If you are an autistic parent, or the parent of an autistic child, you are invited to attend our first Art of Parenting…with Autism session for 2024!
Each Art of Parenting session focuses on different aspects of parenting through the lens of being autistic and/or parenting autistic children. Through a short presentation, discussion and activities, participants will receive encouragement, support and practical short and long term strategies for navigating parenting in the healthiest way possible, with a focus on self-care and compassion.
This session will focus on how to find encouragement and hope in the midst of dealing with systemic issues occasionally encountered when dealing with schools, professionals, friends and outside of family. We will discuss strategies you can implement when you feel misunderstood, and provide compassionate advice on how to not give up when you feel discouraged or defeated.
These sessions intend to educate, empower and encourage parents on their journey, as well as create a safe community of ongoing support. Participants will benefit from the practical information provided each session as well as the connection of others who share similar experiences.
Mark your calendar and plan to join us Thursday, January 25 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
This session is FREE and entirely virtual, via our Sinneave Connects online learning platform.
If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you haven’t yet opened an account, it’s easy! Click the button below that says, “The Art of Parenting – January 25” to be directed to the portal and follow the prompts.
- Pick a user name
- Pick a password (Don’t forget to record it somewhere safe for next time!)
- Select “Register”
- Choose “The Art of Parenting – January 25” and enroll.
The Art of Parenting – January 25
About the Presenter: Joannie Rosevear is a neurodivergent mother of five beautiful children. She is passionate about supporting and encouraging other families so they don’t feel alone in their journey. Her personal experience in parenting children both on and off the spectrum informs the work she does as a Program Facilitator with The Sinneave Family Foundation, knowing that, while books, resources and professionals are helpful, connecting with someone with lived experience and who “gets it” can be truly empowering.
If you have any questions about this event or if you need support navigating the Sinneave Connects learning hub, please email info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 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.
The Autism Housing Network of Alberta (AHNA), together with STEPS Society of Red Deer is hosting a Hybrid Resource Fair, with an eye to the future.
“Who Will Care for our Loved Ones in the Future” Resource Fair will bring together like-minded individuals and organizations to envision and plan for the future and explore various resources that can help shape the path ahead.
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
If you are in the Red Deer area, you’re invited to connect in-person at STEPS Society (2830 Bremner Avenue)
Participants from outside of Red Deer are invited to attend virtually from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. online via an Eventbrite link.
The event will feature:
- Resource Fair booths for in-person attendees
- A variety of guest speakers
- Networking opportunities
- Connecting with other families
- Generating new ideas and insights
RSVP to reserve your spot today! When you click the buttons below, you will be directed to an EventBrite site to reserve your spot. There is no charge for this event.
To attend the in-person event, click the button below that says “I’m Coming to Red Deer”
To attend the virtual event, click the button below that says, “I’m Attending Virtually”
If you have questions about this event, please reach out to STEPS Society by calling 403 343-6249 or email frc@epssworks.com
Do you find it difficult to communicate when someone disagrees with you?
Join us Tuesday, March 5, 2024 from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. to talk about conflict and share tips to help you keep your cool when you’re in the middle of a disagreement, as well as provide strategies to help you work through it.
This session is one of a series of six drop-in workshops designed to provide autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn and practice essential social communication skills. Each 90-minute workshop covers a different aspect of social communication, providing information, tips and strategies to help autistic and neurodivergent individuals to connect and thrive in social situations.
All workshops are in-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW).
There is no cost to attend these sessions.
Advance registration is not required – you can attend them all (we recommend this!) or just the ones that seem interesting to you.
All sessions begin promptly at 4:00 p.m.
If attending in-person presents a barrier for you, you can also choose to attend virtually via Sinneave Connects, our online learning portal. Sinneave Connects is FREE, but you must register for an account to use it.
If you already have a Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s easy! Click the button below that says “Sinneave Connects” to access the portal and follow these steps:
- Create a user name
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
- Select “Register”
- Choose the Drop-in Workshop: Handling Disagreements course to access the virtual link.
Drop-in Workshop 6 – Handling Disagreements in communication: Tips for keeping your cool
Other Social Communication Workshop topics include:
Non-verbal Communication: Learning how to tell if others want to talk with you
Do you find it challenging to know if people are interested and willing to talk with you? In this session, we’ll talk about non-verbal communication and learn some of the visual cues and strategies you can use to find out.
Strategies for Entering Conversations: Easy ways to start or join social conversations
We know that starting a conversation or joining in a conversation that is already underway can be difficult. In this session, we’ll learn and practice a few strategies to help you enter into conversations more confidently.
Strategies for Exiting Conversations: Easy ways to end or leave a conversation
How do you end or leave a conversation when it’s time to go? In this session, we’ll talk about strategies you can learn and practice to help you leave a conversation or end a conversation in tactful ways.
Electronic Communication: Strategies for managing electronic communication and maintaining good mental health
Technology is rapidly changing and advancing. While we embrace the good things it has to offer, it has also introduced many new challenges. In this session, we’ll talk about the implications of online safety and discuss strategies for navigating electronic communication and maintaining good mental health in the process.
Establishing Social Connections: 5 Pro-tips for developing social relationships in your community
Meeting new people and making friends isn’t always easy. In this session, we’ll share 5 tips you can practice and use when it comes to making friends and maintaining social relationships.
Handling Disagreements in communication: Tips for keeping your cool
Do you find it difficult to communicate when someone disagrees with you? In this session, we’ll talk about conflict and share tips to help you keep your cool when you’re in the middle of a disagreement, as well as provide strategies to help you work through it.
If you have any questions about these workshops or if you need help navigating the Sinneave Connects online learning portal, please reach out by email at info@sinneavefoundation.org OR call us at 403 210-5000. We’re here for you!
We know that meeting new people and making friends isn’t always easy.
Join us Tuesday, February 27, 2024 from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. to learn 5 tips you can practice and use when it comes to making friends and maintaining social relationships.
This session is one of a series of six drop-in workshops designed to provide autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn and practice essential social communication skills. Each 90-minute workshop covers a different aspect of social communication, providing information, tips and strategies to help autistic and neurodivergent individuals to connect and thrive in social situations.
All workshops are in-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW).
There is no cost to attend these sessions.
Advance registration is not required – you can attend them all (we recommend this!) or just the ones that seem interesting to you.
All sessions begin promptly at 4:00 p.m.
If attending in-person presents a barrier for you, you can also choose to attend virtually via Sinneave Connects, our online learning portal. Sinneave Connects is FREE, but you must register for an account to use it.
If you already have a Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s easy! Click the button below that says “Sinneave Connects” to access the portal and follow these steps:
- Create a user name
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
- Select “Register”
- Choose the Drop-in Workshop: Establishing Social Connections course to access the virtual link.
Other Social Communication Workshop topics include:
Non-verbal Communication: Learning how to tell if others want to talk with you
Do you find it challenging to know if people are interested and willing to talk with you? In this session, we’ll talk about non-verbal communication and learn some of the visual cues and strategies you can use to find out.
Strategies for Entering Conversations: Easy ways to start or join social conversations
We know that starting a conversation or joining in a conversation that is already underway can be difficult. In this session, we’ll learn and practice a few strategies to help you enter into conversations more confidently.
Strategies for Exiting Conversations: Easy ways to end or leave a conversation
How do you end or leave a conversation when it’s time to go? In this session, we’ll talk about strategies you can learn and practice to help you leave a conversation or end a conversation in tactful ways.
Electronic Communication: Strategies for managing electronic communication and maintaining good mental health
Technology is rapidly changing and advancing. While we embrace the good things it has to offer, it has also introduced many new challenges. In this session, we’ll talk about the implications of online safety and discuss strategies for navigating electronic communication and maintaining good mental health in the process.
Establishing Social Connections: 5 Pro-tips for developing social relationships in your community
Meeting new people and making friends isn’t always easy. In this session, we’ll share 5 tips you can practice and use when it comes to making friends and maintaining social relationships.
Handling Disagreements in communication: Tips for keeping your cool
Do you find it difficult to communicate when someone disagrees with you? In this session, we’ll talk about conflict and share tips to help you keep your cool when you’re in the middle of a disagreement, as well as provide strategies to help you work through it.
If you have any questions about these workshops or if you need help navigating the Sinneave Connects online learning portal, please reach out by email at info@sinneavefoundation.org OR call us at 403 210-5000. We’re here for you!
Technology is rapidly changing and advancing. While we embrace the good things it has to offer, it has also introduced many new challenges.
Join us Tuesday, February 20, 2024 from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. to discuss the implications of online safety and strategies for navigating electronic communication and maintaining good mental health in the process.
This session is one of a series of six drop-in workshops designed to provide autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn and practice essential social communication skills. Each 90-minute workshop covers a different aspect of social communication, providing information, tips and strategies to help autistic and neurodivergent individuals to connect and thrive in social situations.
All workshops are in-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW).
There is no cost to attend these sessions.
Advance registration is not required – you can attend them all (we recommend this!) or just the ones that seem interesting to you.
All sessions begin promptly at 4:00 p.m.
If attending in-person presents a barrier for you, you can also choose to attend virtually via Sinneave Connects, our online learning portal. Sinneave Connects is FREE, but you must register for an account to use it.
If you already have a Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s easy! Click the button below that says “Sinneave Connects” to access the portal and follow these steps:
- Create a user name
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
- Select “Register”
- Choose the Drop-in Workshop: Electronic Communication Strategies course to access the virtual link.
Other Social Communication Workshop topics include:
Non-verbal Communication: Learning how to tell if others want to talk with you
Do you find it challenging to know if people are interested and willing to talk with you? In this session, we’ll talk about non-verbal communication and learn some of the visual cues and strategies you can use to find out.
Strategies for Entering Conversations: Easy ways to start or join social conversations
We know that starting a conversation or joining in a conversation that is already underway can be difficult. In this session, we’ll learn and practice a few strategies to help you enter into conversations more confidently.
Strategies for Exiting Conversations: Easy ways to end or leave a conversation
How do you end or leave a conversation when it’s time to go? In this session, we’ll talk about strategies you can learn and practice to help you leave a conversation or end a conversation in tactful ways.
Electronic Communication: Strategies for managing electronic communication and maintaining good mental health
Technology is rapidly changing and advancing. While we embrace the good things it has to offer, it has also introduced many new challenges. In this session, we’ll talk about the implications of online safety and discuss strategies for navigating electronic communication and maintaining good mental health in the process.
Establishing Social Connections: 5 Pro-tips for developing social relationships in your community
Meeting new people and making friends isn’t always easy. In this session, we’ll share 5 tips you can practice and use when it comes to making friends and maintaining social relationships.
Handling Disagreements in communication: Tips for keeping your cool
Do you find it difficult to communicate when someone disagrees with you? In this session, we’ll talk about conflict and share tips to help you keep your cool when you’re in the middle of a disagreement, as well as provide strategies to help you work through it.
If you have any questions about these workshops or if you need help navigating the Sinneave Connects online learning portal, please reach out by email at info@sinneavefoundation.org OR call us at 403 210-5000. We’re here for you!
How do you end or leave a conversation when it’s time to go?
Join us Tuesday, February 13, 2024 from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. to talk about strategies you can learn and practice to help you leave a conversation or end a conversation in tactful ways.
This session is one of a series of six drop-in workshops designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn and practice essential social communication skills. Each 90-minute workshop covers a different aspect of social communication, providing information, tips and strategies to help Autistic and neurodivergent individuals to connect and thrive in social situations.
All workshops are in-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW).
There is no cost to attend these sessions.
Advance registration is not required – you can attend them all (we recommend this!) or just the ones that seem interesting to you.
All sessions begin promptly at 4:00 p.m.
If attending in-person presents a barrier for you, you can also choose to attend virtually via Sinneave Connects, our online learning portal. Sinneave Connects is FREE, but you must register for an account to use it.
If you already have a Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s easy! Click the button below that says “Sinneave Connects” to access the portal and follow these steps:
- Create a user name
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
- Select “Register”
- Choose the Drop-in Workshop: Strategies for Exiting Conversations course to access the virtual link.
Drop-in Workshop – Strategies for Exiting Conversations: Easy ways to end or leave a conversation
Other Social Communication Workshop topics include:
Non-verbal Communication: Learning how to tell if others want to talk with you
Do you find it challenging to know if people are interested and willing to talk with you? In this session, we’ll talk about non-verbal communication and learn some of the visual cues and strategies you can use to find out.
Strategies for Entering Conversations: Easy ways to start or join social conversations
We know that starting a conversation or joining in a conversation that is already underway can be difficult. In this session, we’ll learn and practice a few strategies to help you enter into conversations more confidently.
Strategies for Exiting Conversations: Easy ways to end or leave a conversation
How do you end or leave a conversation when it’s time to go? In this session, we’ll talk about strategies you can learn and practice to help you leave a conversation or end a conversation in tactful ways.
Establishing Social Connections: 5 Pro-tips for developing social relationships in your community
Meeting new people and making friends isn’t always easy. In this session, we’ll share 5 tips you can practice and use when it comes to making friends and maintaining social relationships.
Electronic Communication: Strategies for managing electronic communication and and maintaining good mental health
Technology is rapidly changing and advancing. While we embrace the good things it has to offer, it has also introduced many new challenges. In this session, we’ll talk about the implications of online safety and discuss strategies for navigating electronic communication and maintaining good mental health in the process.
Handling Disagreements in communication: Tips for keeping your cool
Do you find it difficult to communicate when someone disagrees with you? In this session, we’ll talk about conflict and share tips to help you keep your cool when you’re in the middle of a disagreement, as well as provide strategies to help you work through it.
If you have any questions about these workshops or if you need help navigating the Sinneave Connects online learning portal, please reach out by email at info@sinneavefoundation.org OR call us at 403 210-5000. We’re here for you!
Do you find it challenging to know if people are interested and willing to talk with you?
Join us Tuesday, January 30, 2024 from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. to learn about non-verbal communication and some of the visual cues and strategies you can use to enhance communication in social settings.
This session is one of a series of six drop-in workshops designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn and practice essential social communication skills. Each 90-minute workshop covers a different aspect of social communication, providing information, tips and strategies to help Autistic and neurodivergent individuals to connect and thrive in social situations.
All workshops are in-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW).
There is no cost to attend these sessions.
Advance registration is not required – you can attend them all (we recommend this!) or just the ones that seem interesting to you.
All sessions begin promptly at 4:00 p.m.
If attending in-person presents a barrier for you, you can also choose to attend virtually via Sinneave Connects, our online learning portal. Sinneave Connects is FREE, but you must register for an account to use it.
If you already have a Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s easy! Click the button below that says “Sinneave Connects” to access the portal and follow these steps:
- Create a user name
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
- Select “Register”
- Choose the Drop-in Workshop – Non-verbal Communication course to access the virtual link.
Drop-in Workshop – Non-verbal Communication: Learning how to tell if others want to talk with you
Other Social Communication Workshop topics include:
Non-verbal Communication: Learning how to tell if others want to talk with you
Do you find it challenging to know if people are interested and willing to talk with you? In this session, we’ll talk about non-verbal communication and learn some of the visual cues and strategies you can use to find out.
Strategies for Entering Conversations: Easy ways to start or join social conversations
We know that starting a conversation or joining in a conversation that is already underway can be difficult. In this session, we’ll learn and practice a few strategies to help you enter into conversations more confidently.
Strategies for Exiting Conversations: Easy ways to end or leave a conversation
How do you end or leave a conversation when it’s time to go? In this session, we’ll talk about strategies you can learn and practice to help you leave a conversation or end a conversation in tactful ways.
Electronic Communication: Strategies for managing electronic communication and and maintaining good mental health
Technology is rapidly changing and advancing. While we embrace the good things it has to offer, it has also introduced many new challenges. In this session, we’ll talk about the implications of online safety and discuss strategies for navigating electronic communication and maintaining good mental health in the process.
Establishing Social Connections: 5 Pro-tips for developing social relationships in your community
Meeting new people and making friends isn’t always easy. In this session, we’ll share 5 tips you can practice and use when it comes to making friends and maintaining social relationships.
Handling Disagreements in communication: Tips for keeping your cool
Do you find it difficult to communicate when someone disagrees with you? In this session, we’ll talk about conflict and share tips to help you keep your cool when you’re in the middle of a disagreement, as well as provide strategies to help you work through it.
If you have any questions about these workshops or if you need help navigating the Sinneave Connects online learning portal, please reach out by email at info@sinneavefoundation.org OR call us at 403 210-5000. We’re here for you!
Join us for this one-hour session celebrating all things Autism!
When we read or search about autism online, one thing we notice is that a lot of the information uses negative-based and disability-focused language. Words like “inflexible”, “rigid”, “lack of” and “difficulty “are commonly found alongside the definitions of Autism.
However, we know that the medical model of disability which uses those terms doesn’t tell the whole story.
At The Sinneave Family Foundation, we are focused on changing the perception and language around Autism, starting 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.
In this session, we will shift the views on Autism towards the positives, amplify the strength and vibrancy of the Autistic culture, and ways we can support Autism inclusion in the workplace and in life. The event will include a short presentation, information sharing, and discussion in a safe and welcoming small group environment.
Thursday, January 4, 2024
4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24th Avenue NW Calgary, AB)
This one-hour session is FREE and available both in person or virtually 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 an account, it’s easy! Click the button below that says, “Celebrating Autism! – Jan 4” to be directed to the portal and follow the prompts.
- Pick a user name
- Pick a password (Don’t forget to record it somewhere safe for next time!)
- Select “Register”
- Choose “Celebrating Autism! – Jan 4” and enroll.
Please note: While advance registration is not necessary for most of our Learning & Connection activities (you are welcome to just pop-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!
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 program at Sinneave. She started working with the EW Online 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 about this session, please contact us by emailing info@sinneavefoundation.org or calling 403 210-5000.
P.S. Did you know there’s a quick access button to Sinneave Connects in the upper right corner of our Homepage.
We are passionate about coming alongside Autistic and neurodivergent job seekers to assist them on their employment journeys. Whether you have a formal diagnosis or not, if you’re interested in improving your job prospects, consider joining us for our Drop-in Employment Support sessions in January 2024.
Please note these sessions will be in person only and NOT offered virtually or online.
Tuesdays, January 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2024
1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
You will benefit from connecting with experienced professionals who understand neurodiversity and will help identify your strengths, interests, and potential career paths.
There is no formal agenda. Participants are welcome to bring their curiosity and questions, resumes, and cover letters. Our employment specialists will focus on helping you to develop essential pre-employment skills, including:
- creating an effective resume
- learning and practicing interview techniques
- job search strategies
- and more!
Receive personalized guidance and learn more about how to successfully navigate the job search journey and the world of work.
Our goal is to create an inclusive and supportive environment where neurodivergent individuals can access resources, gain valuable insights, and enhance their employability, confidence, and career prospects.
There is no cost for these sessions and you don’t need to register in advance, just drop-in. We hope to see you there!
About the Presenters: Meet the Sinneave Employment Team: Marcela, Sherry, and Ryan. They are a dedicated group of professionals committed to empowering neurodivergent individuals on their journeys towards meaningful employment and career success.
We are passionate about coming alongside Autistic and neurodivergent job seekers to assist them on their employment journeys. Whether you have a formal diagnosis or not, if you’re interested in improving your job prospects, consider joining us for our Drop-in Employment Support sessions in January 2024.
Please note these sessions will be in person only and NOT offered virtually or online.
Tuesdays, January 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2024
1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
You will benefit from connecting with experienced professionals who understand neurodiversity and will help identify your strengths, interests, and potential career paths.
There is no formal agenda. Participants are welcome to bring their curiosity and questions, resumes, and cover letters. Our employment specialists will focus on helping you to develop essential pre-employment skills, including:
- creating an effective resume
- learning and practicing interview techniques
- job search strategies
- and more!
Receive personalized guidance and learn more about how to successfully navigate the job search journey and the world of work.
Our goal is to create an inclusive and supportive environment where neurodivergent individuals can access resources, gain valuable insights, and enhance their employability, confidence, and career prospects.
There is no cost for these sessions and you don’t need to register in advance, just drop-in. We hope to see you there!
About the Presenters: Meet the Sinneave Employment Team: Marcela, Sherry, and Ryan. They are a dedicated group of professionals committed to empowering neurodivergent individuals on their journeys towards meaningful employment and career success.