Your pathway to housing starts here!

Many Autistic adults want to live on their own–to have their own home and control who comes and goes. For many, living independently is appealing because it lets people manage their environment. But the path to independent living varies for each person. The steps required and the length of time it takes is different for each individual. And the information online can be overwhelming.

That’s where the Autism Housing Network of Alberta comes in: providing resources to help Autistic people find housing solutions in Alberta, focusing on living as independently as possible.

Join us Wednesday, May 8 at 6:30 p.m.

In-person at Autism Edmonton (11720 Kingsway NW, Edmonton, AB)

or Online via EventBrite.

Our facilitator will take you step-by-step through the Alberta Housing Road Map. This tool has seven sections to help you explore different housing options and discover which might be right for you or your loved one. Each of the sections has its own webpage with information, resources and tools that will help you answer key questions.

The road map will navigate various tools which will help you:
  • Identify support needs
  • Budget
  • Navigate available housing providers
  • Identify housing priorities
  • Secure the tenancy
  • Move-in!!!

The Autism Housing Network of Alberta is committed to improving access to and quality of housing for Autistics and their families.

Let organizers know you’re attending In-person by registering using the button below that says, “I’m coming in-person”

I’m coming in-person

 

Or, let them know you’ll attend virtually by using the button below that says, “I’m attending Online”

I’m attending Online

If you have any questions about the Network or this event, please reach out to Drewe Rowbotham at housing@autismedmonton.org

Increase your confidence in the kitchen with our Joy of Cooking: Cooking Skills for Independent Living class.

Whether independent living is a short term goal and you’re planning to move out soon, or it’s a long-term goal for some time in the future – you can begin preparing for it now–starting in the kitchen!

This hands-on session is a great way to help you sharpen your skills.

While preparing a tasty menu, participants will also learn about:

  • the importance of good hygiene
  • cleanliness in the kitchen and the importance of preventing cross-contamination
  • the proper use of utensils
  • how to properly measure and prepare food, and
  • working with others.

And then, you’ll get to enjoy what you’ve made!

Join us Monday, May 6, 2024

5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)

The theme for this session is Appies and Peppies! (Appies is short for Appetizers. Peppies are rice and vegetable stuffed peppers)

This activity is in-person only and limited to six participants. Registration for this session is required and takes place on Sinneave Connects, our online Learning Hub. 

Important Information:

  • There will only be light support provided by staff, so participants need to be able to follow instructions and be willing to work in a small group to prepare the meal.
  • All supplies will be provided.
  • Participants are asked to stay and help clean up after the activity concludes.
  • Please inform us of any allergies BEFORE the event

Once the first 6 spaces fill up, you can choose to add your name to a Waiting List. If a spot opens up, you will get an email saying you have been registered. PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND unless you receive a confirmation email saying you have been registered in the class. If you aren’t sure, please email info@sinneavefoundation.org or call us at 403 210-5000.

To Register: 

If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual and enroll in the course. If this is the first time you’ve used Sinneave Connects, you will need to create a free account. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3. 

  1. Pick a user name
  2. Pick a password (Don’t forget to record it somewhere safe for next time!)
  3. Register!
  4. Choose the “”Joy of Cooking – May 6″ event

Joy of Cooking – May 6

*When you log in, you’ll see a tab on the side that says, “Enrollment Options” (see the screen shot below) Click on the box that says “Enroll”

A screen grab of the enrollment screen with an arrow and text indicating how to register

 

About the presenter: Before coming to Canada, Santiago “Santi” Ghio says he was a picky eater. When he was in high school, he learned how to cook through a special cooking program and his love of cooking led him to an internship program at SAIT. Soon after, he registered for SAIT’s culinary program and graduated in 2017 as a professional cook.

Now 28-years-old, Santi received an autism diagnosis in 2022 and participated in Sinneave’s Launch + Skills program. Having previously worked part-time in restuarants, Santi found his perfect match at Sobey’s where he’s worked in the Deli department for the past three years. The predictable routine of his work environment fits his needs perfectly.

Now, he wants to share his knowledge and love of cooking with others on the spectrum, inspiring them to develop confidence in the kitchen and build skills for independent living–and delicious eating!

The Autism Housing Network of Alberta is presenting Invest in Housing for Autistics: Models that Work, an exploration of existing and planned Autism-friendly housing projects!

There are unique and innovative ways to invest in your community on a large, medium and small scale. Housing is a great investment: build equity, turn a profit and help solve Alberta’s housing crunch. Equity deserving populations such as Autistic individuals and their families are a growing tenant pool. Now is the time to position yourself or your company as a leaer in a growing construction and property management niche.

Join us to learn how!

Friday, April 5, 2024

9:30 – 11:00 a.m.

If you live in the Fort McMurray area, register today to attend this FREE presentation in-person by clicking the button below that says “Attend In-person”

Main Hall, Unifor Local 707A

10019 MacDonald Ave

Ft. McMurray, AB

Attend In-person

While the in-person event is generously hosted by Autism Society Wood Buffalo Region, the discussion is applicable province-wide and people from across the province in rural and urban centres are invited to join virtually.

If you live elsewhere in the province, register to attend online via Eventbrite by clicking the button below that says “Attend Virtually”

Attend Virtually

 

If you have questions about this presentation, please reach out to Drewe at housing@autismedmonton.org

Is independent living one of your goals? Whether it’s a short term goal and you’re planning to move out soon, or it’s a long-term goal for some time in the future – you can begin preparing for it now–starting in the kitchen!

This hands-on session is a great way to help you increase your confidence in the kitchen.

While preparing a tasty and well-balanced dinner, participants will also learn about:

  • the importance of good hygiene
  • cleanliness in the kitchen and the importance of preventing cross-contamination
  • the proper use of utensils
  • how to properly measure and prepare food, and
  • working with others.

And then, you’ll get to enjoy what you’ve made for dinner!

Join us for The Joy of Cooking: Cooking Skills for Independent Living

Monday, March 11, 2024

5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)

The theme for this session is Breakfast for Dinner, featuring berry pancakes, frittatas and hash browns (Yum!)

Please note:

  • This activity is in-person only and limited to six participants.
  • There will only be light support provided by staff, so participants need to be able to follow instructions and be willing to work in a small group to prepare the meal.
  • All supplies will be provided.
  • Participants are asked to stay and help clean up after the activity concludes.
  • Please inform us of any allergies BEFORE the event

Registration for this session is required and takes place on Sinneave Connects, our online Learning Hub. If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual and enroll in the course. If this is the first time you’ve used Sinneave Connects, you will need to create a free account. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3. 

  1. Pick a user name
  2. Pick a password (Don’t forget to record it somewhere safe for next time!)
  3. Register!
  4. Choose the “”Joy of Cooking” event dated March 11

Joy of Cooking – March 11

OTHER IMPORTANT INFO:

*When you log in to the event using the button below, you’ll see a tab on the side that says, “Select Session” (see the screen shot below) Click on that box.

About the presenter:  Sydney Crosby is a born and raised Calgarian who has had a passion for cooking ever since she was a child making cakes out of mud or sand in the back yard. Sydney is a former Launch + Skills participant who attended SAIT and graduated in 2022 with a professional cooking diploma. When Sydney isn’t working on her business or Youtube cooking channel, she likes to relax by listening to music, reading, writing, knitting. She also leads a Spark unit for Girl Guides, which she has been a member of for the past 15 years. Being creative and cooking a variety of dishes is something she really enjoys and her two favourite dishes are keto lemon cheesecake and a family recipe called Grandma’s Cheesy Potato’s.

*Please note: Our Joy of Cooking sessions are popular and can fill up quickly. If the session is full, you can choose to put your name on a waiting list. Just click the “enroll” button as usual. If a spot becomes available you will be emailed. Sometimes cancellations happen at the last minute and you will not receive a lot of advance notice.

The Autism Housing Network of Alberta (AHNA), together with STEPS Society of Red Deer is hosting a Hybrid Resource Fair, with an eye to the future.

“Who Will Care for our Loved Ones in the Future” Resource Fair will bring together like-minded individuals and organizations to envision and plan for the future and explore various resources that can help shape the path ahead.

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

If you are in the Red Deer area, you’re invited to connect in-person at STEPS Society (2830 Bremner Avenue)

Participants from outside of Red Deer are invited to attend virtually from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. online via an Eventbrite link.

The event will feature:

  • Resource Fair booths for in-person attendees
  • A variety of guest speakers
  • Networking opportunities
  • Connecting with other families
  • Generating new ideas and insights

RSVP to reserve your spot today! When you click the buttons below, you will be directed to an EventBrite site to reserve your spot. There is no charge for this event.

To attend the in-person event, click the button below that says “I’m Coming to Red Deer”

I’m Coming to Red Deer!

To attend the virtual event, click the button below that says, “I’m Attending Virtually”

I’m attending Virtually!

 

If you have questions about this event, please reach out to STEPS Society by calling 403 343-6249 or email frc@epssworks.com

Is independent living one of your goals? Whether it’s a short term goal and you’re planning to move out soon, or it’s a long-term goal for some time in the future – you can begin preparing for it now–starting in the kitchen!

This hands-on session is a great way to help you increase your confidence in the kitchen.

While preparing a tasty and well-balanced dinner, participants will also learn about:

  • the importance of good hygiene
  • cleanliness in the kitchen and the importance of preventing cross-contamination
  • the proper use of utensils
  • how to properly measure and prepare food, and
  • working with others.

And then, you’ll get to enjoy what you’ve made for dinner!

Join us for The Joy of Cooking: Cooking Skills for Independent Living

Monday, December 4, 2023

5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)

The menu for this session is Spaghetti & Meatballs

This activity is in-person only and limited to six participants. There will only be light support provided by staff, so participants need to be able to follow instructions and be willing to work in a small group to prepare the meal. All supplies will be provided.

Registration for this session is required and takes place on Sinneave Connects, our online Learning Hub. If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual and enroll in the course. If this is the first time you’ve used Sinneave Connects, you will need to create a free account. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3. 

  1. Pick a user name
  2. Pick a password (Don’t forget to record it somewhere safe for next time!)
  3. Register!
  4. Choose the “”Joy of Cooking” event dated December 4

Joy of Cooking – December 4

OTHER IMPORTANT INFO:

*If you have a food allergy, please contact us so we can confirm the ingredients of the recipe.

*When you log in to the event using the button below, you’ll see a tab on the side that says, “Select Session” (see the screen shot below) Click on that box.

A screen shot of the Sinneave Connects course registration page. There is red text and an arrow pointing to the enrolment box, which is circled in red. It is intended to help people know what button to press in order to register.

 

About the presenter:  Sydney Crosby is a born and raised Calgarian who has had a passion for cooking ever since she was a child making cakes out of mud or sand in the back yard. Sydney is a former Launch + Skills participant who attended SAIT and graduated in 2022 with a professional cooking diploma. When Sydney isn’t working on her business or Youtube cooking channel, she likes to relax by listening to music, reading, writing, knitting. She also leads a Spark unit for Girl Guides, which she has been a member of for the past 15 years. Being creative and cooking a variety of dishes is something she really enjoys and her two favourite dishes are keto lemon cheesecake and a family recipe called Grandma’s Cheesy Potato’s.

*Please note: Our Joy of Cooking sessions are popular and can fill up quickly. If the session is full, you can choose to put your name on a waiting list. Just click the “enroll” button as usual. If a spot becomes available you will be emailed. Sometimes cancellations happen at the last minute and you will not receive a lot of advance notice.

Is independent living one of your goals? Whether it’s a short term goal and you’re planning to move out soon, or it’s a long-term goal for some time in the future – you can begin preparing for it now–starting in the kitchen!

Join us for The Joy of Cooking: Cooking Skills for Independent Living

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)

This hands-on session is a great way to help you increase your confidence in the kitchen.

While preparing a tasty and well-balanced dinner, participants will also learn about:

  • the importance of good hygiene
  • cleanliness in the kitchen and the importance of preventing cross-contamination
  • the proper use of utensils
  • how to properly measure and prepare food, and
  • working with others.

And then, you’ll get to enjoy what you’ve made for dinner!

The menu and theme for this session is Soul Soothing Soup and Sizzling Sandwich.

This activity is in-person only and limited to six participants. There will only be light support provided by staff, so participants need to be able to follow instructions and be willing to work in a small group to prepare the meal. All supplies will be provided.

Registration for this session is required and takes place on Sinneave Connects, our online Learning Hub. If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual and enroll in the course. If this is the first time you’ve used Sinneave Connects, you will need to create a free account. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3. 

  1. Pick a user name
  2. Pick a password (Don’t forget to record it somewhere safe for next time!)
  3. Register! Choose the “Joy of Cooking” event dated November 7.

IMPORTANT INFO: When you log in to the event using the button below, you’ll see a tab on the side that says, “Select Session” (see the screen shot below) Click on that box.

A screen shot of the registration page on Sinneave Connects

 

To enroll in this course, click the button below to access Sinneave Connects.

Joy of Cooking – November 7

If you have questions or need any assistance navigating Sinneave Connects, please email us at info@sinneavefoundation.org or call us at 403 210-5000. We’re here to help!

 

About the presenter: Before coming to Canada, Santiago “Santi” Ghio says he was a picky eater. When he was in high school, he learned how to cook through a special cooking program and his love of cooking led him to an internship program at SAIT. Soon after, he registered for SAIT’s culinary program and graduated in 2017 as a professional cook.

Now 28-years-old, Santi received an autism diagnosis in 2022 and participated in Sinneave’s Launch + Skills program. Having previously worked part-time in restuarants, Santi found his perfect match at Sobey’s where he’s worked in the Deli department for the past three years. The predictable routine of his work environment fits his needs perfectly.

Now, he wants to share his knowledge and love of cooking with others on the spectrum, inspiring them to develop confidence in the kitchen and build skills for independent living–and delicious eating!

Please note, this session is now FULL

*There is a waiting list and you can choose to put your name on that list. Just click the “enroll” button as usual. If a spot becomes available you will be emailed. Please note: sometimes cancellations happen at the last minute and you will not receive a lot of advance notice.

IF you receive an email saying you have been moved FROM the waiting list TO the course and you are not able to attend, please call 403 210-5000 and let us know so we can invite the next person on the wait list.

_________________________________________________________________

Is independent living one of your goals? Whether it’s a short term goal and you’re planning to move out soon, or it’s a long-term goal for some time in the future – you can begin preparing for it now–starting in the kitchen!

Join us for The Joy of Cooking: Cooking Skills for Independent Living

Monday, October 2nd

5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)

This hands-on session is a great way to help you increase your confidence in the kitchen.

While preparing a tasty and well-balanced dinner, participants will also learn about:

  • the importance of good hygiene
  • cleanliness in the kitchen and the importance of preventing cross-contamination
  • the proper use of utensils
  • how to properly measure and prepare food, and
  • working with others.

And then, you’ll get to enjoy what you’ve made for dinner!

The menu for this session is Hearty Black Bean Quesadillas.

This activity is in-person only and limited to six participants. There will only be light support provided by staff, so participants need to be able to follow instructions and be willing to work in a small group to prepare the meal. All supplies will be provided.

Registration for this session is required and takes place on Sinneave Connects, our online Learning Hub. If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual and enroll in the course. If this is the first time you’ve used Sinneave Connects, you will need to create a free account. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3. 

  1. Pick a user name
  2. Pick a password (Don’t forget to record it somewhere safe for next time!)
  3. Register!
  4. Choose the “”Joy of Cooking” event dated October 2

IMPORTANT INFO: When you log in to the event using the button below, you’ll see a tab on the side that says, “Select Session” (see the screen shot below) Click on that box.

A screen shot of the enrolment page as it appears on Sinneave Connects. There is an arrow and circle indicating where to click to enrol in the course.

To enroll in this course, click the button below to access Sinneave Connects.

Joy of Cooking – October 2

If you have questions or need any assistance navigating Sinneave Connects, please email us at info@sinneavefoundation.org or call us at 403 210-5000. We’re here to help!

 

About the presenter:  Sydney Crosby is a born and raised Calgarian who has had a passion for cooking ever since she was a child making cakes out of mud or sand in the back yard. Sydney is a former Launch + Skills participant who attended SAIT and graduated in 2022 with a professional cooking diploma. When Sydney isn’t working on her business or Youtube cooking channel, she likes to relax by listening to music, reading, writing, knitting. She also leads a Spark unit for Girl Guides, which she has been a member of for the past 15 years. Being creative and cooking a variety of dishes is something she really enjoys and her two favourite dishes are keto lemon cheesecake and a family recipe called Grandma’s Cheesy Potato’s.

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!

You’re invited to the Autism Housing Network of Alberta (AHNA) August meeting!

Wednesday, August 30

6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

In-person at the Autism Edmonton office (11720 Kingsway Avenue)

or Virtually via EventBrite.

This meeting will be an opportunity to share your thoughts and ideas so that AHNA can effectively respond to your needs.

What topics would you like to focus on in 2024?

Join us as we brainstorm creative housing solutions and the housing related topics which improve the quality of and access to housing for Autistic persons and their families. As a Roundtable Discussion you are encouraged to speak, however your silent input is also welcome! You can type in the chat, respond to the polls and make your voice heard.

We want to know:

  • Which topics need to be more thoroughly discussed?
  • Which topics haven’t been covered, that need addressing?
  • How can we be more innovative and creative in our approach?
  • What else can we be doing to support our work?

RSVP to attend using the appropriate button:

To attend in-person, RSVP by clicking here.

To attend virtually, RSVP by clicking here.

 

ALSO – SAVE THE DATE!

Wednesday, September 27 is a party!

Partner organization across the province will be hosting in-person events/watch-parties:

Edmonton: Autism Edmonton

Calgary: Sinneave Family Foundation

Lethbridge: Autism Society of Alberta: Family Resource Center

Red Deer: STEPS: Family Resource Center

 Stay tuned for more details to come!

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