July 25 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Here at Sinneave, we want to foster environments where Autistic individuals are free to be themselves and recognize the value they bring to the places they live, learn and work, so they can thrive.
Join us as we celebrate being Autistic & Awesome!
Thursday, July 25, 2024
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
When we read or search about autism online, we notice that a lot of the information uses negative and disability-focused language. Words like “inflexible”, “rigid”, “lack of” and “difficulty “are commonly found alongside definitions of autism. However, we know that the medical model of disability–which uses those terms–doesn’t tell the whole story. The human experience really is one of diversity and we want to educate and encourage others to embrace our neurological differences, not as something that needs to be “cured,” but instead recognizing the benefits and beauty that different perspectives provide.
We are committed to changing the perception of and language around autism and celebrating the many amazing strengths and characteristics of Autistics we know and have the privilege of working with.
In this session, we will replace outdated definitions and descriptions of autism with positives, beginning with celebrating the many positive traits and characteristics common among Autistics and empowering those individuals to embrace who they are and what they have to offer. We will also highlight the vibrancy of Autistic culture and learn ways we can support inclusion in our communities.
The event will include a short presentation, information sharing, and discussion in a safe and welcoming small group environment.
Advance registration is not required. We look forward to seeing you there!
If you have questions about this session, please reach out by email to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call us at 403 210-5000.
Related Events
We’re kicking off Neurodiversity Celebration Week with a celebration of all things Autism and you’re invited!
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 celebration, 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.
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24th Avenue NW Calgary, AB) 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! – Mar 19” 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.
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.
Hosted in partnership with Healthy Campus Alberta, we are pleased to present Six Principles to Inform Action: Creating Inclusive Campuses for Autistic & Neurodivergent Students. Our presenters will share six key principles–developed in collaboration with a team of autistic self-advocates–to support greater understanding, acceptance and valuing of autism and neurodivergence. While the presentation is geared toward post-secondary professionals and students, these principles are broadly applicable in all areas of daily life.
Covering each of the six principles–Communication, Structure, Flexibility, Environment, Emotion and Connection–our team will provide practical information and easy-to-implement strategies so Healthy Campus Alberta community members will walk away empowered to undertake ally-based actions that create and foster environments where everyone can thrive at:
- Building relationships
- Enhancing communication through collaboration
- Identifying and implementing pro-active actions for inclusion
There is something here for everyone.
About the Presenters:
Jay Haukenfrers (she/her)
Learning and Connection Coordinator for the Sinneave Family Foundation
Jay Haukenfrers (she/her) is the Learning and Connection Coordinator for the Sinneave Family Foundation. She oversees Sinneave’s Information and Navigation Service, which provides resources to self-advocates, parents and professionals. Jay also supports with learning & connection activities, including community engagement, presentations, workshops and digital content. Jay has a Bachelors of Arts, with a focus in music and psychology. She has had the honour to offer support to diverse vulnerable populations for more than 10 years including: families and children in crisis, young people with disabilities pursuing post-secondary education, adults with disabilities and co-occurring health challenges, and currently, supporting autistic and neurodivergent youth and adults in the transition to adulthood. She is excited to share more about how to make more places and spaces welcoming for autistic and neurodivergent people!
Mason Jaffray
Program Associate at the Sinneave Family Foundation
Mason Jaffray is an autistic self-advocate and a program associate at the Sinneave Family Foundation. Mason is passionate about sharing his knowledge of the autism spectrum to encourage growth and understanding of the autistic and neurodiverse communities. Mason brings curiosity and a willingness to learn to every conversation. He believes that the best ideas and solutions that influence positive outcomes, come from collaborative action and engagement with members of the community.
Registration is required for this presentation. When you click on the button below that says, “Register Today – Six Principles to Inform Action” you’ll be directed to the Healthy Campus Alberta website to register. Once there, you will need to create a free HCA account or use the guest log-in feature.
Register Today – Six Principles to Inform Action
Did you Know? These six principles are broadly applicable to all areas of daily life and our team is available to visit your school, business or workplace to show you easy-to-implement actionable strategies that benefit everyone. Contact us at info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000 to learn more and book your complimentary visit today.
Be a catalyst for change in your workplace, school, community and beyond!
Learn six key principles that create and foster environments where everyone can thrive.
You’re invited to join us, in collaboration with our friends at AIDE Canada, for a webinar aimed at Building Understanding and Informing Action.
While our primary focus is on enhancing the experiences of Autistic individuals in their day-to-day life, these six principles are broadly applicable and beneficial to anyone who wants to create safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces.
Presented virtually, Wednesday, September 13 at 11 a.m. Mountain time (10 a.m. Pacific time)
When you click on the button below, you will be directed to AIDE Canada’s website to register and access the virtual event.
Building Understanding, Informing Action
A little about the Presenter
Jay Haukenfrers (she/her) is the Learning and Connection Coordinator for the Sinneave Family Foundation. She oversees Sinneave’s Information and Navigation Service, which provides resources to self-advocates, parents and professionals. Jay also supports with knowledge exchange activities, including community engagement, presentations, workshops and digital content. Jay has a Bachelors of Arts, with a focus in music and psychology. She has had the honour to offer support to diverse vulnerable populations for 10 years including families and kids in crisis, young people with disabilities pursue post-secondary education, adults with disabilities and co-occurring health challenges, and currently, supporting autistic and neurodivergent youth and adults with the transition to adulthood. She is excited to share more about how to make more places and spaces welcoming for autistic and neurodivergent people of all ages!
A little about AIDE Canada
At its core, the Autism and/or Intellectual Disability Knowledge Exchange Network (AIDE Canada) is a tool to connect members of our community to the information and resources that they need. We deliver credible, reliable, and evidence-informed resources in an unbiased and accessible way.