August 26 @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 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 whether that’s through one-on-one or group conversations.
In this workshop, you will gain the skills and knowledge to:
- Discuss strategies for exiting conversations
- Recognizing disinterest in communication
- Managing rejection & moving forward
- Setting the stage for future engagements
This session is one of several drop-in workshops we offer that are designed to provide Autistic or 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 and you can just drop-in. Attend them all or the ones that seem interesting to you.
About the Presenter:
Yonatan Tesfagiorgis is a Life Skills Coach at The Sinneave Family Foundation and has been working with neurodivergent and Autistic individuals for over 8 years. He strives to offer skill building strategies using a neuro affirming framework and provides an inclusive space for all individuals.
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
5:00 – 6:30 pm
In-person At The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
If you have any questions about these workshops, please reach out by email at info@sinneavefoundation.org OR call us at 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Other Drop-in Social Communication Workshop topics include:
Handling Disagreements and Keeping Your Cool – August 7, 2025
Do you find it difficult to communicate when someone disagrees with you? In this workshop, 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
The Art of Non-verbal Communication – August 13, 2025
Much of our everyday communication involves non-verbal body language and unwritten social rules. Many Autistic or neurodivergent people find it challenging to navigate social situations because they have a hard time interpreting various forms of non-verbal communication.
Strategies for Entering Conversations & Finding Common Interests – August 21, 2025
Starting a conversation with someone new or joining in a conversation that is already underway can be difficult. In this workshop, we will learn and practice a few strategies to help you enter into conversations more confidently whether that’s through one-on-one or group conversations.
Related Events
August 27 @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Learn how to create meaningful and realistic goals and then take action to achieve them – one at a time.
In this fun and interactive session, participants will learn about the importance of values and how they inform our life goals. We will also learn about SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals and how to determine what yours might be.
Attendees will have an opportunity to participate in a values and a goal-setting exercise to practice these skills.
Thursday, March 6, 2025
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW) and Online via Sinneave Connects.
P.S. If you attended the Visioning workshop on August 20, this workshop is a great way to follow up, helping you take practical and realistic steps towards making your vision for your life a reality.
Related Events
August 20 @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
In this interactive session, we will discuss the importance of visualization and how it helps to create a positive self-image and increase confidence. Participants will learn about the power of thought and imagination and how increasing your confidence can help you take reasonable action steps toward making the vision and goals for your life a reality.
Attendees will also be making a vision board to take home. All materials will be provided.
Vision boards are tactile and visual tools to help you visualize and set goals around your education, career, family, relationships and more. The images you choose can help you better envision what you would like your life to look like.
Creating a vision board can help you figure out what’s important to you, which can help to inform your future steps. Displaying your vision board in a place where you regularly see it can be a great reminder of those things in your daily life.
Wednesday, August 20 from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
In-person only at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
If you have any questions about this session, please email info@sinneavefoundation.org or call us at 403 210-5000. We’re here to help!
P.S. If you want to build on the things you learn in this workshop, we encourage you to attend our Goal Setting workshop on Wednesday, August 27. Attending both will give you the skills you need to take practical and realistic steps towards making your vision for your life a reality.
Related Events
August 28 @ 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Many individuals can benefit from what is often referred to as a “third space”—a place separate from home or work or school where there is no obligation to spend money on food or beverages. So we’re opening our doors to members of our community.
We invite you to drop in and use our space to help you unwind or recharge—with no pressure to engage in structured activities. We have several rooms and spaces available–a quiet lounge, computer desks, hang out sofas–you choose. It’s your time to use your way.
Our space provides flexible seating options, focus tools, and adjustable lighting options as we strive to make our space more welcoming and inclusive to those who wish to spend time in it.
On Thursday, August 28, we’re hosting a special activity during the Your Time, Your Way time.
Drop-in as we practice mindfulness and promote self-care through using arts and crafts. Participants can enjoy a variety of craft activities listed below while learning how these activities can promote better self-care.
- Adult coloring
- Tie and die
- Origami
Try your hand at the various craft activities being offered. Engage individually or connect with new people — it’s up to you.
Thursday, August 28
5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
In-person @ The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
Here are some other suggestions of things you may like to do if you aren’t interested in the arts and crafts, but this is not an exhaustive list:
- Socializing: Chat with others, make new connections, or catch up with friends
- Using Computers: Access the internet, complete personal tasks, or explore hobbies online. Use our computers and wifi or bring your own device and connect via our network
- Relaxing: Sit quietly, read, listen to music with headphones, or just enjoy the calm space
- Independent Work: Bring personal projects, homework or studying you may need to do, or use the time to focus on tasks
- Unstructured Activities: puzzles, sketching, journaling, or engaging in other personal hobbies
- Exploring Resources: Learn about other programs, events, or services Sinneave offers
- Simply Being: Spend 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, please read over the Rules of the Space before you arrive:
- Check-In is Required: Everyone signs in upon arrival
- No Alcohol or Drugs: This is a 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
Related Events
August 21 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Starting a conversation with someone new or joining in a conversation that is already underway can be difficult. In this workshop, we will learn and practice a few strategies to help you enter into conversations more confidently whether that’s through one-on-one or group conversations.
During the time we have together, you will gain the skills and knowledge to:
- Feel more comfortable and confident in your communication skills
- Explain what is required for good conversation
- Identify ways to find a good conversation partner and show you’re interested in talking
- Practice strategies for starting and continuing conversations
- Prepare a list of future conversation topics
- Practice troubleshooting communication experiences
This session is one of several drop-in workshops we offer that are designed to provide Autistic or 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 and you can just drop-in. Attend them all or the ones that seem interesting to you.
About the Presenter:
Tracie Czerkawski is a Learning Strategist at The Sinneave Family Foundation. She has 15+ years of professional experience in education and human services, and a lifetime of lived neurodivergent experience. Tracie aims to create friendly and inclusive learning opportunities where participants feel a sense of belonging.
Thursday, August 21, 2025
6:00 – 7:30 pm
In-Person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW).
If you have any questions about these workshops, please reach out by email at info@sinneavefoundation.org OR call us at 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Other Drop-in Social Communication Workshop topics include:
Handling Disagreements and Keeping Your Cool – August 7, 2025
Do you find it difficult to communicate when someone disagrees with you? In this workshop, 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
The Art of Non-verbal Communication – August 13, 2025
Much of our everyday communication involves non-verbal body language and unwritten social rules. Many Autistic or neurodivergent people find it challenging to navigate social situations because they have a hard time interpreting various forms of non-verbal communication.
Strategies for Exiting Conversations – August 26, 2025
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 whether that’s through one-on-one or group conversations.
Related Events
August 13 @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Much of our everyday communication involves non-verbal body language and unwritten social rules. Many Autistic or 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!
In this session, you will have the opportunity to:
- Develop a strong foundation in understanding non-verbal cues in shared communication
- Discuss strategies for understanding non-verbal cues
This session is one of several drop-in workshops we offer that are designed to provide Autistic or 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. If you register in advance you’ll be notified of any last minute changes to the schedule, but you can also just drop-in. Attend them all or just the ones that seem interesting to you.
About the Presenter:
Cedric Nicholson is a Life Skills Coach with The Sinneave Family Foundation where he is passionate about empowering others to set meaningful goals, create effective plans, and take purposeful steps toward personal growth and self-improvement. He is a certified professional life coach with over 20 years of experience mentoring, coaching, and supporting individuals in the developmental disability field.
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
5:00 – 6:30 pm
Online via Sinneave Connects
This workshop is virtual, via Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub. If you already have a Sinneave 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 hub 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: The Art of Non-verbal Communication – August 13, 2025 course to access the virtual link.
- Click on the, “Choose session” button, and then press Confirm.
If you have any questions about these workshops or if you need help navigating the Sinneave Connects online learning hub, please reach out by email at info@sinneavefoundation.org OR call us at 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Other Drop-in Social Communication Workshop topics include:
Handling Disagreements and Keeping Your Cool – August 7, 2025
Do you find it difficult to communicate when someone disagrees with you? In this workshop, 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
Strategies for Entering Conversations & Finding Common Interests – August 21, 2025
Starting a conversation with someone new or joining in a conversation that is already underway can be difficult. In this workshop, we will learn and practice a few strategies to help you enter into conversations more confidently whether that’s through one-on-one or group conversations.
Strategies for Exiting Conversations – August 26, 2025
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 whether that’s through one-on-one or group conversations.
Related Events
Your Input Matters – Join the National Autism Network!
Published: August 1, 2025
The Sinneave Family Foundation is pleased to support the stand-up of the new National Autism Network (“the Network”), in partnership with Autism Alliance of Canada.
The Network is a new, independent, community-led organization that brings together Autistic people, families, subject matter experts, and community partners to inform the federal government on how to carry out Canada’s Autism Strategy.
As a backbone support to this initiative, Sinneave is leading 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 and informing the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Autism Initiative.
The Network has officially launched and invites you to get involved. Your input matters. Whether you are Autistic, a family member, caregiver, or ally, your experience and perspective can help shape this work.
Joining is easy. Individuals and organizations are welcome. With a one-time application, members receive updates and invitations to participate in engagement activities, including events, surveys, and meetings.
Members are also invited to apply to join the Board of Directors, a Standing Advisory Council, or a Strategic Priority Committee. You can learn more about each of these opportunities on the Participate page of the Network’s website.
Follow the Network on social media: Facebook • Instagram • LinkedIn • Bluesky
Financial Contribution from the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Votre opinion est importante! Inscrivez-vous au Réseau national de l’autisme.
Publication : 1er août 2025
La Sinneave Family Foundation est heureuse de soutenir la mise en route du nouveau Réseau national de l’autisme en partenariat avec l’Alliance canadienne de l’autisme.
Le Réseau national de l’autisme (le « Réseau ») est une initiative communautaire indépendante qui rassemble les personnes autistes, leurs familles, les spécialistes et les partenaires communautaires pour informer le gouvernement fédéral sur la façon de mettre en œuvre la Stratégie pour l’autisme au Canada.
En tant qu’organisation chapeautant le projet, Sinneave participe à la création du Réseau pour favoriser 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.
Le Réseau est officiellement lancé et vous invite à participer. Votre opinion est importante. Que vous soyez une personne autiste, membre de la famille d’une personne autiste, une personne aidante ou un·e allié·e, votre expérience et votre perspective peuvent contribuer à donner forme à ce travail.
L’inscription se fait facilement, en une seule fois. Les personnes individuelles et les organisations sont les bienvenues. Les membres reçoivent des nouvelles du Réseau et des invitations à participer à des activités d’engagement, y compris des événements, des sondages et des réunions.
Nous invitons aussi les membres à poser leur candidature pour participer au conseil d’administration, à un conseil consultatif permanent ou à un comité des priorités stratégiques. Pour en savoir plus sur chacun de ces moyens de contribuer au travail du Réseau, consultez la page Participer de notre site Internet.
Suivez le Réseau dans les médias sociaux : Facebook • Instagram • LinkedIn • Bluesky
Contribution financière de l’Agence de la santé publique du Canada.
August 7 @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Do you find it difficult to communicate when someone disagrees with you? In this workshop, 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 is one of several 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.
About the Presenter:
Sanique Denton is a Life Skills Coach at The Sinneave Family Foundation and has been working with neurodivergent and Autistic individuals for over 10 years. She has experience teaching and enhancing communication skills for Autistic individuals across their life span. Sanique is passionate about fostering an inclusive community and supporting individuals to thrive and reach their full potential.
Thursday, August 7, 2025
5:00 – 6:30 pm
Online via Sinneave Connects
There is no cost to attend these sessions. If you register in advance you’ll be notified of any last minute changes to the schedule, but you can also just drop-in. Attend them all or just the ones that seem interesting to you.
This workshop is virtual, via Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub. If you already have a Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s free and easy! Click the button below that says “Sinneave Connects” to access the hub and follow the instructions on the log-in screen.
- Create a user name
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
- Select “Register”
- Select the “Social Communication Workshop: Handling Disagreements” course and enroll.
If you have any questions about these workshops or if you need help navigating Sinneave Connects, please reach out by email at info@sinneavefoundation.org OR call us at 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Other Drop-in Social Communication Workshop topics include:
The Art of Non-verbal Communication – August 13, 2025
Much of our everyday communication involves non-verbal body language and unwritten social rules. Many Autistic or neurodivergent people find it challenging to navigate social situations because they have a hard time interpreting various forms of non-verbal communication.
The Strategies for Entering Conversations & Finding Common Interests – August 21, 2025
Starting a conversation with someone new or joining in a conversation that is already underway can be difficult. In this workshop, we will learn and practice a few strategies to help you enter into conversations more confidently whether that’s through one-on-one or group conversations.
Related Events
August 19 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Autism Campus Prep is a self-paced post-secondary preparedness course written by and for Autistic individuals together with The Sinneave Family Foundation. There are nine modules that cover a variety of topics that aim to assist in preparing an individual for the transition to post-secondary and beyond.
In this workshop, we will explore the various supports and accommodations that are available on a post-secondary campus and how to access them. Specifically, we will be following the online module “Autism Campus Prep” Module 2, located on the Sinneave Connects learning hub. You can access the online module by clicking here.
The module consists of 5 topics:
- Introduction
- Disability Service
- Accommodations
- Assistive Technology
- Peer Mentoring
In this workshop, you will learn about the following topics:
- What Disability Services is and how they can help you in your studies
- Understand what accommodations are and how to access them
- What assistive technology is and how it could help you
- And details on helpful services like peer mentoring
There will be time for questions and answers at the end of the session. We hope to see you there!
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
5:00 pm – 6:00 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
If you have any questions or require assistance, please reach out to us at info@sinneavefoundation.org or call our office at 403 210-5000. We’re here to help!
Related Events
July 16 @ 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Many individuals can benefit from what is often referred to as a “third space”—a place separate from home or work or school where there is no obligation to spend money on food or beverages. So we’re opening our doors to members of our community.
We invite you to drop in and use our space to help you unwind or recharge—with no pressure to engage in structured activities. We have several rooms and spaces available–a quiet lounge, computer desks, hang out sofas–you choose. It’s your time to use your way.
Our space provides flexible seating options, focus tools, and adjustable lighting options as we strive to make our space more welcoming and inclusive to those who wish to spend time in it.
Our drop-in hours are 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Here are some suggestions of things you may like to do, but this is not an exhaustive list:
- Socializing: Chat with others, make new connections, or catch up with friends
- Using Computers: Access the internet, complete personal tasks, or explore hobbies online. Use our computers and wifi or bring your own device and connect via our network
- Relaxing: Sit quietly, read, listen to music with headphones, or just enjoy the calm space
- Independent Work: Bring personal projects, homework or studying you may need to do, or use the time to focus on tasks
- Unstructured Activities: puzzles, sketching, journaling, or engaging in other personal hobbies
- Exploring Resources: Learn about other programs, events, or services Sinneave offers
- Simply Being: Spend 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, please read over the Rules of the Space before you arrive:
- Check-In is Required: Everyone signs in upon arrival
- No Alcohol or Drugs: This is a 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
