December 15 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
In this 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 workshops are a great way to connect and meet new people. You get to decide your level of participation and enagement.
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.
Related Events
December 9 @ 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.
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.
Related Events
December 9 @ 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, caregivers will gain the skills and knowledge to:
- Reflect on and outline their own support needs during the transition to independence with their young adult
- Identify the natural and community supports that they already have access to, and which supports are missing or needed
- Reflect on factors that influence their comfort in accessing and leaning into supports
- Model and implement the use of strengths-based tools and strategies to support themselves and their young adult through the transition to independence
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.
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.
Space in this session is limited, and registration is required.
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 as they transition into employment. 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 this session, 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
November 18 @ 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
You are invited to attend a Lunch & Learn hosted by the Cerebral Palsy Association of Alberta (CPAA).
This presentation is focused on helping families navigate changes to the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped program (AISH) and the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) with confidence through practical tools, strategies, and guidance from an experienced disability advocate.
The presenter will provide an overview of the recent changes to AISH and ADAP, including who may qualify, how to apply, and what documentation is needed.
In addition, she will share practical tips for navigating the application process, understanding eligibility criteria, and advocating for the supports needed to promote independence, well-being, and financial stability.
This session is open to individuals in the disability community, as well as parents and caregivers.
About the Presenter
Annie VanderLeek has been supporting and advocating for families of children with disabilities in Alberta for over 15 years, together with her husband Gordon. They help families navigate complex support systems and confusing disability-related paperwork, making the process more manageable and less overwhelming.
Through their guidance and expertise, parents feel less alone and more empowered to advocate for their children and access the supports they need.
Related Events
November 5 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Genetics can feel complicated, overwhelming, or uncomfortable, but it can also help Autistic people, families, clinicians, and communities better understand autism and related neurodevelopmental conditions.
You’re invited to join the conversation–no judgement, no jargon!
Presented by Precision Medicine in Autism (Prisma), Autism Edmonton, CASA Mental Health, and the University of Alberta, this welcoming and accessible session will explore common questions, real-world healthcare experiences, what genetic testing can and cannot tell us, and what to consider when making decisions about testing.
All are welcome! No science background needed. This session is for anyone who wants to learn, ask questions, and take part in an open conversation. Understanding grows through conversation.
About the Facilitators
Daniel Moreno De Luca, MD, MSc
Dr. Daniel Moreno De Luca is the CASA Mental Health Research Chair, an Associate Professor at the University of Alberta, and Director and Principal Investigator of the PRISMA group. He is a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist specializing in autism, neurodevelopmental conditions, genetics, and precision medicine.
Dener Cardoso Melo, PhD
Dr. Dener Cardoso Melo is an Autistic scientist and speech-language pathologist with research training in psychiatric genomics. He works as a Research Associate with the PRISMA group, where he leads PRISMA’s research program.
Precision Medicine in Autism (PRISMA)
The Precision Medicine in Autism (PRISMA) group is a multidisciplinary initiative at the University of Alberta integrating research, clinical care, education, and community engagement to advance precision medicine in autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions. PRISMA’s work brings together genetics and the lived experiences of Autistic and neurodivergent people to better understand individual differences and support more personalized healthcare approaches.
Related Events
December 2 @ 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm
Our Navigating Bullying and Neurodivergence workshops are for Autistic and other neurodivergent individuals who want to build practical skills to understand, respond to, and help prevent bullying.
Together, we will explore why bullying happens, how to recognize it in different settings (including online and in the workplace), and how it uniquely affects neurodivergent people. These interactive sessions offer hands-on activities to practice strategies in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Please note: This is a skill-building series and not a bullying support group, or a substitute for professional mental health or crisis support. If you need immediate assistance, please visit Alberta.ca for resources.
Attendance at all the workshops is not mandatory, but we strongly encourage you to attend all 3 to most benefit from the content.
This session will focus on putting into practice the skills that have been shared in the previous 2 workshops. This includes noticing bullying behaviour in yourself, what to do if you witness bullying, ways to prevent future bullying, and additional anti-bullying supports and resources.
Mark your calendar. Other Navigating Bullying and Neurodivergence workshops include:
Session 1: Understanding Bullying – Wednesday, November 18
Participants will learn about bullying, including why it happens, and the different types and places bullying takes place. We will learn the difference between bullying and conflict, harassment and discrimination. We will also look at how bullying specifically affects Autistic people.
Session 2: Building Your Skills – Wednesday, November 25
Participants will learn about the things that contribute to and prevent bullying. We will also discuss what to do if you’re being bullied, including how to cope, and how to deal with the bully.
About the Presenter:
Cedric Nicholson is a certified professional life coach with over 20 years of experience mentoring, coaching, and supporting individuals in the developmental disability field. For the past 7.5 years, he has been proudly employed with the Sinneave Family Foundation. Cedric is passionate about empowering others to set meaningful goals, create effective plans, and take purposeful steps toward personal growth and self-improvement.
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
November 25 @ 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm
Our Navigating Bullying and Neurodivergence workshops are for Autistic and other neurodivergent individuals who want to build practical skills to understand, respond to, and help prevent bullying.
Together, we will explore why bullying happens, how to recognize it in different settings (including online and in the workplace), and how it uniquely affects neurodivergent people. These interactive sessions offer hands-on activities to practice strategies in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Please note: This is a skill-building series and not a bullying support group, or a substitute for professional mental health or crisis support. If you need immediate assistance, please visit Alberta.ca for resources.
Attendance at all the workshops is not mandatory, but we strongly encourage you to attend all 3 to most benefit from the content.
In Session 2, we will focus on building skills to deal with bullying when it happens. This includes recognizing it and discussing practical strategies that participants can use, supports that can help, and supports and strategies to help others deal with bullying.
Mark your calendar. Other Navigating Bullying and Neurodivergence workshops include:
Session 1: Understanding Bullying – Wednesday, November 18
Participants will learn about bullying, including why it happens, and the different types and places bullying takes place. We will learn the difference between bullying and conflict, harassment and discrimination. We will also look at how bullying specifically affects Autistic people.
Session 3: Putting It Into Practice – Wednesday, December 2
Participants will take the things they have learned and look inward, noticing bullying behaviours you may have. We will also discuss what to do if you witness bullying, how to help someone who is being bullied, and ways to prevent future bullying.
About the Presenter:
Mara Jaffray is an Autistic Self-advocate, currently working as a Program Facilitator at the Sinneave Family Foundation.
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
November 18 @ 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm
Our Navigating Bullying and Neurodivergence workshops are for Autistic and other neurodivergent individuals who want to build practical skills to understand, respond to, and help prevent bullying.
Together, we will explore why bullying happens, how to recognize it in different settings (including online and in the workplace), and how it uniquely affects neurodivergent people. These interactive sessions offer hands-on activities to practice strategies in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Please note: This is a skill-building series and not a bullying support group, or a substitute for professional mental health or crisis support. If you need immediate assistance, please visit Alberta.ca for resources.
Attendance at all the workshops is not mandatory, but we strongly encourage you to attend all 3 to most benefit from the content.
In the first session, we will discuss bullying to help participants understand what it is, why it happens, and explore the differences between bullying and conflict.
Mark your calendar. Other Navigating Bullying and Neurodivergence workshops include:
Session 2: Building Your Skills – Wednesday, November 25
Participants will learn about the things that contribute to and prevent bullying. We will also discuss what to do if you’re being bullied, including how to cope, and how to deal with the bully.
Session 3: Putting It Into Practice – Wednesday, December 2
Participants will take the things they have learned and look inward, noticing bullying behaviours you may have. We will also discuss what to do if you witness bullying, how to help someone who is being bullied, and ways to prevent future bullying.
About the Presenter:
Cedric Nicholson is a certified professional life coach with over 20 years of experience mentoring, coaching, and supporting individuals in the developmental disability field. For the past 7.5 years, he has been proudly employed with the Sinneave Family Foundation. Cedric is passionate about empowering others to set meaningful goals, create effective plans, and take purposeful steps toward personal growth and self-improvement.
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
November 4 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Join us as we learn how to travel confidently and safely on Calgary Transit!
In this interactive session with Calgary Transit Access Travel Trainers and Peace Officers, you’ll learn what Travel Training is and how it helps riders navigate buses and CTrains with independence and ease.
Through demonstrations, practical tips, and real-world safety advice, this interactive session will cover how to plan your trip, understand routes and schedules, use fare systems, and feel secure while travelling on public transit.
Whether you’re new to Calgary Transit or looking to build your confidence, this session is designed to empower you with the skills and knowledge you need to travel the city safely.
By the end of this activity, participants will be able to:
- Understand what Travel Training is and how it supports safe, independent use of Calgary Transit
- Identify key transit safety practices, including how to stay safe on buses, CTrains, and at transit stops
- Learn basic transit skills, such as boarding a bus, recognizing priority seating, and understanding transit signage
- Build confidence in navigating Calgary Transit, including planning routes and knowing what to do in unexpected situations
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.
Related Events
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