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
August 19 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Are you interested in learning more about the different stages of the employment journey and the steps you can take to lead you to success?
Our Employment Classroom workshops cover many topics related to finding a job and keeping a job, including employment preparedness, life skills, and soft skills for the workplace.
In this particular session, participants will learn about the pros and cons of disclosing your diagnosis to an employer, as well as how to ask for and discuss accommodations in the workplace.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
- Discuss aspects of disability disclosure at work
- Learn tips and strategies that will help you request reasonable accommodations for the workplace
- Explore information related to self-advocacy and speaking up for yourself in the workplace.
Wednesday, August 19
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
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.
To Register:
Click the button that says, Sinneave Connects to register. 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 our Facilitators:
Ryan Elkanah is a late-diagnosed AuDHD adult and professional relationship builder who brings curiosity, empathy, and lived experience to every space they enter. Having navigated masking, burnout, loss, and the ongoing work of reclaiming agency, they approach their work with humility, intention, and care. Ryan creates spaces where people can show up fully, where reflection and authenticity meet courage and growth. Grounded in a neuro-affirming, trauma-informed, person-centered, and strengths-based approach, they walk alongside others in the lifelong practice of becoming.
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 indjustry 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!
Related Events
Related Events
August 5 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Are you interested in learning more about the different stages of the employment journey and the steps you can take to lead you to success?
Our Employment Classroom workshops cover many topics related to finding a job and keeping a job, including employment preparedness, life skills, and soft skills for the workplace.
In this particular session, participants will learn what stress and anxiety are, how they overlap, and how you can deal with them in the workplace. Specifically, participants will:
- Discuss tips and strategies for managing workplace stress
- Discuss tips and strategies for managing anxiety in the workplace
- Explore how to be mentally healthy at work
- Receive suggestions for what to do and where to get support if you are experiencing poor mental health.
Wednesday, August 5
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
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.
To Register:
Click the button that says, Sinneave Connects to register. 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 our Facilitators:
Ryan Elkanah is a late-diagnosed AuDHD adult and professional relationship builder who brings curiosity, empathy, and lived experience to every space they enter. Having navigated masking, burnout, loss, and the ongoing work of reclaiming agency, they approach their work with humility, intention, and care. Ryan creates spaces where people can show up fully, where reflection and authenticity meet courage and growth. Grounded in a neuro-affirming, trauma-informed, person-centered, and strengths-based approach, they walk alongside others in the lifelong practice of becoming.
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 indjustry 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!
Related Events
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.
Related Events
July 21 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
You’ve probably heard the word “Self-advocacy” before, but do you know what it is and how to do it?
Self-advocacy is expressing your needs and preferences in a way that ensures your voice is heard in the decisions that impact your life.
In this session, attendees will learn practical tips and strategies that will help in effectively communicating about your needs with others. When you have an understanding of what’s important to you, you can clearly communicate, set boundaries, and make decisions that align with your beliefs and goals.
Tuesday, July 21
6:30– 7:30 p.m.
Online via Sinneave Connects
Our self-advocacy workshops are 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.
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 self-advocacy workshops include:
The Art of Knowing Yourself – Tuesday, July 7
Learn what self-advocacy is and how it can benefit you. The content of this workshop will help you understand your strengths and some of the barriers you may face. This knowledge will enhance your ability to self-advocate.
Starting the Conversation – Tuesday, July 14
Learn tips and strategies for you to practice communicating your needs with others and learn how you can effectively start conversations about your needs.
About the presenter:
Yonatan Tesfagiorgis is a Life Skills Coach with The Sinneave Family Foundation. He has more than a decade of experience working with Autistic and other neurodivergent adults.
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 15 @ 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:
- Identify their own workplace needs and preferences and reflect on how these impact their ability to perform their jobs.
- Support their young adult in identifying appropriate tools and strategies for supporting themselves through the employment transition.
- Use strengths-based tools and strategies to help their young adult to identify appropriate employment opportunities.
- 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.
Wednesday, July 15
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
In-person At The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
Space in this session is limited, and registration is required through Sinneave Connects. If there are no spots available, you will be placed on a waiting list and a member of our team will reach out to you if one opens up.
Click the button that says “Sinneave Connects” and sign in to enroll in the course.
If you have not created a free Sinneave Connects account yet, you will need to do that to access the online link. Click the button that says “Sinneave Connects” and follow the instructions on the sign-in page.
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 these sessions, 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
July 30 @ 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.
Wednesday, June 24
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Online via Sinneave Connects
This virtual session is hosted on 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 free and easy to set up. Click the button that says, “Sinneave Connects” and follow the prompts on the log-in screen.
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.