October 28 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
You are invited to attend a virtual panel discussion exploring what is needed to understand newcomers impacted by neurodivergence.
What is it like to be a newcomer who is navigating disability?
How can I provide better support?
This 1-hour Lunch and Learn is perfect for Case Managers, Program Managers, Team Leads and others who work in disability and settlement.
The panelists for this presentation are:
Kim Mayer (Edmonton Newcomer Centre), Mezaun Evin (Lived Experience), Manjiah Ockey (Galena Wellness)
This presentation is brought to you by:
The Alberta Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies (AAISA)
The Newcomer Centre
Galena Wellness Clinic
University of Calgary
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October 29 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
What do the recent changes to AISH and ADAP mean for the people you support?
Join the Alberta Ability Network for an informative Lunch and Learn, presented by the Workers’ Resource Centre.
With the introduction of the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) and changes affecting the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH), organizations and service providers may have questions about how the new rules impact the people they serve.
This session is designed to help you better understand the changes and what they may mean in practice, including:
- AISH and ADAP eligibility and program differences
- Changes to benefits and employment income exemptions
- Transitioning between AISH and ADAP
- Applications, reassessments and appeals
- What organizations should know when supporting individuals through the changes
- Where to find information, resources and additional support.
This virtual presentation is free. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email from the Alberta Ability Network with information about joining the Zoom meeting.
About the Alberta Ability Network (AAN)
The AAN is an initiative of Cerebral Palsy Alberta (CPAA) and is a collaboration of organizations and community advocates located in the province of Alberta, working to address systemic barriers facing people with disabilities.
AAN members work collaboratively to:
- Identify issues and priorities that affect individuals with disabilities
- Bridge gaps between the disability community and reduce duplication
- Build and strengthen collective advocacy capacity through education, and networking
- Create and promote vast cross sector knowledge and resources
- Strengthen existing relationships and broaden engagement with new stakeholders
- Organize and mobilize members to implement action for priority issues
Visit their website to learn more about the organization.
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November 10 @ 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm
In this newly-developed interactive workshop, participants will learn practical executive functioning skills to better manage and estimate their time. They will learn a variety of strategies for scheduling, prioritizing, and delegation, in a welcoming, neuroaffirming setting.
Attendees will:
- Learn basic time management strategies
- Have the opportunity to practice and apply the techniques in the session
- Learn about other resources that are available to enhance time management skills
- Understand how being productive can look different for everyone
- Build the confidence to make your own schedule
- and more!
While it may push you a little outside your comfort zone, our in-person workshops are a great way to connect and meet new people. You get to decide your level of participation and enagement. Our office space offers neuro-friendly lighting, a variety of seating options, and focus tools, if desired. Whether you are visiting for the first time, or just curious, we invite you to tour our space virtually by clicking the button that says, “Tour Our Space”.
Space is limited and registration is required.
About the Presenter
Mara Jaffray is an Autistic Self-advocate, currently working as a Program Facilitator 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.
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November 19 @ 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
The Your Time, Your Way connection event for November is Storytelling and Sip. Join us to celebrate all things storytelling! Whether you love writing novels, short stories, sitcoms, movies, poems, or simply getting lost in a good book, this space is for you.
Join us for a cozy evening with a warm beverage, where you can share your creativity, discover new stories, and connect with others who enjoy the world of words.
This relaxed, no-pressure space invites you to:
- Share your favourite books, stories, or writing projects with others
- Take some quiet time to read and enjoy a good book
- Explore neuroaffirming books available to borrow from the Aide Canada Library
- Discover new authors, ideas, and stories
- Design and create your own personalized bookmark
Whether you enjoy writing, reading, listening to stories, or simply spending time around people who love creativity, we invite you to join us for an evening of imagination, connection, and storytelling.
Members of our community are invited to drop-in and use our space every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday between 5:00 and 7:30 p.m. Consider this your “third space”–a place separate from home, work, or school where there is no obligation to spend money on food or beverages.
To make our space more welcoming and inclusive, we provide flexible seating in different rooms, focus tools, and adjustable lighting. It’s your time to use your way:
- Socializing – bring friends and enjoy a board game (bring your own or play one of ours)
- Access the internet, complete personal tasks, explore hobbies online on our computers, or bring your own device and connect via our network
- Sit quietly and read – take a book from our Little Free Library
- Bring a personal project or craft to work on, do homework, or study
- Engage in unstructured activities like doing a puzzle, sketching, or journalling
- Learn about Sinneave’s programs, services, and resources
- And more…
To ensure a welcoming and safe environment 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
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.
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November 5 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
When we read or search about autism online, we notice much of the information is described negatively, with a focus on the challenges that some Autistics may face. Words like “inflexible,” “rigid,” “lack of,” “impairments,” or “difficulties” are commonly found alongside definitions of autism.
At Sinneave, this isn’t how we do things. Our focus is trained on possibility. In this session, we intend to shift the narrative around autism, 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 and foster inclusion in our communities.
About the Presenter
Sherry Taylor has more than 15 years of experience in the not-for-profit industry. She is currently the Program Coordinator for EmploymentWorks at Sinneave. She is passionate about developing engaging curriculum and content for Autistic youth and adults through a strengths-based lens, focusing on the strengths, characteristics and positive traits that Autistics bring to their communities.
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.
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November 3 @ 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Members of our community are invited to drop-in and use our space on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays to unwind or recharge—with no pressure to engage in structured activities. We have several rooms available–a quiet lounge, computer desks, hang out sofas–you choose. It’s your time to use your way.
Each week, we offer a “third space”—a place separate from home, work, or school where there is no obligation to spend money on food or beverages.
We provide flexible seating, focus tools, and adjustable lighting options in an effort to make our space welcoming and inclusive to those who wish to spend time in it.
Drop-in hours are 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
Here are some suggestions of things you may like to do, but this is not an exhaustive list:
- 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 environment 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
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Tour Our Space
Whether you are preparing for your first visit or simply curious, we invite you to explore our space using the virtual tour on our website.
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.
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Disability Tax Credit: Then and Now
October 29 @ 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Recent reforms have changed the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). This workshop will cover what has changed, what it means for Autistic people and their families, and what can we learn from the advocacy that helped move these reforms forward.
Join an expert from Disability Alliance Canada, a non-profit organization focused on addressing social inequities through individual and systemic advocacy, for a practical Member Exchange Workshop.
Together, we will explore:
- Recent DTC changes and what they mean in practice.
- How Autistic people and their families can navigate the reforms and access available benefits.
- How sustained policy advocacy contributed to change over time.
- Practical strategies and lessons members can apply to their own advocacy.
- Your questions through an open Q&A.
This session combines practical information with advocacy learning, helping members understand both the policy changes and how collective advocacy can contribute to systems change.
Registration is free. Simultaneous interpretation in both official languages will be available. A recording will be available to registered participants.
This event is part of the Collective Impact Virtual Town Hall Series to learn from community leaders, advocates, policy experts, and others working together to advance meaningful change across Canada.
Each virtual town hall will focus on a theme connected to our collective work. You’ll hear from community partners about the work underway, what we’re learning, and where we’re headed next. You’ll also have opportunities to ask questions, share your perspective, exchange knowledge and strategies, and connect with others who are working to create change across Canada.
About Autism Alliance of Canada
Autism Alliance of Canada is a national charity working to advance the rights, inclusion and full participation of Autistic people in Canada.
Our members include Autistic people, families and support persons, clinicians, researchers, service providers, policymakers, and organizations across Canada. We bring these perspectives together to identify priorities, inform policy and practice, and develop practical solutions to issues affecting Autistic people and their families across the lifespan.
Autistic participation is central to our work and reflected across our membership, Board and staff. Our shared leadership model brings people and organizations together around common priorities to drive meaningful systems change.
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The Future We’re Building: Meaningful Lives for Autistic Adults with Higher Support Needs
October 9 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
How do we create a long-term plan for our Autistic loved ones who may need considerable support for many years to come?
Autism Society of Alberta invites you to join in virtually for a thoughtful conversation with five experienced panelists. Together, we’ll explore practical ideas around future decision-makers, trusted care, housing, community, supporting autonomy, and creating a meaningful, fulfilling life now and into the future.
Meet the Panelists
When Kitty Parlby’s younger son was diagnosed with autism and intellectual delay in 2000, she fully plunged in, researching, taking courses, and attending seminars. Before long, she was speaking at P.D. days and many teachers’ conventions. Kitty also worked as a one-on-one special-needs Educational Assistant for years and has written many articles on autism. She started her own business, Autism Inspirations, presenting workshops throughout the province, and later consulting in schools. A long-time volunteer board member of Autism Society Alberta, Kitty joined the Autism Society of Alberta team in June 2020.
Krista Davidson Flint is the CEO of Accessible Housing in Calgary and has spent over 30 years leading and consulting in the non-profit sector across North America. She has held multiple CEO roles, including with the Canadian Down Syndrome Society, and worked extensively with organizations to develop strategies, civic goals, and cause-driven marketing rooted in storytelling. A sought-after public speaker, Krista has presented at the United Nations Consultation on Canada’s ratification of the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities and at Canadian Parliamentary Hearings on Compassionate and Palliative Care (MAID Track 2). Passionate about housing and human dignity, Krista is also a proud Northern Ontario native and mom to three grown sons.
Laurence Grigg and his wife, Kathy know firsthand the challenges of navigating services for a person with autism and complex needs through their experience raising their 27-year-old son. After 16 years in the oil and gas sector, Laurence turned his attention to helping other families. For the past five years, he has been a Complex Case Consultant with Autism Calgary, helping families navigate PDD, understand their options, work through FMS agreements, appeal funding decisions, and secure the supports they need.
Carolyn Dudley is a nurse and project manager with fourteen years of experience working in the autism sector, where she wrote numerous papers on autism policy, services, and care. Who Takes Care of Our Kids was written while serving on the Autism Alberta board several years ago. This issue remains deeply personal; Carolyn is the mother of a 28-year-old son living with autism. Her professional experience and personal perspective give her a unique understanding of the challenges facing families as they navigate systems of care. She now enjoys new areas of interest and stays active in retirement. She looks forward to contributing her experience in ways that are practical and positive.
Dawn Leonard is the Executive Director of PLAN Calgary, a family-led organization that supports people with disabilities and their families to develop comprehensive plans for the future and build strong personal support networks. Dawn is passionate about helping families move from uncertainty toward greater peace of mind by strengthening relationships, community connection, family leadership, and belonging for people of all abilities.
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Published: October 1, 2026
Sometimes making your home work better for you does not mean changing where you live. It can mean changing how you live and function in the home you have.
For National Housing Day on November 22, 2026, The Sinneave Family Foundation (Sinneave) wants to celebrate the creative, practical, and personal ways Autistic people, their families, and natural supports make their homes and daily lives work better.
We are calling these “Home Hacks”: an adaptation, addition, setup, routine, or way of doing something at home that makes life a little easier, more comfortable, more enjoyable, or more successful.
Whether you live in an apartment or a house, whether you have a roommate, live with family members, or alone, we are looking for hacks that work in a variety of housing contexts.
We want to connect with Autistic people, parents, caregivers and natural supports across all ages and stages who are interested in sharing a home hack with us. Out of the home hacks submitted, Sinneave will select a small number to feature as part of a National Housing Day campaign on or around November 22.
View the full article for details on how to submit your “Home Hack” for consideration.
October 6 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
If you love playing board games and hanging out with awesome people, you’re invited to a Board Games Night with the UCalgary Autism Awareness Club
There will be a variety of board games available to play. All are welcome! You don’t need to be a UCalgary student to attend.
We hope to see you there!
If you have questions, please email autismawarenessucalgary@gmail.com directly.
The Ability Hub is located at 300, 3820 24 Avenue NW
Whether you’re preparing for your first visit or simply curious, we invite you to explore our space using the virtual tour on our website.
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.