra (Ali) Skeet is a Learning and Connection Associate at The Sinneave Family Foundation. She delivers the Information and Navigation service where they have the pleasure to meet with Autistic and neurodivergent individuals one-on-one to provide consistent, person-centred information and navigation to Sinneave programs and services, and/or community-based resources. Ali has both professional and lived experience navigating identity, and the intersectional impact of societal expectations/beliefs on neurodivergent individuals. They bring over a decade of experience in the field of mental health, and a passion for person-centered care and intersectional inclusivity.
*During this session, Sinneave staff, guest presenters, and attendees may share information about community resources. Some information provided may not be accurate, up-to-date, or reliable for everyone. Attendees are also 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.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Neurodiversity Acknowledgement
We honour neurodiversity and strive to create environments that value the many ways people think, learn, and communicate. Our programs, services, and activities are designed to be neuroaffirming, accessible, and guided by the input from the people we serve.
Related Events
November 4 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Join us as we learn how to travel confidently and safely on Calgary Transit!
In this interactive session with Calgary Transit Access Travel Trainers and Peace Officers, you’ll learn what Travel Training is and how it helps riders navigate buses and CTrains with independence and ease.
Through demonstrations, practical tips, and real-world safety advice, this interactive session will cover how to plan your trip, understand routes and schedules, use fare systems, and feel secure while travelling on public transit.
Whether you’re new to Calgary Transit or looking to build your confidence, this session is designed to empower you with the skills and knowledge you need to travel the city safely.
By the end of this activity, participants will be able to:
- Understand what Travel Training is and how it supports safe, independent use of Calgary Transit
- Identify key transit safety practices, including how to stay safe on buses, CTrains, and at transit stops
- Learn basic transit skills, such as boarding a bus, recognizing priority seating, and understanding transit signage
- Build confidence in navigating Calgary Transit, including planning routes and knowing what to do in unexpected situations
If you have questions, please reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Neurodiversity Acknowledgement
We honour neurodiversity and strive to create environments that value the many ways people think, learn, and communicate. Our programs, services, and activities are designed to be neuroaffirming, accessible, and guided by the input from the people we serve.
Related Events
October 28 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
You are invited to attend a virtual panel discussion exploring what is needed to understand newcomers impacted by neurodivergence.
What is it like to be a newcomer who is navigating disability?
How can I provide better support?
This 1-hour Lunch and Learn is perfect for Case Managers, Program Managers, Team Leads and others who work in disability and settlement.
The panelists for this presentation are:
Kim Mayer (Edmonton Newcomer Centre), Mezaun Evin (Lived Experience), Manjiah Ockey (Galena Wellness)
This presentation is brought to you by:
The Alberta Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies (AAISA)
The Newcomer Centre
Galena Wellness Clinic
University of Calgary
Related Events
October 29 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
What do the recent changes to AISH and ADAP mean for the people you support?
Join the Alberta Ability Network for an informative Lunch and Learn, presented by the Workers’ Resource Centre.
With the introduction of the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) and changes affecting the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH), organizations and service providers may have questions about how the new rules impact the people they serve.
This session is designed to help you better understand the changes and what they may mean in practice, including:
- AISH and ADAP eligibility and program differences
- Changes to benefits and employment income exemptions
- Transitioning between AISH and ADAP
- Applications, reassessments and appeals
- What organizations should know when supporting individuals through the changes
- Where to find information, resources and additional support.
This virtual presentation is free. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email from the Alberta Ability Network with information about joining the Zoom meeting.
About the Alberta Ability Network (AAN)
The AAN is an initiative of Cerebral Palsy Alberta (CPAA) and is a collaboration of organizations and community advocates located in the province of Alberta, working to address systemic barriers facing people with disabilities.
AAN members work collaboratively to:
- Identify issues and priorities that affect individuals with disabilities
- Bridge gaps between the disability community and reduce duplication
- Build and strengthen collective advocacy capacity through education, and networking
- Create and promote vast cross sector knowledge and resources
- Strengthen existing relationships and broaden engagement with new stakeholders
- Organize and mobilize members to implement action for priority issues
Visit their website to learn more about the organization.
Related Events
November 30 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Whether you live independently or it is one of your future goals, being able to confidently navigate your way around a kitchen and cook healthy meals are important life skills.
Preparing your own meals helps you to save money, control portion sizes, and make choices that match your nutritional needs. Most importantly, being able to cook for and feed yourself (and others!) builds self-sufficiency, confidence and can even be a creative outlet or social activity.
The theme for this class is Breakfast for Dinner! The menu is frittata with hashbrowns.
While cooking dinner together, participants will learn:
- The importance of good hygiene
- Cleanliness in the kitchen and the importance of preventing cross-contamination
- The proper use of kitchen utensils
- How to properly measure and prepare food, and
- How to work well with others in a team environment
As only light support is provided by staff, participants need to be able to follow instructions, must be willing to work in a small group to prepare the meal, and are expected to help with clean up after the session.
Please note: If you have dietary allergies or restrictions, our staff need to know this in advance of the class. *Once your registration is confirmed, please email info@sinneavefoundation.org with details.
Space in this activity is limited. Participants must apply and be accepted into the session.
About the Presenter:
Kieren Padilla (they/them) is a community-minded trained chef with over 10 years of combined cooking experience in banquet events, high concept hotels, and elevated dining. Kieren has learned to work with their needs, building systems for easier neuro-friendly home cooking.
They hope to inspire others to reshape traditional cooking practices into something uniquely their own and transform kitchens into accessible, shame-free spaces. Their passion stems from the fact that everyone deserves to eat, no matter what, with a belief that “fed is always best.” And if Kieren could be fed with a meal, the “best” would be a comforting bowl of Katsudon Curry.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Neurodiversity Acknowledgement
We honour neurodiversity and strive to create environments that value the many ways people think, learn, and communicate. Our programs, services, and activities are designed to be neuroaffirming, accessible, and guided by the input from the people we serve.
Related Events
November 10 @ 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm
In this newly-developed interactive workshop, participants will learn practical executive functioning skills to better manage and estimate their time. They will learn a variety of strategies for scheduling, prioritizing, and delegation, in a welcoming, neuroaffirming setting.
Attendees will:
- Learn basic time management strategies
- Have the opportunity to practice and apply the techniques in the session
- Learn about other resources that are available to enhance time management skills
- Understand how being productive can look different for everyone
- Build the confidence to make your own schedule
- and more!
While it may push you a little outside your comfort zone, our in-person workshops are a great way to connect and meet new people. You get to decide your level of participation and enagement. Our office space offers neuro-friendly lighting, a variety of seating options, and focus tools, if desired. Whether you are visiting for the first time, or just curious, we invite you to tour our space virtually by clicking the button that says, “Tour Our Space”.
Space is limited and registration is required.
About the Presenter
Mara Jaffray is an Autistic Self-advocate, currently working as a Program Facilitator at the Sinneave Family Foundation.
Neurodiversity Acknowledgement
We honour neurodiversity and strive to create environments that value the many ways people think, learn, and communicate. Our programs, services, and activities are designed to be neuroaffirming, accessible, and guided by the input from the people we serve.
Related Events
November 4 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
As young adults are transitioning towards independence and into employment, caregivers are transitioning from the role of Manager to that of Consultant for their young adult.
This transition can be challenging for all parties, and can create tension and feelings of stress and anxiety.
In this strengths-based workshop, we will discuss tools and strategies that can help make space for shared learning and growth within the family and natural support network during this transition.
In addition to connecting with other caregivers and natural supports who may be having similar experiences, attendees will learn about available community resources for caregivers and Autistic and other neurodivergent folks.
In this session:
We all have expectations around what the transition to employment will look like for our young adult, but what happens when our expectations do not align with theirs? In this workshop, participants will:
- Discuss tools and strategies that will help to strengthen shared communication
- Increase capacity to align expectations
- Create space to support the whole family and support network through the transition to employment
Please note: Caregivers do not need to be parents in order to attend this workshop. Caregivers can be legal guardians, supportive roommates, natural supports, or family members.
Space in this session is limited, and registration is required.
About this Workshop:
The Building your Toolkit workshops introduce you to The Sinneave Family Foundation’s Family Work Readiness Toolkit (FWRT), a practical, strengths-based resource designed to help youth explore their interests, skills, values, and preferred work environments as they transition into employment. Attendees will learn how to use the toolkit to guide supportive conversations, set goals, and take meaningful action toward employment success. Participants will gain a stronger understanding of how to support your young adult’s transition into the workforce with practical tools, shared insight, and a clear starting point.
About the Presenter:
Stéphanie Chapman is a Bilingual Online Program Facilitator for the EmploymentWorks program. She has 15+ years of professional experience in the fields of education and disability across the lifespan, and personally as a caregiver. Stéphanie is dedicated to creating inclusive spaces for families of all shapes and sizes to learn and grow together.
If you have any questions about this session, please reach out by email at info@sinneavefoundation.org or call us at 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Neurodiversity Acknowledgement
We honour neurodiversity and strive to create environments that value the many ways people think, learn, and communicate. Our programs, services, and activities are designed to be neuroaffirming, accessible, and guided by the input from the people we serve.