July 25 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Here at Sinneave, we want to foster environments where Autistic individuals are free to be themselves and recognize the value they bring to the places they live, learn and work, so they can thrive.
Join us as we celebrate being Autistic & Awesome!
Thursday, July 25, 2024
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
When we read or search about autism online, we notice that a lot of the information uses negative and disability-focused language. Words like “inflexible”, “rigid”, “lack of” and “difficulty “are commonly found alongside definitions of autism. However, we know that the medical model of disability–which uses those terms–doesn’t tell the whole story. The human experience really is one of diversity and we want to educate and encourage others to embrace our neurological differences, not as something that needs to be “cured,” but instead recognizing the benefits and beauty that different perspectives provide.
We are committed to changing the perception of and language around autism and celebrating the many amazing strengths and characteristics of Autistics we know and have the privilege of working with.
In this session, we will replace outdated definitions and descriptions of autism with positives, beginning with celebrating the many positive traits and characteristics common among Autistics and empowering those individuals to embrace who they are and what they have to offer. We will also highlight the vibrancy of Autistic culture and learn ways we can support inclusion in our communities.
The event will include a short presentation, information sharing, and discussion in a safe and welcoming small group environment.
Advance registration is not required. We look forward to seeing you there!
If you have questions about this session, please reach out by email to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call us at 403 210-5000.
Related Events
July 8 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Increase your confidence in the kitchen–and on the BBQ!–with our Joy of Cooking: BBQ at the Hub (How to make a summertime meal) class!
Whether independent living is a short term goal and you’re planning to move out soon, or it’s a long-term goal for some time in the future – you can begin preparing for it now–starting in the kitchen!
This hands-on session is a great way to help you sharpen your skills.
While preparing a tasty menu, participants will also learn about:
- 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
- working with others.
And then, you’ll get to enjoy what you’ve made!
Join us Monday, July 8, 2024
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
The theme for this session is making a summertime meal! (Hamburgers, pasta salad and corn)
This activity is in-person only and limited to six participants. Registration for this session is required and takes place on Sinneave Connects, our online Learning Hub.
Important Information:
- There will only be light support provided by staff, so 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 asked to stay and help clean up after the activity concludes.
- Please inform us of any allergies BEFORE the event
Once the first 6 spaces fill up, you can choose to add your name to a Waiting List. If a spot opens up, you will get an email saying you have been registered. PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND unless you receive a confirmation email saying you have been registered in the class. If you aren’t sure, please email info@sinneavefoundation.org or call us at 403 210-5000.
To Register:
If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual and enroll in the course. If this is the first time, you will need to create a free account. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3. Click on the words that say, “Sinneave Connects” below and follow the prompts.
- Pick a user name
- Pick a password (Don’t forget to record it somewhere safe for next time!)
- Register!
- Choose the “”Joy of Cooking – July 8″ event
About the presenter: Sydney Crosby is a born and raised Calgarian who has had a passion for cooking ever since she was a child making cakes out of mud or sand in the back yard. Sydney is a former Launch + Skills participant who attended SAIT and graduated in 2022 with a professional cooking diploma. When Sydney isn’t working on her business or Youtube cooking channel, she likes to relax by listening to music, reading, writing, knitting. She also leads a Spark unit for Girl Guides, which she has been a member of for the past 15 years. Being creative and cooking a variety of dishes is something she really enjoys and her two favourite dishes are keto lemon cheesecake and a family recipe called Grandma’s Cheesy Potato’s.
Related Events
July 4 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Our next Women’s Group meets Thursday, July 4 from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Join us in-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW) or Online via Sinneave Connects.
These sessions are intended to provide a safe space for women to connect, ask questions, share stories, and enjoy valuable peer connection.
In this particular session, we will continue our discussion around Autistic joy! The co-facilitators will share information on the topic and engage the group in discussion. Participants are invited to share the things that bring them joy, such as special interests, sensory experiences, and more!
Please note: During this session, Sinneave staff, guest presenters, and attendees may share information about community resources. Information provided may not always be accurate, up-to-date, or reliable. Attendees are 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.
All are welcome no matter how you identify, however, please be aware that information and resources provided are based on female assigned at birth. All gender expressions are welcome.
Attending in person is a great way to meet new people and practice social skills. However, if getting to The Ability Hub in person is a barrier for you, you can also attend online via Sinneave Connects, our online learning platform.
If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you haven’t yet opened a FREE account, it’s easy! Click on the words, “Sinneave Connects” below to be directed to the portal.
- Pick a user name
- Pick a password (Don’t forget to record it somewhere safe for next time!)
- Register!
- Choose the “Women & Autism – July 4″ event to enroll and access the virtual link.
About the Facilitators
The Women’s Group is co-facilitated by two vibrant, Autistic self-advocates, who are passionate about sharing their lived experience and what it means to navigate life as neurodivergent women. Their hope is to create a safe space for Autistic and neurodivergent women to learn from and help each other, make valuable peer connections, and have fun in the process.
If you have any questions about this session, or need help navigating Sinneave Connects, please contact us by emailing info@sinneavefoundation.org or calling 403 210-5000. We’re here to help!
Please note: While advance registration is not necessary for most of our Learning & Connection activities (you are welcome to just drop-in), IF you do pre-register it helps us in our planning AND allows us to notify you in the event of a last-minute change or cancellation. Either way, we’d love to see you!
Related Events
Building Bridges: Challenges and Opportunities in Delivering Neuro-Diverse Housing” invites participants to explore the intricate landscape of creating housing solutions that cater to the diverse needs of individuals across the neurological spectrum. This session serves as an open discussion with Ayrshire Group, an Alberta-based investment management firm, to delve into the complexities, hurdles, and promising prospects of designing neuro-diverse housing.
Through its Housing Impact Fund II, Ayrshire aims to deliver housing solutions within Western Canada that focus solving social, environmental, and affordability challenges, and delivering institutional quality rental stock to underserved markets.
The group learning session will focus on the inherent challenges in crafting living spaces that embrace neurodiversity. From addressing sensory sensitivities and spatial considerations to fostering inclusive communities, this session will spotlight the obstacles that developers encounter, and the innovative strategies employed to overcome them.
Moreover, “Building Bridges” isn’t just about acknowledging challenges; it’s also about illuminating the vast opportunities that arise from embracing neurodiversity in housing design. By fostering a collaborative dialogue, the session aims to illuminate the immense potential for innovation, creativity, and social impact inherent in delivering neuro-diverse housing solutions. From leveraging different building systems, to harnessing community-driven initiatives, this session will showcase how developers can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of inclusive living environments.
Join us as we embark on a journey to bridge the gap between aspiration and realization, paving the way for a world where every individual, regardless of neurodiversity, feels a sense of belonging and empowerment within their homes and communities.
Reserve your FREE spot for this virtual Lunch & Learn event by clicking the button below that says, “Building Bridges: Challenges and Opportunities in Delivering Neurodiverse Housing”
Building Bridges: Challenges and Opportunities in Delivering Neurodiverse Housing
If you have questions about this event or require more information, please contact housing@autismedmonton.org or call 1 (780) 453-3971 (Ext 277)
We’re sorry!
Due to unexpected circumstances, the June Art of Parenting session is cancelled. We apologize for any inconvenience this causes.
Our July Art of Parenting group will run as scheduled Thursday, July 18. We look forward to seeing you then!
Find community with our Women’s Group. In each meeting we provide timely information on topics that are important to Autistic women. These sessions are intended to provide a safe space for women to connect, ask questions, share stories, and enjoy valuable peer connection.
In this particular session, we will provide tips and strategies for finding Autistic joy! The co-facilitators will share information on the topic and engage the group in discussion. Participants are invited to share the things that bring them joy, such as special interests, sensory experiences and more!
Please note: During this session, Sinneave staff, guest presenters, and attendees may share information about community resources. Information provided may not always be accurate, up-to-date, or reliable. Attendees are 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.
All are welcome no matter how you identify, however, please be aware that information and resources provided are based on female assigned at birth. All gender expressions are welcome.
Join us Thursday, June 6, 2024
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24th Avenue NW Calgary, AB)
Attending in person is a great way to meet new people and practice essential social skills. However, if getting to The Ability Hub in person is a barrier for you, you can also attend online via Sinneave Connects, our online learning platform.
If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you haven’t yet opened a FREE account, it’s easy! Click the button below to be directed to the portal.
- Pick a user name
- Pick a password (Don’t forget to record it somewhere safe for next time!)
- Register!
- Choose the “Women & Autism – June 6” event to enroll and access the virtual link.
About the Facilitators
The Women’s Group is co-facilitated by two vibrant, Autistic self-advocates, who are passionate about sharing their lived experience and what it means to navigate life as neurodivergent women. Their hope is to create a safe space for Autistic and neurodivergent women to learn from and help each other, make valuable peer connections, and have fun in the process.
If you have any questions about this session, or need help navigating Sinneave Connects, please contact us by emailing info@sinneavefoundation.org or calling 403 210-5000. We’re here to help!
Please note: While advance registration is not necessary for most of our Learning & Connection activities (you are welcome to just drop-in), IF you do pre-register it helps us in our planning AND allows us to notify you in the event of a last-minute change or cancellation. Either way, we’d love to see you!
P.S. The quick access button to Sinneave Connects is on the upper right corner of our Homepage.
Our Team
Over the years, we have gained valuable insights into neuro-inclusive employment practices and have implemented overall improvements to our work environment and culture. Being an inclusive employer is an ongoing journey that involves a commitment to continuous learning, improvement, and flexibility. Sinneave’s efforts to improve are paying off. Click on the button below to view the data.
Grants from 2009 to 2023
Since incorporation, Sinneave has braided funding from public, private, and philanthropic sources to provide 259 grants totaling $27 million. These grants aim to identify and share promising practices, build community capacity and generate evidence to enable system change. Click on the button below to view the data.
Your pathway to housing starts here!
Many Autistic adults want to live on their own–to have their own home and control who comes and goes. For many, living independently is appealing because it lets people manage their environment. But the path to independent living varies for each person. The steps required and the length of time it takes is different for each individual. And the information online can be overwhelming.
That’s where the Autism Housing Network of Alberta comes in: providing resources to help Autistic people find housing solutions in Alberta, focusing on living as independently as possible.
Join us Wednesday, May 8 at 6:30 p.m.
In-person at Autism Edmonton (11720 Kingsway NW, Edmonton, AB)
or Online via EventBrite.
Our facilitator will take you step-by-step through the Alberta Housing Road Map. This tool has seven sections to help you explore different housing options and discover which might be right for you or your loved one. Each of the sections has its own webpage with information, resources and tools that will help you answer key questions.
- Identify support needs
- Budget
- Navigate available housing providers
- Identify housing priorities
- Secure the tenancy
- Move-in!!!
The Autism Housing Network of Alberta is committed to improving access to and quality of housing for Autistics and their families.
Let organizers know you’re attending In-person by registering using the button below that says, “I’m coming in-person”
Or, let them know you’ll attend virtually by using the button below that says, “I’m attending Online”
If you have any questions about the Network or this event, please reach out to Drewe Rowbotham at housing@autismedmonton.org
Increase your confidence in the kitchen with our Joy of Cooking: Cooking Skills for Independent Living class.
Whether independent living is a short term goal and you’re planning to move out soon, or it’s a long-term goal for some time in the future – you can begin preparing for it now–starting in the kitchen!
This hands-on session is a great way to help you sharpen your skills.
While preparing a tasty menu, participants will also learn about:
- 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
- working with others.
And then, you’ll get to enjoy what you’ve made!
Join us Monday, May 6, 2024
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
The theme for this session is Appies and Peppies! (Appies is short for Appetizers. Peppies are rice and vegetable stuffed peppers)
This activity is in-person only and limited to six participants. Registration for this session is required and takes place on Sinneave Connects, our online Learning Hub.
Important Information:
- There will only be light support provided by staff, so 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 asked to stay and help clean up after the activity concludes.
- Please inform us of any allergies BEFORE the event
Once the first 6 spaces fill up, you can choose to add your name to a Waiting List. If a spot opens up, you will get an email saying you have been registered. PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND unless you receive a confirmation email saying you have been registered in the class. If you aren’t sure, please email info@sinneavefoundation.org or call us at 403 210-5000.
To Register:
If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual and enroll in the course. If this is the first time you’ve used Sinneave Connects, you will need to create a free account. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3.
- Pick a user name
- Pick a password (Don’t forget to record it somewhere safe for next time!)
- Register!
- Choose the “”Joy of Cooking – May 6″ event
*When you log in, you’ll see a tab on the side that says, “Enrollment Options” (see the screen shot below) Click on the box that says “Enroll”
About the presenter: Before coming to Canada, Santiago “Santi” Ghio says he was a picky eater. When he was in high school, he learned how to cook through a special cooking program and his love of cooking led him to an internship program at SAIT. Soon after, he registered for SAIT’s culinary program and graduated in 2017 as a professional cook.
Now 28-years-old, Santi received an autism diagnosis in 2022 and participated in Sinneave’s Launch + Skills program. Having previously worked part-time in restaurants, Santi found his perfect match at Sobey’s where he’s worked in the Deli department for the past three years. The predictable routine of his work environment fits his needs perfectly.
Now, he wants to share his knowledge and love of cooking with others on the spectrum, inspiring them to develop confidence in the kitchen and build skills for independent living–and delicious eating!