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.
In Session 3: Putting it Into Practice, we will discuss:
- Noticing bullying behaviour in yourself
- What to do if you witness bullying
- How to help someone who is being bullied
- Ways to prevent future bullying
- Plus, additional supports and anti-bullying 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: Building Your Skills, participants will:
- Receive a brief overview of the topics discussed in Session 1
- Learn and apply strategies to address and react to bullying situations
- Learn and apply strategies to help prevent future bullying situations
- Find supports to help heal from past bullying
- Assess their own actions for signs of bullying behaviour
- Learn how to support someone else who is being bullied
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 Session 1: Understanding Bullying, we will discuss:
- Different types and places bullying happens
- Why bullying happens
- Autism and bullying
- Bullying vs. conflict, harassment, and discrimination
- How bullying affects people
- Practicing what we’ve learned
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
Related Events
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.
Related Events
November 4 @ 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, we will discuss tools and strategies that can help make space for shared learning and growth within the family and natural support network during this transition.
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.
In this session:
We all have expectations around what the transition to employment will look like for our young adult, but what happens when our expectations do not align with theirs? In this workshop, participants will:
- Discuss tools and strategies that will help to strengthen shared communication
- Increase capacity to align expectations
- Create space to support the whole family and support network through the transition to employment
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 3 @ 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm
*New and improved* this workshop combines entry and exit conversation strategies into a single, streamlined skill group. We’ve designed this experience to be safe, fun, and entirely practical. You will gain actionable communication tools without the pressure to mask, perform, or participate in uncomfortable role-plays.
In this workshop, participants will gain the skills and knowledge to:
- Enter and exit conversations more confidently
- Practice strategies discussed in the workshop
- Increase confidence and feel empowered in their social abilities.
This workshop is designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals with 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 common day-to-day social situations.
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
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.
Related Events
October 22 @ 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.