October 6 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
What if one of the most overlooked pathways to employment inclusion for neurodivergent Canadians, wasn’t traditional employment at all?
You’re invited to join researchers from Signal49 for a 1-hour webinar (time listed here is Mountain Time) where they will discuss recent findings on self-employment for neurodivergent Canadians.
Sharing from Creating Their Own Path: Unlocking Self‑Employment for Neurodivergent Canadians, the presenters will translate research insights into practical knowledge for policymakers, service providers, educators, and ecosystem leaders.
They will explore what supports success, where barriers persist, and what it will take to make self-employment a recognized and supported pathway for neurodivergent workers in Canada.
Attendees will come away with practical information on how to strengthen neuroinclusive self-employment pathways as an inclusive workforce option, support system-level change, and help create more equitable employment opportunities for neurodivergent individuals.
The session will conclude with a Question and Answer period facilitated in English and French.
About the Presenter
Jennifer Fane is a neurodivergent researcher and educator specializing in neurodiversity, equity, inclusion, and workforce development. With an interdisciplinary PhD in education, social policy, and public health, her work focuses on systems change to create equitable opportunities for all.
She currently leads the neurodiversity research portfolio at Signal49 Research, conducting national-level research identifying the barriers neurodivergent Canadians encounter in education and workforce development, and advancing evidence-based strategies that support systems-level change.
Related Events
October 21 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
We are pleased to offer Carya’s Relationships With Your Adult Children group with a focus on supporting parents and caregivers of Autistic adults as they grow in independence.
This group is designed to support parents as they reflect on and adapt to changing relationships with their adult children. In this group, parents and caregivers will:
- Build understanding around family dynamics and how they change as children develop into adults,
- Learn how to maintain personal boundaries and communication skills to improve or support relationships with their adult children
- Learn how to maintain personal wellness when encountering challenging family relationships.
Participants will examine and explore their values when it comes to relationships with their children who are now adults. You will receive information from our experienced facilitators and be introduced to tools and information while having the chance to have group conversations with others who have similar experiences.
We are inviting interested parents, caregivers, and guardians to express interest in participating. As a first step, please book a 30-minute conversation with one of our facilitators. This is an opportunity to learn more about the group, ask questions, and explore whether the group is a good fit for you right now.
By participating in this group, we hope participants will gain the skills and knowledge to:
- Understand how family relationships change as their Autistic children become adults
- Improve communication and reduce misunderstandings
- Recognize their own values and identify how their values impact their boundaries
- Understand the importance of wellness and fostering a support circle
- Learn strategies that can be used to navigate conflicts with their adult Autistic child.
Please note: Because community and connection play a huge role in making this group a success, it is offered in-person only.
Wednesdays, October 21 through December 2 (no session Wednesday, November 11)
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
In-person at Carya’s Village Commons (210, 610 8th Avenue SE)
About Carya
Carya is a social impact agency that has been responding to the evolving social needs of the Calgary community since 1910.
With more than a century of expertise, they are deeply rooted in being a place of connection and support for Calgarians when and where they it most.
Carya impacts the lives of thousands of Calgarians each year, through a range of comprehensive, low to no-cost programs and services that enhance mental well-being, strengthen families, improve living conditions, and create meaningful social connections.
Visit their website to learn more about Carya Calgary.
Related Events
September 3 @ 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
UPDATE: Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have had to cancel tonight’s Your Time, Your Way. We hope to see you next time and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Members of our community are invited to drop-in and use our space on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays to unwind or recharge—with no pressure to engage in structured activities. We have several rooms available–a quiet lounge, computer desks, hang out sofas–you choose. It’s your time to use your way.
Each week, we offer a “third space”—a place separate from home, work, or school where there is no obligation to spend money on food or beverages—to members of our community.
We provide flexible seating, focus tools, and adjustable lighting options in an effort to make our space welcoming and inclusive to those who wish to spend time in it.
Drop-in hours are 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
Here are some suggestions of things you may like to do, but this is not an exhaustive list:
- Socializing: Chat with others, make new connections, or catch up with friends
- Using Computers: Access the internet, complete personal tasks, or explore hobbies online. Use our computers and wifi or bring your own device and connect via our network
- Relaxing: Sit quietly, read, listen to music with headphones, or just enjoy the calm space
- Independent Work: Bring personal projects, homework or studying you may need to do, or use the time to focus on tasks
- Unstructured Activities: puzzles, sketching, journaling, or engaging in other personal hobbies
- Exploring Resources: Learn about other programs, events, or services Sinneave offers
- Simply Being: Spend time in the space without any specific activity, just enjoying the presence of others without any expectations to engage
To ensure a welcoming and safe environment for all users, please read over the Rules of the Space before you arrive:
- Check-In is Required: Everyone signs in upon arrival
- No Alcohol or Drugs: This is a substance-free space for everyone’s safety and comfort
- Respectful Content and Behavior: No engagement with explicit content and all interactions should be respectful
- Noise Levels: Keep volume moderate to accommodate diverse activities
- No formal supervision provided: Attend and engage independently
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
October 21 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Our Employment Classroom workshops cover many topics related to finding a job, keeping a job, and thriving in the workplace. This includes employment preparedness, life skills, and soft skills for the workplace.
In this workshop, participants will:
- Expand on their understanding of self, their personality, and areas of strength
- Identify areas of interest
- Learn how greater understanding of these can help you to find a job suited to your skills, abilities, and interests
- Learn how to search industries and roles that are a good match for you.
This workshop combines classroom instruction and time to practice what you’ve learned with support from the facilitators, if needed. Attendees to these workshops must be able to participate independently.
Please note: These classes are limited to 15 attendees. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. *If the course is full, you will be added to a waitlist. Please do not attend until your registration has been confirmed by our staff.
About our Facilitator:
Marcela Montes-Lobos is an EmploymentWorks online facilitator at The Sinneave Family Foundation and is a late-diagnosed Hispanic neurodivergent adult who has embraced her unique diversity as well as her family’s. Having lived experience in language barriers, as well as other barriers that many neurodivergent folks face in life, she decided mid-life to return to school, leaving a career in the airline industry and becoming an Addiction and Disability Support Worker. She is passionate about creating safe spaces, always encouraging participants’ autonomy, curiosity and empowering them on their journey.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call our office 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
October 7 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Our Employment Classroom workshops cover many topics related to finding a job, keeping a job, and thriving in the workplace. This includes employment preparedness, life skills, and soft skills for the workplace.
In this workshop, participants will:
- Learn about their traits and personality and examine what they want to get out of work and a job
- Understand their natural skills, values, and motivations
- Learn what is required to set realistic and fulfilling employment goals
Increased understanding of self and your strengths can lead to a more satisfying and successful career journey.
This workshop combines classroom instruction and time to practice what you’ve learned with support from the facilitators, if needed. Attendees to these workshops must be able to participate independently.
Please note: These classes are limited to 15 attendees. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. *If the course is full, you will be added to a waitlist. Please do not attend until your registration has been confirmed by our staff.
About our Facilitator:
Marcela Montes-Lobos is an EmploymentWorks online facilitator at The Sinneave Family Foundation and is a late-diagnosed Hispanic neurodivergent adult who has embraced her unique diversity as well as her family’s. Having lived experience in language barriers, as well as other barriers that many neurodivergent folks face in life, she decided mid-life to return to school, leaving a career in the airline industry and becoming an Addiction and Disability Support Worker. She is passionate about creating safe spaces, always encouraging participants’ autonomy, curiosity and empowering them on their journey.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call our office 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
October 1 @ 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Members of our community are invited to drop-in and use our space on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays to unwind or recharge—with no pressure to engage in structured activities. We have several rooms available–a quiet lounge, computer desks, hang out sofas–you choose. It’s your time to use your way.
Each week, we offer a “third space”—a place separate from home, work, or school where there is no obligation to spend money on food or beverages.
We provide flexible seating, focus tools, and adjustable lighting options in an effort to make our space welcoming and inclusive to those who wish to spend time in it.
Drop-in hours are 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
Here are some suggestions of things you may like to do, but this is not an exhaustive list:
- Socializing: Chat with others, make new connections, or catch up with friends
- Using Computers: Access the internet, complete personal tasks, or explore hobbies online. Use our computers and wifi or bring your own device and connect via our network
- Relaxing: Sit quietly, read, listen to music with headphones, or just enjoy the calm space
- Independent Work: Bring personal projects, homework or studying you may need to do, or use the time to focus on tasks
- Unstructured Activities: puzzles, sketching, journaling, or engaging in other personal hobbies
- Exploring Resources: Learn about other programs, events, or services Sinneave offers
- Simply Being: Spend time in the space without any specific activity, just enjoying the presence of others without any expectations to engage
To ensure a welcoming and safe environment for all users, please read over the Rules of the Space before you arrive:
- Check-In is Required: Everyone signs in upon arrival
- No Alcohol or Drugs: This is a substance-free space for everyone’s safety and comfort
- Respectful Content and Behavior: No engagement with explicit content and all interactions should be respectful
- Noise Levels: Keep volume moderate to accommodate diverse activities
- No formal supervision provided: Attend and engage independently
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Tour Our Space
Whether you are preparing for your first visit or simply curious, we invite you to explore our space using the virtual tour on our website.
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 6 @ 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm
Updated with new and improved content, this engaging workshop is designed to provide Autistic and other neurodivergent individuals (aged 15+) with opportunities to reflect on the causes of, and to develop tools to effectively address, disagreements.
Our hope is that attendees will experience increased confidence in dealing with future disagreements.
In this session, participants will:
- Identify examples of disagreements in their lived experience
- Assess appropriate strategies for handling disagreements
- Practice strategies designed to help navigate disagreements, including troubleshooting real-life examples
- Feel more equipped and confident in their communication skills
Our social communication workshops are 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 Associate 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
Published: August 30, 2026
September brings a big transition for many recent high school graduates who may be starting university, college, trades training, or another post-secondary program.
For Autistic and neurodivergent students, this can mean navigating new expectations, schedules, learning environments, accommodation processes, and social experiences.
We encourage students to learn about the supports available through their institution first. Depending on the school, these may include accessibility services, academic advising, tutoring, counselling, assistive technology, financial aid, and peer supports.
Sinneave offers no-cost services and resources than can complement institutional supports…
September 29 @ 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
September 22 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 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 – Tuesday, September 8
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 – Tuesday, September 15
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:
Yonatan Tesfagiorgis is a Life Skills Coach with The Sinneave Family Foundation. He has more than a decade of experience working with Autistic and other neurodivergent adults.
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.