November 19 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
As parents, guardians, and caregivers; you play an important part in the successful transition of a young adult into the workforce.
Session: Ask and Advocate for Your Needs
This in-person session is focused on supporting your young adult to advocate for their needs. You will learn how to identify their support needs, and brainstorm potential solutions they can share with their employer. You will learn how to create a Needs Communication Plan with your young adult so they have a clear idea of what they need to address when they are talking to an employer. You will also learn how to recognize your own needs in your journey to supporting your young adult through their transition into employment.
In this in-person session, you will learn how to:
- Help your young adult identify workplace support needs,
- Help your young adult to identify strategies and supports that will help address these needs, and
- Help your young adult to create a Needs Communication Plan.
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
6:00 – 7:30 pm
In-person At The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
This series introduces 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. You will learn how to use the toolkit to guide supportive conversations, set goals, and take meaningful action toward employment success.
Through this series, you will:
- Build confidence in supporting your young adult’s employment journey,
- Learn how to apply the FWRT at home to break the process into manageable steps,
- Explore community resources that complement the toolkit, and
- Connect with other parents and guardians navigating similar experiences.
By the end of the series, you will have 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.
** Space in this session is limited, and advance registration is required through Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub. If there are no spots available, you can sign up to be placed on a waiting list and a member of our team will reach out to you if spots open up.**
There is no cost to attend and Sinneave Connects is free, but you need to register for an account to use it.
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 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 Building Your Toolbox and Supporting the Transition to Employment: Ask and Advocate for Your Needs – November 19, 2025 session.
- Click on the, “Choose session” button, and then press Confirm.
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 questions, please reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call us 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Related Events
November 5 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
As parents, guardians, and caregivers; you play an important part in the successful transition of a young adult into the workforce.
Session: Plan Ahead for Career Success
This in-person session is focused on supporting your young adult to begin to plan for the future. You will learn how to identify areas for professional growth including creating a plan for ongoing development, and identifying resources and supports that your young adult can reach out to. You will also learn how to recognize your own needs in your journey to supporting your young adult through their transition into employment.
In this in-person session, you will learn how to:
- Help your young adult identify skills that they would like to develop further,
- Help your young adult to identify different supports and resources, and
- Help your young adult to create an Ongoing Development Plan.
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
This series introduces 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. You will learn how to use the toolkit to guide supportive conversations, set goals, and take meaningful action toward employment success.
Through this series, you will:
- Build confidence in supporting your young adult’s employment journey,
- Learn how to apply the FWRT at home to break the process into manageable steps,
- Explore community resources that complement the toolkit and,
- Connect with other parents and guardians navigating similar experiences.
By the end of the series, you will have 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.
** Space in this session is limited, and advance registration is required through Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub. If there are no spots available, you can sign up to be placed on a waiting list and a member of our team will reach out to you if spots open up.**
There is no cost to attend these sessions. Sinneave Connects is free, but you need to register for an account to use it.
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 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 Building Your Toolbox and Supporting the Transition to Employment: Plan Ahead for Career Success – November 5, 2025 session.
- Click on the, “Choose session” button, and then press Confirm.
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 questions, please reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
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November 19 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Are you interested in learning more about all the stages of the employment journey and the steps you can take to lead you on a path to success? We are offering a series of workshops that cover many topics related to finding a job, keeping a job, and thriving in the workplace.
Join us Wednesday, November 19 to learn how to prepare for and do well in a job interview.
Specifically, you will:
- Understand what skills you need to develop in order to perform well in job interviews,
- Have the opportunity to learn what is expected of you in professional settings,
- Learn how to navigate specific questions and,
- Have the opportunity to receive and provide feedback on the job interview process.
The 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.
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
**Please note space is limited to 3 participants and will be on a first-come, first-served basis with registration on Sinneave Connects. If there are no spots available, you can sign up to be placed on a waiting list, and a member of our team will reach out to you if spots open up.**
To Register:
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 that says, Sinneave Connects to access the learning hub and follow these steps:
- Pick a username
- Pick a password (Don’t forget to record it somewhere safe for next time!)
- Choose The Employment Classroom: Preparing for and doing well in a job interview – Registration event and click on the enroll button.
About our Facilitators:
Ryan Elkanah and Sherry Taylor, members of the Sinneave employment team, are committed to empowering Autistic and neurodivergent individuals on their journeys towards meaningful employment and career success.
If you have questions or need assistance, please reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call (403) 210-5000. We’re here to help!
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November 5 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Are you interested in learning more about all the stages of the employment journey and the steps you can take to lead you on a path to success? We are offering a series of workshops that cover many topics related to finding a job, keeping a job, and thriving in the workplace.
Join us Wednesday, November 5, to learn how to write an effective resume and compelling cover letter.
- Learn about the purpose of a resume and cover letter and,
- What to include in each of these documents so you are successful in your job search journey.
The 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.
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
**Please note space is limited to 3 participants and will be on a first-come, first-served basis with registration on Sinneave Connects. If there are no spots available, you can sign up to be placed on a waiting list, and a member of our team will reach out to you if spots open up.**
To Register:
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 that says, Sinneave Connects to access the learning hub and follow these steps:
- Pick a username
- Pick a password (Don’t forget to record it somewhere safe for next time!)
- Choose The Employment Classroom: Writing an effective resume and cover letter – Registration event and click on the enroll button.
About our Facilitators:
Ryan Elkanah and Sherry Taylor, members of the Sinneave employment team, are committed to empowering Autistic and neurodivergent individuals on their journeys towards meaningful employment and career success.
If you have questions or need assistance, please reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call (403) 210-5000. We’re here to help!
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November 4 @ 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Benefit from connecting one-on-one with experienced professionals who understand neurodiversity and will help you identify your strengths, interests, and potential career paths. Our goal is to create an individualized, inclusive, and supportive environment where neurodivergent individuals can access resources, gain valuable insights, and enhance their employability, confidence, and career prospects.
Attendees are encouraged to select from available topics to receive tailored guidance or bring other employment-related concerns they may have. Our employment coaches have experience and expertise in:
- Career Exploration
- Cover Letter Writing
- Disclosure & Accommodations
- Interview Prep
- Job Search Strategies
- Resume Building
- Applicant Tracking System (ATS)
- 1:1 Facilitator guidance* (Maximum 45 minutes)
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
In-Person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
Attendees must book an in-person 45-minute appointment with one of our facilitators.
Available times:
Three appointments from 2:30 – 3:15 p.m. or 3 appointments from 3:15 – 4:00 p.m.
Appointments can be booked on Sinneave Connects. When you click the button that says, “Sinneave Connects” you will be directed to the login page. If you already have an account, just log in as usual. If you don’t have an account, it’s free and easy to set up.
- Create a user name
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
- Select “Register”
- Choose Employment Skills Help Desk Registration – November 4, 2025 and follow the instructions.
Please select a time slot that works for you and click the enroll button. To allow for the greatest participation, participants are limited to one time slot per day. If no sessions are available, that means they are all booked. Please choose an available time slot on a different day.
If you have questions or require assistance with enrolling, please reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call our office at 403 210-5000. We’re here to help!
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November 13 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
If interpreting non-verbal social cues and body language is challenging for you, we can help! In this fun and engaging workshop, participants will use “Body Language Decoder Cards” to help learn, understand, and interpret basic body language and social cues.
For context, it’s thought that up to 90% of communication is non-verbal in nature. Body language, facial expressions, and unwritten social rules can be difficult to interpret for many Autistic and neurodivergent people, leaving them feeling disconnected in social settings.
You’re invited to start building a foundation for better communication with this workshop.
Thursday, November 13, 2025
5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
As this workshop is interactive and involves practicing the strategies learned, participation is in-person only at this time. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required as space is limited.
To register:
Click the button that says, “Sinneave Connects” you will be directed to the login page. If you already have an account, just log in as usual.
If you don’t have an account, it’s free and easy to set up.
- Create a user name
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
- Select “Register”
- Choose Tips & Strategies for interpreting non-verbal cues – Registration and follow the instructions.
About the Presenter:
Sherry Taylor has over 15 years of experience in the not-for-profit industry. She currently is the Program Coordinator with the EmploymentWorks (EW) program at The Sinneave Family Foundation. She started working with the EW virtual program and made the transition to the in-person program continuously developing curriculum and content for Autistic youth, adults, and persons with disabilities, and professionals.
If you have any questions, please email info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
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October 23 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Join Megan Pilatzke, Inclusion Specialist from Specialisterne Canada, for a free one hour webinar to learn about how to create inclusive career development and advancement opportunities.
In this session, attendees will:
- Explore a more inclusive approach to navigating career and professional development and advancement.
- Broaden understanding of legislation, policies, and the contributions of workers with disabilities that have advanced inclusion and equity in the workplace.
- Consider alternative approaches to promoting employee career development and advancement.
- Be provided with concrete steps and strategies for creating more inclusive career pathways within their organization.
- Be provided with a 10-minute question and answer period.
Thursday, October 23, 2025
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Mountain time
Online via NEUROinclusive Workforce Solutions Hub
This webinar is hosted on the NEUROinclusive Workforce Solutions Hub. If you already have an account, just log in as usual. If you haven’t yet, you will need to create an account to access the webinar, but it’s free and easy!
1. Click the button that says, “Solutions Hub” to be directed to the hub.
2. Create a username.
3. Pick a password.
4. Register in the “Inclusive Career Development & Advancement” webinar by clicking on the enroll button.
About the Presenter
Megan is a proud Autistic woman and member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. After discovering her autism in 2021 at 31 years old, she has dedicated her career to advocacy and bettering the lives of other neurodivergent people. Currently, she works as an Inclusion Specialist with Specialisterne Canada, a not-for-profit dedicated to helping organizations become more neuroinclusive.
Megan is a thought leader and public speaker who is dedicated to promoting acceptance, inclusion, and accessibility for Autistic and neurodivergent individuals, particularly in employment and in healthcare. She does this through openly sharing her lived experience and professional insights. Aside from public speaking and her work with Specialisterne, Megan is a board of director member with Autism Canada and is also a published academic author whose focus area is in Autistic employment.
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November 5 @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Do you find it difficult to communicate when someone disagrees with you? In this workshop, we will talk about conflict and share tips to help you keep your cool when you are 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.
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
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 that says “Sinneave Connects” to access the hub and follow the instructions on the log-in screen.
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
- Create a user name
- Select “Register”
- Select the “Social Communication Workshop: Handling Disagreements – November 5, 2025” course and enroll.
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.
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.
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November 4 @ 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Are you interested in the programs and services The Sinneave Family Foundation (Sinneave) has to offer? Are you or your child Autistic or neurodivergent and age 15 or older? This presentation is for you!
Join us for a 60-minute virtual information session and Q & A and get to know all about us!
We will talk more about who we are and how we can support Autistic and neurodivergent youth and adults with the major life transitions they are facing. Some of these life transitions are:
- Graduating high school and going to university
- Getting a job
- Moving out and living independently
- And more!
Our Learning & Connection team, who deliver our Information & Navigation service, will take you through all the ways we support our community and answer any questions you may have at the end.
This session is ideal for Autistic and neurodivergent individuals, their support networks, such as parents, caregivers and guardians, as well as local service providers and professionals who may be seeking more information about our programs and services in the Calgary area and beyond.
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
2:30 – 3:30 pm
Online via Sinneave Connects
This virtual session takes place on Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub. If you already have an account, just log-in as usual. If you need an account, it’s free and easy to set up. Click the button that says, “Sinneave Connects” and follow the instructions:
- Create a user name
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
- Select “Register”
- Choose the Get to know us! Virtual Information Session – November 4, 2025″ session to register for the session and to access the virtual link.
If you need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out by emailing info@sinneavefoundation.org or call us at 403 210-5000. We hope to see you there!
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From Vision to Action: One Year of Advancing Canada’s Autism Strategy
Published: September 26, 2025
One year ago today, the Government of Canada launched Canada’s Autism Strategy, a commitment to action, equity, inclusion, and collaboration. The vision, advocacy and lived experience of Autistic people, their families, and engaged community members across the country made this milestone possible.
The co-creation of the National Autism Network (the Network) this year is an important step forward in advancing the Strategy. The Network is growing, with a core team in place, an operational website, and preparations underway for the first Annual General Meeting on October 29.
“Inspired by the high level of interest and early engagement, I feel privileged to support the start-up of a new organization that centres Autistic people and their families in shaping the future.” Tanya McLeod, President of The Sinneave Family Foundation.
As we mark this first anniversary, we continue to uphold the belief that all Autistic people deserve to be accepted, included, and supported in ways that reflect their real needs.
We are proud to work alongside the Autism Alliance of Canada, the National Autism Network, governments, communities, and Autistic Canadians towards measurable, meaningful change.
De la vision à l’action : une année de travail sur la Stratégie pour l’autisme au Canada
Publication : 26er septembre 2025
Il y a un an aujourd’hui, le gouvernement canadien annonçait le lancement de la Stratégie pour l’autisme au Canada, un engagement à l’action, à l’équité, à l’inclusion et à la collaboration. La vision, les activités de défense des droits et le savoir expérientiel des personnes autistes, de leurs familles et des membres impliqués des collectivités partout au pays nous ont permis d’atteindre ce jalon.
La cocréation du Réseau national de l’autisme cette année est une étape importante pour faire avancer la Stratégie pour l’autisme au Canada. Le Réseau prend forme, avec une équipe de base en poste, un site Internet fonctionnel et des préparatifs en cours pour la première assemblée générale annuelle le 29 octobre.
« Le grand intérêt suscité et l’engagement fort dès le début m’ont inspirée et je me sens privilégiée de soutenir le démarrage d’une nouvelle organisation qui assure aux personnes autistes et à leurs familles un rôle central pour réinventer leur avenir. » — Tanya McLeod, présidente de la Sinneave Family Foundation.
En célébrant ce premier anniversaire, nous continuons de faire valoir notre conviction que toutes les personnes autistes sont en droit d’être soutenues, acceptées et incluses d’une façon qui reflète leurs besoins réels.
C’est avec fierté que nous collaborons avec l’Alliance canadienne de l’autisme, le Réseau national de l’autisme, les gouvernements, les communautés et les personnes autistes du Canada pour avancer vers des changements significatifs et durables.