October 22 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Navigating the healthcare system can often feel overwhelming—from knowing which provider to see, to preparing for appointments, asking the right questions, and managing follow-up care.
To support individuals in these everyday situations, this 60-minute facilitated session will introduce participants to four micro-eLearning modules, which are available on Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub:
- Figure Out Who to See,
- Plan for Your Next Health Appointment,
- Communicate Effectively During Appointments, and
- Take Charge of Follow-Up Care.
In this hands-on session, attendees will learn how these resources can support you in different stages of the healthcare journey, and how to access them for ongoing use.
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 she has the pleasure to meet with Autistic and neurodivergent individuals one-on-one to provide consistent, person-centred information, and navigate individuals to Sinneave programs and services and community-based resources. Ali has more than a decade of experience in the mental health field and has a passion for person-centred care and intersectional inclusivity.
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 14 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 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 how we navigate the “everyday” things in our lives, and share strategies to help prevent, cope with, and overcome barriers.
Some topics may include:
- Cleaning, hygiene, and other chore “hacks”
- Overwhelm and burnout
- Homework, work tasks, and time management
- Communication
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
October 21 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Self-advocacy is expressing your needs and preferences in a way that ensures your voice is heard in the decisions that impact your life.
Building on what was covered in the first self-advocacy session (October 14), this session will provide tips and strategies for participants to apply when communicating their needs to others, as well as learn how to effectively start conversations about their needs.
This is 1 of 3 self-advocacy workshops designed to provide Autistic and other neurodivergent youth and adults (age 15+) with opportunities to learn about self-advocacy and practice skills that are essential to learning to speak up for yourself confidently.
Other upcoming self-advocacy workshops include:
The Art of Knowing Yourself – Wednesday, October 14
Learn what self-advocacy is and how it can benefit you. The content will help you understand your strengths and some of the barriers you may face. This knowledge will enhance your ability to self-advocate.
Finding Your Voice – Wednesday, October 28
Learn practical tips and strategies to help negotiate and discuss how you can have your needs met in your current environment. There will also be an opportunity to summarize and apply everything we have learned up to this point.
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
October 7 @ 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, caregivers will gain the skills and knowledge to:
- Define the transition to independence for their young adult, and the transition from manager to consultant for themselves
- Reflect on their own needs and expectations for the process, so that they may better support themselves and their young adult
- Use strengths-based tools and strategies to create a strong starting point for conversations about employment
- Identify resources in the community that support caregivers and young adults through this transition
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. 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.
Related Events
October 6 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
What if one of the most overlooked pathways to employment inclusion for neurodivergent Canadians, wasn’t traditional employment at all?
You’re invited to join researchers from Signal49 for a 1-hour webinar (time listed here is Mountain Time) where they will discuss recent findings on self-employment for neurodivergent Canadians.
Sharing from Creating Their Own Path: Unlocking Self‑Employment for Neurodivergent Canadians, the presenters will translate research insights into practical knowledge for policymakers, service providers, educators, and ecosystem leaders.
They will explore what supports success, where barriers persist, and what it will take to make self-employment a recognized and supported pathway for neurodivergent workers in Canada.
Attendees will come away with practical information on how to strengthen neuroinclusive self-employment pathways as an inclusive workforce option, support system-level change, and help create more equitable employment opportunities for neurodivergent individuals.
The session will conclude with a Question and Answer period facilitated in English and French.
About the Presenter
Jennifer Fane is a neurodivergent researcher and educator specializing in neurodiversity, equity, inclusion, and workforce development. With an interdisciplinary PhD in education, social policy, and public health, her work focuses on systems change to create equitable opportunities for all.
She currently leads the neurodiversity research portfolio at Signal49 Research, conducting national-level research identifying the barriers neurodivergent Canadians encounter in education and workforce development, and advancing evidence-based strategies that support systems-level change.
Related Events
October 21 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
We are pleased to offer Carya’s Relationships With Your Adult Children group with a focus on supporting parents and caregivers of Autistic adults as they grow in independence.
This group is designed to support parents as they reflect on and adapt to changing relationships with their adult children. In this group, parents and caregivers will:
- Build understanding around family dynamics and how they change as children develop into adults,
- Learn how to maintain personal boundaries and communication skills to improve or support relationships with their adult children
- Learn how to maintain personal wellness when encountering challenging family relationships.
Participants will examine and explore their values when it comes to relationships with their children who are now adults. You will receive information from our experienced facilitators and be introduced to tools and information while having the chance to have group conversations with others who have similar experiences.
We are inviting interested parents, caregivers, and guardians to express interest in participating. As a first step, please book a 30-minute conversation with one of our facilitators. This is an opportunity to learn more about the group, ask questions, and explore whether the group is a good fit for you right now.
By participating in this group, we hope participants will gain the skills and knowledge to:
- Understand how family relationships change as their Autistic children become adults
- Improve communication and reduce misunderstandings
- Recognize their own values and identify how their values impact their boundaries
- Understand the importance of wellness and fostering a support circle
- Learn strategies that can be used to navigate conflicts with their adult Autistic child.
Please note: Because community and connection play a huge role in making this group a success, it is offered in-person only.
Wednesdays, October 21 through December 2 (no session Wednesday, November 11)
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
In-person at Carya’s Village Commons (210, 610 8th Avenue SE)
About Carya
Carya is a social impact agency that has been responding to the evolving social needs of the Calgary community since 1910.
With more than a century of expertise, they are deeply rooted in being a place of connection and support for Calgarians when and where they it most.
Carya impacts the lives of thousands of Calgarians each year, through a range of comprehensive, low to no-cost programs and services that enhance mental well-being, strengthen families, improve living conditions, and create meaningful social connections.
Visit their website to learn more about Carya Calgary.
Related Events
September 3 @ 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
UPDATE: Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have had to cancel tonight’s Your Time, Your Way. We hope to see you next time and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
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.
The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
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.
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 21 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Our Employment Classroom workshops cover many topics related to finding a job, keeping a job, and thriving in the workplace. This includes employment preparedness, life skills, and soft skills for the workplace.
In this workshop, participants will:
- Expand on their understanding of self, their personality, and areas of strength
- Identify areas of interest
- Learn how greater understanding of these can help you to find a job suited to your skills, abilities, and interests
- Learn how to search industries and roles that are a good match for you.
This workshop combines classroom instruction and time to practice what you’ve learned with support from the facilitators, if needed. Attendees to these workshops must be able to participate independently.
Please note: These classes are limited to 15 attendees. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. *If the course is full, you will be added to a waitlist. Please do not attend until your registration has been confirmed by our staff.
About our Facilitator:
Marcela Montes-Lobos is an EmploymentWorks online facilitator at The Sinneave Family Foundation and is a late-diagnosed Hispanic neurodivergent adult who has embraced her unique diversity as well as her family’s. Having lived experience in language barriers, as well as other barriers that many neurodivergent folks face in life, she decided mid-life to return to school, leaving a career in the airline industry and becoming an Addiction and Disability Support Worker. She is passionate about creating safe spaces, always encouraging participants’ autonomy, curiosity and empowering them on their journey.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call our office 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.
Related Events
October 7 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Our Employment Classroom workshops cover many topics related to finding a job, keeping a job, and thriving in the workplace. This includes employment preparedness, life skills, and soft skills for the workplace.
In this workshop, participants will:
- Learn about their traits and personality and examine what they want to get out of work and a job
- Understand their natural skills, values, and motivations
- Learn what is required to set realistic and fulfilling employment goals
Increased understanding of self and your strengths can lead to a more satisfying and successful career journey.
This workshop combines classroom instruction and time to practice what you’ve learned with support from the facilitators, if needed. Attendees to these workshops must be able to participate independently.
Please note: These classes are limited to 15 attendees. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. *If the course is full, you will be added to a waitlist. Please do not attend until your registration has been confirmed by our staff.
About our Facilitator:
Marcela Montes-Lobos is an EmploymentWorks online facilitator at The Sinneave Family Foundation and is a late-diagnosed Hispanic neurodivergent adult who has embraced her unique diversity as well as her family’s. Having lived experience in language barriers, as well as other barriers that many neurodivergent folks face in life, she decided mid-life to return to school, leaving a career in the airline industry and becoming an Addiction and Disability Support Worker. She is passionate about creating safe spaces, always encouraging participants’ autonomy, curiosity and empowering them on their journey.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call our office 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.
Related Events
October 1 @ 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.
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.
The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
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.
Tour Our Space
Whether you are preparing for your first visit or simply curious, we invite you to explore our space using the virtual tour on our website.
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.