April 22 @ 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 offer a series of workshops that cover many topics related to finding a job, keeping a job, and thriving in the workplace.
In this Employment Classroom session, participants will focus on identifying their strengths and learn how they can help you find the right job for you.
Understanding what your strengths and interests are will help align your job search to industries and roles that are a good match for you.
Wednesday, April 22
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 12 attendees. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Register quickly to avoid disappointment. *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 access the 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. 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
April 8 @ 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 offer a series of workshops that cover many topics related to finding a job, keeping a job, and thriving in the workplace.
In this Employment Classroom session, participants will spend time learning about themselves, their personality, skills, interests, and understanding their values and motivations.
Having a good understanding of who you are and what you want is important for setting realistic and fulfilling employment goals, which can lead to a more satisfying career journey.
Wednesday, April 8
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 12 attendees. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Register quickly to avoid disappointment. *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 access the 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. 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!
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April 22 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
As young adults are transitioning into employment, caregivers are transitioning from the role of manager to that of consultant for their young adults. This transition can be challenging for all parties and create feelings of tension, stress and anxiety.
In this strengths-based workshop we will explore the importance of maintaining a balanced support system for both caregivers and young adults during the transition to independence.
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.
Participants will gain the knowledge and skills to:
- Reflect on and outline their own support needs during their young adult’s transition to independence
- Identify the natural and community supports that they already have access to, and which supports are missing or needed
- Think about factors that influence their comfort in accessing and leaning into supports
- Be aware of community resources that support caregivers and young adults through this transition
- Model and implement the use of strengths-based tools and strategies to support themselves and their young adults.
Wednesday, April 22
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” 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. Just follow the prompts on the sign-in page.
About the Presenter:
Stéphanie Chapman is a Bilingual Online Program Facilitator for the EmploymentWorks program. She has more than 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, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403-210-5000. We’re here to help.
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April 21 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Much of our everyday communication involves the use of non-spoken cues and unwritten social rules. Non-spoken cues can include things like facial expressions, posture, eye contact, hand gestures, and tone of voice.
These are often used to emphasize a particular point that the communicator is trying to make. They may also be used to change the meaning of the words being spoken. For example, using sarcasm.
Not everyone uses or understand these cues or rules, yet it is often assumed that everyone knows what they are and what they mean. Thankfully, they can be explored, practiced, and adapted in ways that support everyone’s understanding.
In this session, you will have the opportunity to:
- Develop greater understanding of non-spoken cues and how they impact shared communication.
- Discuss strategies for noticing, interpreting, and responding to non-spoken cues.
- Receive tips to support effective non-spoken communication across different social situations.
Tuesday, April 21
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
In-person @ The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
There is no cost to attend
Our Social Communication workshops are designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals 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 in common day-to-day social situations.
Advance registration is not required, however, if you want to sign up, our team can contact you in the event of any last minute changes or cancellations. Click the button that says “Sinneave Connects” to enroll in the course.
If you have not created a free Sinneave Connects account yet, you will need to do that. Just follow the prompts on the sign-in page.
About the Presenter:
Yonatan Tesfagiorgis is a Life Skills Coach at The Sinneave Family Foundation and has been working with neurodivergent and Autistic individuals for over 9 years. He strives to offer skill-building strategies using a neuro-affirming framework and provides an inclusive space for all individuals.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
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April 21 @ 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Many individuals can benefit from what is referred to as a “third space”—a place separate from home or work or school where there is no obligation to spend money on food or beverages. We open our doors to members of our community every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
We invite you to drop in and use our space to help you unwind or recharge—with no pressure to engage in structured activities. We have several rooms and spaces available–a quiet lounge, computer desks, hang out sofas–you choose. It’s your time to use your way.
Tuesday, April 21 we’re honouring Earth Day in a calm, welcoming, and flexible way! Join us between 5:00 and 7:30 p.m. and participate as much or as little as you want:
- Contribute in your own way to a collaborative mural representing elements of the earth that support regulation, comfort and sensory well-being.
- Contribute at your own pace by helping assemble the tree puzzle, then add a leaf expressing something in nature you are grateful for.
- Engage in earth-themed “Would You Rather” questions, try earth bingo, or explore facts and myths about the earth.
The space remains open for people who don’t want to participate in structured activities. We provide flexible seating options, focus tools, and adjustable lighting options in an effort to make our space more welcoming and inclusive to those who wish to spend time in it.
Suggested activities:
- 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 space 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
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May 12 @ 6:00 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.
This session will provide practical tips and strategies to help you negotiate and discuss how you can have your needs met in your current environment. 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. There will also be an opportunity to summarize and apply everything covered in all 3 workshops.
Tuesday, May 12
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Online via Sinneave Connects
This session is one of 3 workshops designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn about self-advocacy and practice skills that will help build confidence in speaking up for yourself.
Advance registration is not required, however, if you want to sign up, our team can contact you in the event of any last minute changes or cancellations. Click the button that says “Sinneave Connects” to enroll in the course.
If you have not created a free Sinneave Connects account yet, you will need to do that to access the online link. Just follow the prompts on the sign-in page.
As these sessions build on each other, attending all three is recommended, but not required. Other sessions in this series are:
Part One – Knowing Yourself – Tuesday, April 14
In this session, you will learn what self-advocacy is and how can it benefit you. It will also help you understand your strengths and some of the barriers you face, which will enhance your ability to self-advocate.
Part Two – Starting the Conversation – Tuesday, April 28
This session will provide strategies for you to practice communicating your needs with others, as well as tips for how you can effectively start conversations about your needs
If you have questions or if you need help navigating Sinneave Connects, email info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403-210-5000. We are here to help!
Related Events
April 28 @ 6:00 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.
This session will provide strategies for you to practice communicating your needs with others, as well as tips for how you can effectively start conversations about your needs.
Tuesday, April 28
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Online via Sinneave Connects
This session is one of 3 workshops designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn about self-advocacy and practice skills that will help build confidence in speaking up for yourself.
Advance registration is not required, however, if you want to sign up, our team can contact you in the event of any last minute changes or cancellations. Click the button that says “Sinneave Connects” to enroll in the course.
If you have not created a free Sinneave Connects account yet, you will need to do that to access the online link. Just follow the prompts on the sign-in page.
As these sessions build on each other, attending all three is recommended, but not required. Other sessions in this series are:
Part One – Knowing Yourself – Tuesday, April 14
In this session, you will learn what self-advocacy is and how can it benefit you. It will also help you understand your strengths and some of the barriers you face, which will enhance your ability to self-advocate.
Part Three – Finding Your Voice – Tuesday, May 12
This session will provide practical tips and strategies to help negotiate and discuss how you can have your needs met in your current environment. We will also have an opportunity to summarize and apply everything we have learned up to this point.
If you have questions or if you need help navigating Sinneave Connects, email info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403-210-5000. We are here to help!
Related Events
April 14 @ 6:00 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. An important first step to self-advocacy is understanding the barriers you face and the strengths you bring to each situation.
In this session, you will learn what self-advocacy is and how it can benefit you. It will also help you understand your strengths and some of the barriers you face, which will enhance your ability to self-advocate.
Tuesday, April 14
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Online via Sinneave Connects
This session is one of 3 workshops designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn about self-advocacy and practice skills that will help build confidence in speaking up for yourself.
Advance registration is not required, however, if you want to sign up, our team can contact you in the event of any last minute changes or cancellations. Click the button that says “Sinneave Connects” to enroll in the course.
If you have not created a free Sinneave Connects account yet, you will need to do that to access the online link. Just follow the prompts on the sign-in page.
As these sessions build on each other, attending all three is recommended, but not required. Other sessions in this series are:
Part Two – Starting the Conversation – Tuesday, April 28
This session will provide tips and strategies for you to practice communicating your needs with others, as well as how you can effectively start conversations about your needs.
Part Three – Finding Your Voice – Tuesday, May 12
This session will provide practical tips and strategies to help negotiate and discuss how you can have your needs met in your current environment. We will also have an opportunity to summarize and apply everything we have learned up to this point.
If you have questions or if you need help navigating Sinneave Connects, email info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403-210-5000. We are here to help!
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April 21 @ 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm
The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is one of the most powerful—and underused— financial programs in Canada.
Offering up to $90,000 in government grants and bonds, the RDSP has the potential to transform long-term financial security for individuals living with disabilities. Yet, hundreds of thousands of eligible Canadians either don’t have one, or don’t fully understand how to maximize it.
In this webinar, RDSP Educator Trish Van Sickle and Disability Tax Credit (DTC) Specialist Dr. Wayne McLeod walk you through the full journey, starting with the RDSP and connecting it back to the Disability Tax Credit that unlocks it.
Tuesday, April 21
6:30 – 7:45 p.m.
Online via Sinneave Connects
Attendees will learn:
- How the RDSP works
- Who qualifies
- How to maximize government grants, bonds, and long-term growth
- Common mistakes families make when opening an RDSP
- Key questions to ask any institution before choosing where to open one
- The Disability Tax Credit explained
- Why DTC applications get denied and how to strengthen them.
This session is education-first and designed to empower individuals, families, caregivers, and professionals with clarity, confidence, and actionable knowledge. There will be an opportunity to ask questions at the end.
Whether you are newly approved for the DTC, considering applying, or supporting someone who may qualify, this webinar will help you understand the full opportunity available—and how to make the most of it. Attendees are encouraged to invite a parent, partner, or support person if they would like someone close to them to learn alongside them.
Advance registration is required. Click on the button that says, “Sinneave Connects” to register.
If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, log in as usual. If you have not yet created an account, it’s free and easy to do. Follow the prompts on the log-in page.
If you are unable to make the April 21 webinar, we are offering it again on Tuesday, May 5. When you log-in, you can register for either session.
About the Presenters:
Dr. Wayne McLeod is a dedicated educator and advocate focused on helping Canadians successfully navigate the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). Through years of experience guiding families, Dr. McLeod understands how overwhelming and confusing the DTC process can be. Many eligible individuals are denied simply due to incomplete applications or unclear medical documentation. His approach centers on education, clarity, and ensuring applications are properly positioned to meet CRA requirements.
As the author of How to Successfully Apply for the Disability Tax Credit, Dr. McLeod provides practical, step-by-step guidance to help individuals, caregivers, and professionals confidently navigate the process and access the financial support they deserve.
His mission is simple: remove barriers, increase awareness, and help families turn DTC approval into long-term financial opportunity.
Trish Van Sickle is a passionate RDSP educator on a mission to ensure no eligible Canadian misses out on one of the most powerful financial programs in the country: the Registered Disability Savings Plan.
Despite offering up to $90,000 in government grants and bonds, hundreds of thousands of eligible Canadians still do not have an RDSP simply because they don’t understand how it works or where to start. That’s where Trish steps in.
She simplifies the complex, breaks down the rules, and focuses on education first. Whether families work with her directly or choose another institution, she equips them with the knowledge, confidence, and the right questions to ask so they can properly set up, manage, and maximize their RDSP.
Her mission is bold and clear: raise awareness, close the education gap, and connect as many Canadians as possible to the financial security they deserve.
If you have any questions, or need technical support accessing Sinneave Connects, reach out to us at info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We are here to help.
Related Events
May 5 @ 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm
The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is one of the most powerful—and underused—financial programs in Canada.
Offering up to $90,000 in government grants and bonds, the RDSP has the potential to transform long-term financial security for individuals living with disabilities. Yet, hundreds of thousands of eligible Canadians either don’t have one, or don’t fully understand how to maximize it.
In this webinar, RDSP Educator Trish Van Sickle and Disability Tax Credit (DTC) Specialist Dr. Wayne McLeod walk you through the full journey, starting with the RDSP and connecting it back to the Disability Tax Credit that unlocks it.
Tuesday, May 5
6:30 – 7:45 p.m.
Online via Sinneave Connects
Attendees will learn:
- How the RDSP works
- Who qualifies
- How to maximize government grants, bonds, and long-term growth
- Common mistakes families make when opening an RDSP
- Key questions to ask any institution before choosing where to open one
- The Disability Tax Credit explained
- Why DTC applications get denied and how to strengthen them.
This session is education-first and designed to empower individuals, families, caregivers, and professionals with clarity, confidence, and actionable knowledge. There will be an opportunity to ask questions at the end.
Whether you are newly approved for the DTC, considering applying, or supporting someone who may qualify, this webinar will help you understand the full opportunity available—and how to make the most of it. Attendees are encouraged to invite a parent, partner, or support person if they would like someone close to them to learn alongside them.
Advance registration is required. Click on the button that says, “Sinneave Connects” to register.
If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, log in as usual. If you have not yet created an account, it’s free and easy to do. Follow the prompts on the log-in page.
About the Presenters:
Dr. Wayne McLeod is a dedicated educator and advocate focused on helping Canadians successfully navigate the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). Through years of experience guiding families, Dr. McLeod understands how overwhelming and confusing the DTC process can be. Many eligible individuals are denied simply due to incomplete applications or unclear medical documentation. His approach centers on education, clarity, and ensuring applications are properly positioned to meet CRA requirements.
As the author of How to Successfully Apply for the Disability Tax Credit, Dr. McLeod provides practical, step-by-step guidance to help individuals, caregivers, and professionals confidently navigate the process and access the financial support they deserve.
His mission is simple: remove barriers, increase awareness, and help families turn DTC approval into long-term financial opportunity.
Trish Van Sickle is a passionate RDSP educator on a mission to ensure no eligible Canadian misses out on one of the most powerful financial programs in the country: the Registered Disability Savings Plan.
Despite offering up to $90,000 in government grants and bonds, hundreds of thousands of eligible Canadians still do not have an RDSP simply because they don’t understand how it works or where to start. That’s where Trish steps in.
She simplifies the complex, breaks down the rules, and focuses on education first. Whether families work with her directly or choose another institution, she equips them with the knowledge, confidence, and the right questions to ask so they can properly set up, manage, and maximize their RDSP.
Her mission is bold and clear: raise awareness, close the education gap, and connect as many Canadians as possible to the financial security they deserve.
If you have any questions, or need technical support accessing Sinneave Connects, reach out to us at info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We are here to help.