August 20 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 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.*
In this session, we will learn about and explore different experiences with masking. Some topics may include:
- What masking is
- How to recognize masking, including discussing examples
- Some reasons people may mask
- The different impacts of masking.
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.
Thursday, August 20
6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
To register:
Click the button that says, Sinneave Connects to access registration through our online hub. If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s free and easy. Just follow the instructions on the log-in page.
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
August 20 @ 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Our August theme event is all about puzzles! Participants are welcome to drop in, enjoy the space, and engage with a variety of puzzles in the way that works best for them.
The event will feature multiple puzzle stations, offering different types of puzzles and levels of challenge:
- Visual puzzles: spot the difference, pattern recognition
- Word puzzles: word searches, crosswords, word wheels, rebus puzzles
- Number puzzles: Sudoku
- Construction puzzles: jigsaw puzzles
Participants are welcome to complete puzzles individually or alongside others, choosing whether to work independently or collaborate at their own pace. There are no time limits, and taking breaks or switching stations is always encouraged.
Thursday, August 20
5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
Our doors are open to members of our community every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday between 5:00 and 7:30 p.m. Your Time, Your Way hours provide a safe, sensory-friendly space where participants can spend time without the obligation of spending money on food or beverages. It is a time and space where participants may express themselves without judgement and choose to connect with others (if desired).
To ensure a welcoming and safe environment 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
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
August 26 @ 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm
Communication can feel effortless one moment and confusing or frustrating the next. Many different factors can make conversations run smoothly (or lead to misunderstandings).
In this workshop, participants will learn why miscommunication happens and feel more confident navigating it.
Together, we’ll discuss:
- What is really happening when we communicate
- Common reasons for miscommunication
- How to anticipate and prevent misunderstandings
- How to address and repair miscommunication when it happens
Wednesday, August 26
6:30 – 7:45 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
This workshop is designed to provide Autistic and other neurodivergent individuals with opportunities to learn and practice a variety of social communication skills in a safe and welcoming setting. Participants will be provided with information, tips, and strategies that they can choose to apply common day-to-day social situations.
Click the button that says “Sinneave Connects” to enroll in the course. If you have not created a free Sinneave Connects account yet, you will need to do that. Just follow the instructions on the sign-in page.
About the Presenter:
Mara Jaffray is an Autistic Self-Advocate, currently working as a Program Associate 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
August 4 @ 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Members of our community are invited to drop-in and use our space on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays to unwind or recharge—with no pressure to engage in structured activities. We have several rooms available–a quiet lounge, computer desks, hang out sofas–you choose. It’s your time to use your way.
Each week, we offer a “third space”—a place separate from home, work, or school where there is no obligation to spend money on food or beverages—to members of our community.
We provide flexible seating, focus tools, and adjustable lighting options in an effort to make our space welcoming and inclusive to those who wish to spend time in it.
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 environment 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
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Related Events
August 25 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
This 3-part workshop series is designed specifically with neurodivergence in mind and explores how to turn your interests and vision into a viable business idea.
Part 3, Speak, delves into communicating and pitching your business ideas with confidence using clarity, structure, and storytelling.
Speak teaches you how to combine your lived experience, business model, and authentic voice. Through our PIVOTS Framework – Problem, Impact, Value, Outcome, Trajectory, Story – we’ll help you draft a pitch you actually want to deliver. Expect guided prompts, scripts, visual tone cues, and lots of feedback. Leave with a pitch you believe in!
Tuesday, August 25
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
Space in this workshop is limited and registration is required.
To register:
Click the button that says, Sinneave Connects to access registration through our online hub. If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s free and easy. Just follow the instructions on the log-in page.
Other upcoming Neuroinclusive Entrepreneurship workshops include:
Think – Tuesday, August 11
Participants will explore how executive functioning drives planning, prioritizing and problem-solving, and have the opportunity to learn how to turn their vision into a business idea.
Prove – Tuesday, August 18
Learn how turn your vision into an actionable business plan.
About the Presenter:
Raiyana Shams is the developer and facilitator of the Neuroinclusive Entrepreneurship Workshop Series. Raiyana is in her third year in the Bachelor of Design in City Innovation program at the University of Calgary, pursuing a Minor in Management and Society and an Embedded Certificate in Entrepreneurial Thinking. She has designed and led neuroinclusive entrepreneurship programming on campus and collaborates with community partners to make business education more accessible. In her free time, you can find her spending time with her family and friends, exploring the mountains, discovering new restaurants, ideating architectural and urban planning concepts, or connecting with small business owners across Alberta.
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
August 18 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
This 3-part workshop series is designed specifically with neurodivergence in mind and explores how to turn your interests and vision into a viable business idea.
Part 2, Prove, teaches participants how to create a business plan to structure your idea. From your vision to the final product, we’ll walk through every step.
We’ll give you the tools to write and refine your business plan using clear steps and real-world examples. If you’re just starting to develop a business idea, this workshop will give you direction.
Expect collaboration with fellow entrepreneurs, one-on-one support, and guided reflection to make your business plan structured and reliable. Leave with a plan you can use tomorrow!
Tuesday, August 18
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
Space in this workshop is limited and registration is required.
To register:
Click the button that says, Sinneave Connects to access registration through our online hub. If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s free and easy. Just follow the instructions on the log-in page.
Other upcoming Neuroinclusive Entrepreneurship workshops include:
Think – Tuesday, August 11
Participants will explore how executive functioning drives planning, prioritizing and problem-solving, and have the opportunity to learn how to turn their vision into a business idea.
Speak – Tuesday, August 25
Learn how to talk about your business idea with confidence.
About the Presenter:
Raiyana Shams is the developer and facilitator of the Neuroinclusive Entrepreneurship Workshop Series. Raiyana is in her third year in the Bachelor of Design in City Innovation program at the University of Calgary, pursuing a Minor in Management and Society and an Embedded Certificate in Entrepreneurial Thinking. She has designed and led neuroinclusive entrepreneurship programming on campus and collaborates with community partners to make business education more accessible. In her free time, you can find her spending time with her family and friends, exploring the mountains, discovering new restaurants, ideating architectural and urban planning concepts, or connecting with small business owners across Alberta.
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
August 11 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
This 3-part workshop series is designed specifically with neurodivergence in mind and explores how to turn your interests and vision into a viable business idea.
Part 1, Think, considers how executive functioning powers planning, prioritizing, and problem-solving.
Through our CAR Framework – Creative, Analytical, and Reflective Problem-Solving – we’ll explore the link between executive functioning and entrepreneurship, then apply hands-on strategies to real scenarios.
Participants can expect practical tools, visual prompts, and low-pressure collaboration designed for neurodivergent thinkers. Leave with an entrepreneurial problem-solving toolkit that’s tailored to you!
Tuesday, August 11
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
Space in this workshop is limited and registration is required.
To register:
Click the button that says, Sinneave Connects to access registration through our online hub. If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s free and easy. Just follow the instructions on the log-in page.
Other upcoming Neuroinclusive Entrepreneurship workshops include:
Prove – Tuesday, August 18
Learn how to turn your vision and business idea into an actionable business plan.
Speak – Tuesday, August 25
Learn how to talk about your business idea with confidence.
About the Presenter:
Raiyana Shams is the developer and facilitator of the Neuroinclusive Entrepreneurship Workshop Series. Raiyana is in her third year in the Bachelor of Design in City Innovation program at the University of Calgary, pursuing a Minor in Management and Society and an Embedded Certificate in Entrepreneurial Thinking. She has designed and led neuroinclusive entrepreneurship programming on campus and collaborates with community partners to make business education more accessible. In her free time, you can find her spending time with her family and friends, exploring the mountains, discovering new restaurants, ideating architectural and urban planning concepts, or connecting with small business owners across Alberta.
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
August 10 @ 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 menu for this class is Crispy Adobo Chicken with Roasted Bok Choy and Coconut Lemongrass Rice.
Monday, August 10
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
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 utensils
- How to properly measure and prepare food, and
- How to work well with others in a team environment
As there is only light support provided by staff, 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 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.
This session is limited to six participants. If there are no spots available, you can sign up to be placed on a waiting list. Please do not attend until your registration has been confirmed by our staff.
To register, click the button that says, “Sinneave Connects.” If you don’t have a free Sinneave Connects account yet, you will need to create one. Follow the instructions on the log-in page.
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.” 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
July 28 @ 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm
Did you know? Communication styles can vastly differ between neurodivergent and neurotypical people?
In this workshop, participants will gain the skills and knowledge to:
- Describe how communication can differ between neurodivergent and neurotypical people
- Recognize how communication across neurotypes is a form of cross-cultural communication
- Identify their own authentic communication preferences and needs
- Evaluate the benefits and challenges of using authentic communication in different settings
- Practice expressing or requesting their communication preferences and needs
Tuesday, July 28
6:30 – 7:45 p.m.
Online via Sinneave Connects
This workshop is designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals with opportunities to learn and practice a variety of social communication skills in a safe and welcoming setting. Participants will be provided with information, tips, and strategies that they can choose to apply common day-to-day social situations.
To register:
Click the button that says, Sinneave Connects to access registration through our online hub. If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s free and easy. Just follow the instructions on the log-in page.
About the Presenter:
Mara Jaffray is an Autistic self-advocate, currently working as a Program Associate 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
July 29 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Job sampling involves going to different businesses and learning about them from the people that work there.
We are pleased to host a “Pop-up” job sampling session, where attendees will have the opportunity to role-play different job-related scenarios.
In this fun and engaging session, participants will have the opportunity to put into practice their skills in different customer service areas and roles, such as:
- Retail (Grocery store) Try both cashier and grocery clerk roles
- Food service (Coffee shop) Try cashier, server, and host roles
- Call Centre Practice outgoing sales calls and incoming customer support calls
Attendees will have the opportunity to:
- Practice social skills,
- Reflect on your needs in an employment setting,
- Practice self-advocacy for accessing supports in the workplace, and
- Learn about the responsibilities of various customer service roles.
Our goal is that participants leave the session feeling empowered to continue on your journey of employment readiness, career exploration, and skill development.
Please note: This activity will be facilitated by volunteers who are former and current EmploymentWorks (EW) participants, with EW staff overseeing the activity and supporting the volunteers.
Volunteers will be given the opportunity to practice their skills in workplace communication, workplace interactions and leadership by coaching participants, managing stations and providing general support.
Wednesday, July 29
10:00 am – 1:00 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
Space in this session is limited and advance registration is required.
If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s free and easy to set up. Click the button that says, “Sinneave Connects” and follow the instructions on the log-in screen.
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.