Events

The Autism Housing Network of Alberta (AHNA) have assembled a panel of autistic individuals and parents of autistics to help guide a virtual discussion on Preparing for Independent Living.

You’re invited to join in Wednesday, February 28 at 6:30 p.m. In-person in Edmonton and Calgary or online throughout the rest of the province.

Whether independent living is your goal or you are simply trying to create an environment to live as independently as possible, learning from others is key. The more we discuss, the more we realize that with the path to independent living is within our grasp.

The panel will explore and discuss things like:

  • How do we skill build as an Autistic individual?
  • How do Autistic individuals learn and grow?
  • What tools and resources should we use to compliment our journey?

 

If you are in Calgary, join the watch party in-person at The Sinneave Family Foundation (300, 3820 24 Ave NW) starting at 6:20 p.m.

To reserve your spot, click on the words Calgary Watch Party and secure your free ticket.

 

If you are in the Edmonton area, join the watch party in-person at Autism Edmonton’s office. 11720 Kingsway NW starting at 6:20 p.m.

To reserve your spot, click on the words Edmonton Watch Party and secure your free ticket.

 

To attend the virtual event, click the words Virtual Panel Discussion to secure your free ticket.

AHNA is looking for autistics and their support networks to share their stories. Please submit your 2-5 minute video! Telling stories of lived experiences is a great way to share great ideas that can help others take steps towards their goals. For example, what is one approach that you took that worked to move you or your loved one closer to independent living?

Please submit your video to Drewe at housing@autismedmonton.org

Meet our panelists:

Kim Fox is a parent of 21-year-old with complex needs living on the spectrum. She is a past Director of the Autism Society of Alberta and was a part of the Housing Advisory Committee for the Sinneave Family Foundation. She is also the moderator for the Connecting CommUNITY Facebook group. Life planning and preparedness for independence have become a focal point in her journey supporting her daughter.

Debbie Bocian is the parent of an Autistic 36 year-old who is also challenged with OCD. She is a retired Special Education teacher. As an Elder in her Church, she became involved with the St. Albert Independent Living Association. Debbie seeks to create “a wonderful, supportive place where Adults on the Autism Spectrum can live very happy, social, independent lives.”

Kyle Lobb is the Vice President of the Autism Independent Living Association (AILA). He is an Autistic adult who is preparing for independent living. Kyle attends Grant MacEwan University and works part-time. He intends on moving out when his finances align with his educational aspirations and has been working towards independent living in the interim.

 

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

You are invited to join Amy Tatterton of the Sinneave Family Foundation and Drewe Rowbotham of the Autism Housing Network of Alberta and Autism Edmonton for a candid discussion of emerging trends in housing for neurodiverse Albertans across the province.

Housing is front and center on the Nation’s agenda for public policy. Rural and Urban Albertans are struggling to afford rent or a mortgage. How can we advocate for more affordable housing?

Canada has legislated a need for a National Autism Strategy. How will this call to action affect housing for Autistic Albertans?

What tools and resources can Albertans expect to see which can help ease the difficulty in finding safe, affordable and appropriate housing?

Join us as we discuss the broad context of housing and how it might look for Albertans moving into 2024. Add your voice to the conversation, as together we are shaping public policy.

To reserve your ticket for this virtual “Lunch & Learn” click the button below that says, “What’s New in Housing Virtual Presentation.” When you click the button, you will be directed to an external Eventbrite page where you can secure your spot.

What’s New in Housing Virtual Presentation 

 

About the Presenters:

Drewe Rowbotham is the Housing Coordinator for Autism Edmonton and facilitator and curator of the Autism Housing Network of Alberta (AHNA) with the Autism Society of Alberta. He is also a Board Member of the Autism Independent Living Association (AILA). He is a B. Ed graduate with distinction from the University of Alberta and has been in the business of housing for over 15 years since becoming a “land steward” aka landlord. His professional career as a Housing Navigator began with e4c as an Arts and Education Facilitator in a Group Home for At-Risk Youth. He has since fulfilled numerous roles to support ending homelessness, including: Follow-up Support Worker, Rapid Re-Housing manager, Intensive Case Management manager, Diversion manager and Landlord Relations Specialist. Drewe is pleased to serve autistic and neurodiverse individuals in improving the access to and quality of housing.

Amy Tatterton is the Director of Learning and Connection at The Sinneave Family Foundation. Amy provides leadership to the foundation’s various learning activities and community engagement initiatives. This work helps Sinneave fulfill its mission of reducing barriers and enhancing opportunities for Autistic and neurodivergent youth and adults. Amy holds a Master of Education in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Calgary with a concentration in Educational Research and has personal and professional experience serving the disability community in a variety of environments including sport, post-secondary supports, pediatric behaviour intervention, early childhood learning management and now adulthood transition support.

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

AHNA is pleased to be hosting our monthly Housing Resources meeting in Calgary! Join us for a Potluck & Presentation and get to know your local and provincial support teams as well as the families they serve.

Our hope is to connect like-minded people to enhance the social- and community-based landscape of housing in Calgary and provide provincially relevant information about ongoing advocacy efforts in Alberta.

Bring a dish to share and join us:

Legacy on 5th

933 5 Avenue Southwest

6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

 

Guest speakers include:

Amy Tatterton: The Sinneave Family Foundation

Drewe Rowbotham: Autism Housing Network of Alberta

Representatives from Autism Calgary and Autism Society of Alberta will also be onhand.

Learn about how the Autism Alberta’s Alliance Housing Community of Practice will be advocating for better housing opportunities and outcomes for Autistic Albertans.

Learn about the Legacy on 5th affordable housing opportunity for Autistics.

Learn about the Sinneave Family Foundation programs and services.

 

Let us know you’re coming by registering in advance. Click the button below that says “I’m coming!” to reserve your spot.

I’m Coming! 

If you want to join the meeting virtually at 7:00 p.m. click the button below that says, “Connect me online” to register.

Connect me online

If you have any questions about this event, please reach out to Tracy Mendoza at tracy@autismcalgary.com

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

The Autism Housing Network of Alberta (AHNA) is hosting a party on Wednesday, September 27, 2023.

Join us as we celebrate the launch of the new home of AHNA on the Autism Society of Alberta’s website, where all relevant housing information and resources will live in one convenient place. Learn how to use this new resource and explore its interactive features!

This is a province-wide event, hosted by Autism Edmonton with live watch parties across the province, including here at The Ability Hub in Calgary.

300, 3820 24 Avenue NW

Doors open: 6:30 p.m.

Program: 7:00 – 7:45 p.m.

PARTY! 7:45 – 9:00 p.m.

Light refreshments will be available.

Please note: Parking for this event is complimentary in Lot 53, on the east side of the Child Development Centre. Call 403 210-5000 when you arrive to receive the parking code and instructions. When you enter the building, use the elevators to come to the 3rd floor. The Ability Hub/Sinneave Family Foundation is to your right.

There are lots of ways you can participate and have fun!

  • Contribute to the AHNA Funky Fresh Resources Party Playlist by emailing housing@autismalberta.ca with your song suggestions in advance of the event.
  • Enter to win cool door prizes by simply registering and attending
  • Enter the Joke Contest! (Send your best joke to housing@autismalberta.ca in advance of the event)

Most importantly, connect with peers in your area and province-wide to be part of a community of learners, advocates and friends.

To help us in our planning, let us know you can make it to our Calgary event, here at The Ability Hub, by registering in advance. Click the button below that reads “AHNA Website Launch Party In-Person at The Ability Hub” to reserve your spot.

AHNA Website Launch Party In-person at The Ability Hub

If attending in person isn’t possible, you can still participate virtually. Click the button below to access the online link for the event.

Virtual Link

 

Plan to attend in-person where you can  – other parties are scheduled in:

Edmonton: Autism Edmonton

Lethbridge: Autism Society of Alberta: Family Resource Center

Red Deer: STEPS: Family Resource Center

 

If you have any questions about our in-person watch party or want to connect with our Housing Specialist, please reach out to housinginfo@sinneavefoundation.org

We can’t wait to see you!

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

This month, the Autism Housing Network of Alberta (AHNA) is focusing on Independent Living options in Alberta. You are invited to attend their June meeting for an opportunity to Ask the Panel about Independent Living Supports and Supportive Roommates.

Many Autistic individuals require specialized supports to increase their ability to live independently. Our panel of experts is available to answer your questions.

  • What types of technologies, tools and trainings can help autistic persons improve their ability to live independently?
  • What are some of the ways we can prepare our autistic loved ones for independent living?
  • Explore what a Supportive Roommate is and hear from professional care givers, including the Center for Autism Services Alberta and Edmonton Integrated Services, as they discuss the steps they take to prepare and assist Autistic persons in living independently.

This meeting is offered In-person at Autism Edmonton’s office (11720 Kingsway Northwest, Edmonton, AB T5G 0X5)

and Virtually, June 28 @6:30 p.m.

To register for this FREE monthly meeting, click the appropriate link below.

Virtual Session: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/656989361867

In-person Session: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/657006894307

 

About AHNA

Autism Edmonton and Autism Alberta have created an exciting new housing program to advance opportunities with affordable housing providers for autistic adults within the province of Alberta. We are building connections and increasing awareness among communities and rental providers throughout the province. If you are looking for housing solutions within the next year, we can support and help you navigate to housing and other related supports you may need.

*Please note: we currently do not provide emergency housing. Should you be in need of emergency housing we are able to provide you with a list of supports and agencies that you can access to assist you.

Key Program Features:

  • Must have income that can support your needs
  • Able to live independently
  • Complete an intake form that better helps us understand how to best support you

Who is it for:

  • Neurodiverse people who have inadequate housing
  • Adults living with family looking to move out
  • Autistic people in vulnerable or unsafe housing

Things to Consider:

  • Are you able to live independently?
  • Can the community support your needs?
  • What level of support would you need to live in the community?
  • Are you looking for friendly, involved neighbours or your own space
  • Where would you like to live?
  • When would you like to move?

Click Here to join the Network and stay informed of educational and housing opportunities in Alberta. (This link will take you to a sign-up page where you can choose from a variety of areas of interest – please select the Housing option.)

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

This month, the Autism Housing Network of Alberta (AHNA) is talking about the essential components of finding Market Housing: Searching, Viewing and Applying.

Together we will explore these stages of the housing search process so you can improve your chances of being approved for the housing opportunity of your choice. You will increase your confidence and familiarize yourself, so you are prepared when you decide to make your move! For example: What should I look for in a rental? What questions should I ask when attending a viewing? What should I include on my application to rent? What might I omit? Join us to discuss and learn more.

Search, View, Apply: How to get approved for Market Housing is offered In-person at Autism Edmonton’s office (11720 Kingsway Northwest Edmonton, AB T5G 0X5)

and Virtually, May 31 @ 6:30 p.m.

To register for this FREE monthly meeting, click the appropriate link below.

In-person: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/632778717177  with Light Refreshments

Virtual: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/632743241067

 

A Little About AHNA

Autism Edmonton and Autism Alberta have created an exciting new housing program to advance opportunities with affordable housing providers for autistic adults within the province of Alberta. We are building connections and increasing awareness among communities and rental providers throughout the province. If you are looking for housing solutions within the next year, we can support and help you navigate to housing and other related supports you may need.

*Please note: we currently do not provide emergency housing. Should you be in need of emergency housing we are able to provide you with a list of supports and agencies that you can access to assist you.

Key Program Features:

  • Must have income that can support your needs
  • Able to live independently
  • Complete an intake form that better helps us understand how to best support you

Who is it for:

  • Neurodiverse people who have inadequate housing
  • Adults living with family looking to move out
  • Autistic people in vulnerable or unsafe housing

Things to Consider:

  • Are you able to live independently?
  • Can the community support your needs?
  • What level of support would you need to live in the community?
  • Are you looking for friendly, involved neighbours or your own space
  • Where would you like to live?
  • When would you like to move?

Click Here to join the Network and stay informed of educational and housing opportunities in Alberta. (This link will take you to a sign-up page where you can choose from a variety of areas of interest – please select the Housing option.)

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

Do you have goals in employment, post-secondary education, or independent living? We want to help you create a plan to achieve them!

The Launch into Life! QuickStart Planning Tool is a resource designed to assist Autistic individuals in creating a personalized plan for success as they transition to adulthood.

You are invited to join this free, virtual workshop series where we will walk through the Launch into Life! QuickStart Planning Tool  in a small group format.

Together, we’ll:

  • break the information down into manageable steps,
  • facilitate connection and rich discussions with peers in similar life phases, and
  • help you take the first steps toward reaching your goals!

This 2-part virtual workshop series is open to Autistic Albertans ages 15+ and those in their support network. The sessions are designed to build on each other, therefore we ask participants to commit to attending both sessions.

We ask that participants take a look at the tool beforehand. You can access the document on our website HERE or in our *NEW* Sinneave Connects learning portal.

 

Registration and the workshop itself will all take place on Sinneave Connects. If you haven’t tried logging in yet, it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3.

1.  Create an account and register with the portal. (If you are a return user, simply log in with the user name and password you previously created.)

2. Once logged in, you will be directed to the Event page.

3. Select the session (event) you want and click, Enroll into this session

You will receive a confirmation email sent to the address used at registration

 

Clicking the button below will direct you to the Sinneave Connects learning portal to register for this event.

Register Now!

 

If you have difficulty creating an account or registering for the event, please email info@sinneavefoundation.org for technical support.

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

Celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) with us Friday, December 2 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Atrium at City Hall (800 Macleod Trail SE Calgary, AB).

This year’s theme is “It’s more than just a roof over our heads. Shelter is a basic human need; accessible housing should be a basic human right.”

This free event features:

  • Speaker, Ron Wickman, an architect specializing in barrier-free design,
  • Musical performance by Calgary’s own Taylor Nile,
  • Community vendors, artists, and networking opportunities, and
  • Multiple giveaways!

We will have a booth at the event and look forward to greeting you in person!

 

More about International Day of Persons with Disabilities

International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) was introduced by the United Nations in 1992 to celebrate the accomplishments and achievements that people with disabilities contribute to our community.
​
Each year on December we celebrate IDPD to:

  • Promote an understanding of disability issues
  • Mobilize support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of people with disabilities
  • Increase awareness of the value of integrating people with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic, and cultural life

There is an estimated one billion people living with disabilities worldwide, and many face barriers to inclusion in key aspects of society like transportation, employment, education and social and political participation. The right to participate in public life is essential to create stable democracies, active citizenship and reduce inequalities in society.

Raising awareness, promoting empowerment, and helping to create real opportunities for people with disabilities enhances their own capacities and supports them in setting their own priorities. Empowerment involves investing in jobs, health, nutrition, education, and social protection. When people are empowered they are better prepared to take advantage of opportunities, they become agents of change and can more readily embrace their civic responsibilities.

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

#ExperienceAutism is an innovative, free of charge service that offers a facilitated conversation for employers, post-secondary educators, and landlords interested in learning more about supporting positive interactions with people on the autism spectrum.

Focusing on Six Key Principles for Success, this work is instrumental in helping individuals and organizations develop ally-based actions that create and foster environments where everyone can thrive at:

  • Building relationships
  • Enhancing communication through collaboration
  • Identifying and implementing proactive strategies for inclusion.

These six principles are broadly applicable and beneficial to anyone who wants to create safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces in their places of work.

#ExperienceAutism In-person Session at The Sinneave Family Foundation

Wednesday, November 23rd from 1-2:30 p.m. MST at The Sinneave Family Foundation.
We are located in the Child Development Centre at the University of Calgary – 300, 3820-24th Ave NW
Please note: the closest parking is a paid parking lot, however, free parking passes are available by emailing info@sinneavefoundation.org.

A virtual drop-in session is also being offered on Wednesday, November 30th from 2-3:30 p.m. MST on Zoom. Click here if you prefer to register for the virtual session.

If you would like to sign your organization up for your own #ExperienceAutism session please email info@sinneavefoundation.org.

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

#ExperienceAutism is an innovative, free of charge service that offers a facilitated conversation for employers, post-secondary educators, and landlords interested in learning more about supporting positive interactions with people on the autism spectrum.

Focusing on Six Key Principles for Success, this work is instrumental in helping individuals and organizations develop ally-based actions that create and foster environments where everyone can thrive at:

  • Building relationships
  • Enhancing communication through collaboration
  • Identifying and implementing proactive strategies for inclusion.

These six principles are broadly applicable and beneficial to anyone who wants to create safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces in their places of work.

Virtual #ExperienceAutism Session at The Sinneave Family Foundation

When: Wednesday, November 30th from 2-3:30 p.m. MST

Where: Zoom (the Zoom link will be sent to you in your confirmation email after registering).

If you would like to sign your organization up for your own #ExperienceAutism session please email info@sinneavefoundation.org.

 

Questions? Contact Us!

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