Events

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!

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

Our next Art of Parenting…with Autism group meets Thursday, May 30 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. online via Sinneave Connects.

Each Art of Parenting session focuses on different aspects of parenting through the lens of being autistic and/or parenting Autistic children. Participants will receive encouragement, support and practical short and long term strategies for navigating parenting in the healthiest way possible, with a focus on self-care and compassion.

This particular session will cover the topic of parental guilt and how it impacts many parents. Feeling guilty and inadequate as a parent is a toxic anchor that can weigh you down. Together, we’ll explore ways to break unhealthy patterns of parental guilt and experience freedom from it. You are probably doing better than you think!

These sessions intend to educate, empower and encourage parents on their journey, as well as create a safe community of ongoing support. Participants will benefit from the practical information provided each session as well as the connection of others who share similar experiences.

During this session, Sinneave staff, guest presenters, and attendees may share information about community resources. Information provided may not always be accurate, up-to-date, or reliable. Attendees are encouraged to be critical consumers of information available on the internet. Providing information about a community resource is not endorsement and Sinneave does not assume any risk for the outcome of using the information shared during this session.

This session is FREE and entirely virtual, via our Sinneave Connects online learning platform.

If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you haven’t yet opened an account, it’s easy! Click the button below that says, “The Art of Parenting – May 30” to be directed to the portal and follow the prompts.

  1. Pick a user name
  2. Pick a password
  3. Select “Register”
  4. Choose “The Art of Parenting – May 30” and enroll.

The Art of Parenting – May 30

About the Presenter: Joannie Rosevear is a neurodivergent mother of five beautiful children. She is passionate about supporting and encouraging other families so they don’t feel alone in their journey. Her personal experience in parenting children both on and off the spectrum informs the work she does as a Program Facilitator with The Sinneave Family Foundation, knowing that, while books, resources and professionals are helpful, connecting with someone with lived experience and who “gets it” can be truly empowering.

If you have any questions about this event or if you need support navigating  the Sinneave Connects learning hub, please email info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help!

Please note: While advance registration is not necessary for most of our Learning & Connection activities (you are welcome to just drop-in), IF you do pre-register it helps us in our planning AND allows us to notify you in the event of a last-minute change or cancellation. Either way, we’d love to see you!

P.S. The quick access button to Sinneave Connects is on the upper right corner of our Homepage.

A screen grab of sinneavefoundation.org homepage with an arrow pointing to the Sinneave Connects button in the upper right corner

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

You’re invited to find community with our Women’s Group. In each meeting we provide timely information on topics that are important to Autistic women. These sessions are intended to provide a safe space for women to connect, ask questions, share stories, and enjoy valuable peer connection.

In this particular session, we will discuss Autistic Joy and provide tips and strategies for finding yours! The co-facilitators will share information on the topic and engage the group in discussion. Participants are invited to share the things that bring them joy, such as special interests, sensory experiences and more!

Please note: During this session, Sinneave staff, guest presenters, and attendees may share information about community resources. Information provided may not always be accurate, up-to-date, or reliable. Attendees are encouraged to be critical consumers of information available on the internet. Providing information about a community resource is not endorsement and Sinneave does not assume any risk for the outcome of using the information shared during this session.

All are welcome no matter how you identify, however, please be aware that information and resources provided are based on female assigned at birth. All gender expressions are welcome.

Join us Thursday, May 2, 2024

4:00 – 5:00 p.m. 

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

Attending in person is a great way to meet new people and practice essential social skills. However, if getting to The Ability Hub in person is a barrier for you, you can also attend online via Sinneave Connects, our online learning platform.

If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you haven’t yet opened a FREE account, it’s easy! Click the button below to be directed to the portal.

  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 “Women & Autism – May 2” event to enroll and access the virtual link.

Women & Autism – May 2

About the Presenters:

The Women’s Group is co-facilitated by two vibrant, Autistic self-advocates, who are passionate about sharing their lived experience and what it means to navigate life as neurodivergent women. Their hope is to create a safe space for autistic and neurodivergent women to learn from and help each other, make valuable peer connections, and have fun in the process.

If you have any questions about this session, or need help navigating Sinneave Connects, please contact us by emailing info@sinneavefoundation.org or calling 403 210-5000. We’re here to help!

Please note: While advance registration is not necessary for most of our Learning & Connection activities (you are welcome to just drop-in), IF you do pre-register it helps us in our planning AND allows us to notify you in the event of a last-minute change or cancellation. Either way, we’d love to see you!

P.S. The quick access button to Sinneave Connects is on the upper right corner of our Homepage.

A screen grab of sinneavefoundation.org homepage with an arrow pointing to the Sinneave Connects button in the upper right corner

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

The University of Calgary Autism Awareness Club is hosting a Movie Night!!!

Take a break from studying and join them for an evening of snacks, drinks and fun!

 

Thursday, April 11

5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

at The Sinneave Family Foundation

300, 3820 24 Ave NW

 

All are welcome! You don’t have to be a member or university student to participate, you just need to enjoy meeting and spending time with great people!

RSVP to autismawarenessucalgary@gmail.com so organizers know how many people to plan for.

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

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

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

Our Drop-in Social Communication workshops are back!

Join us to learn all about Handling Disagreements tactfully.

Tuesday, May 14, 2024 

4:00 – 5:30 p.m.

In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW) 

or Online via Sinneave Connects

Do you find it difficult to communicate when someone disagrees with you? In this session, we’ll talk about conflict and share tips to help you keep your cool when you’re in the middle of a disagreement, as well as provide strategies to help you work through it.

This session is one of six drop-in workshops designed to provide autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn and practice essential social communication skills. Each 90-minute workshop covers a different aspect of social communication, providing information, tips and strategies to help autistic and neurodivergent individuals to connect and thrive in social situations.

There is no cost to attend these sessions.

Advance registration is not required – you can attend them all (we recommend this!) or just the ones that seem interesting to you. Attending in person is a great way to meet new people and get hands-on practice. If attending in-person isn’t possible for you, you can also choose to attend virtually via Sinneave Connects, our online learning portal. Sinneave Connects is FREE, but you must register for an account to use it.

If you already have a Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s easy! Click the button below that says “Sinneave Connects” to access the portal and follow these steps:

  1. Create a user name
  2. Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
  3. Select “Register”
  4. Choose the Drop-in Workshop 6 – Handling Disagreements course to access the virtual link.

Sinneave Connects

Other Social Communication Workshop topics include:

The Art of Non-verbal Communication: Learning how to tell if others want to talk with you
Do you find it challenging to know if people are interested and willing to talk with you? In this session, we’ll talk about non-verbal communication and learn some of the visual cues and strategies you can use to find out.

Strategies for Entering Conversations: Easy ways to start or join social conversations
We know that starting a conversation or joining in a conversation that is already underway can be difficult. In this session, we’ll learn and practice a few strategies to help you enter into conversations more confidently.

Strategies for Exiting Conversations: Easy ways to end or leave a conversation
How do you end or leave a conversation when it’s time to go? In this session, we’ll talk about strategies you can learn and practice to help you leave a conversation or end a conversation in tactful ways.

Electronic Communication: Strategies for managing electronic communication and maintaining good mental health
Technology is rapidly changing and advancing. While we embrace the good things it has to offer, it has also introduced many new challenges. In this session, we’ll talk about the implications of online safety and discuss strategies for navigating electronic communication and maintaining good mental health in the process.

Establishing Social Connections: 5 Pro-tips for developing social relationships in your community
Meeting new people and making friends isn’t always easy. In this session, we’ll share 5 tips you can practice and use when it comes to making friends and maintaining social relationships.

Handling Disagreements in communication: Tips for keeping your cool
Do you find it difficult to communicate when someone disagrees with you? In this session, we’ll talk about conflict and share tips to help you keep your cool when you’re in the middle of a disagreement, as well as provide strategies to help you work through it.

If you have any questions about these workshops or if you need help navigating the Sinneave Connects online learning portal, please reach out by email at info@sinneavefoundation.org OR call us at 403 210-5000. We’re here for you!

Did you know? We have a quick access button to Sinneave Connects on our Homepage.

A screen grab of sinneavefoundation.org homepage with an arrow pointing to the Sinneave Connects button in the upper right corner

Questions? Contact Us!

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

Our Drop-in Social Communication workshops are back!

Join us to learn Strategies for Managing Electronic Communication

Tuesday, April 30, 2024 

4:00 – 5:30 p.m.

In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW) 

or Online via Sinneave Connects

Technology is rapidly changing and advancing. While we embrace the good things it has to offer, it has also introduced many new challenges. In this session, we’ll talk about the implications of online safety and discuss strategies for navigating electronic communication and maintaining good mental health in the process.

This session is one of six drop-in workshops designed to provide autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn and practice essential social communication skills. Each 90-minute workshop covers a different aspect of social communication, providing information, tips and strategies to help autistic and neurodivergent individuals to connect and thrive in social situations.

There is no cost to attend these sessions.

Advance registration is not required – you can attend them all (we recommend this!) or just the ones that seem interesting to you. Attending in person is a great way to meet new people and get hands-on practice. If attending in-person isn’t possible for you, you can also choose to attend virtually via Sinneave Connects, our online learning portal. Sinneave Connects is FREE, but you must register for an account to use it.

If you already have a Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s easy! Click the button below that says “Sinneave Connects” to access the portal and follow these steps:

  1. Create a user name
  2. Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
  3. Select “Register”
  4. Choose the Drop-in Workshop 4 – Strategies for Managing Electronic Communication course to access the virtual link.

Sinneave Connects

Other Social Communication Workshop topics include:

The Art of Non-verbal Communication: Learning how to tell if others want to talk with you
Do you find it challenging to know if people are interested and willing to talk with you? In this session, we’ll talk about non-verbal communication and learn some of the visual cues and strategies you can use to find out.

Strategies for Entering Conversations: Easy ways to start or join social conversations
We know that starting a conversation or joining in a conversation that is already underway can be difficult. In this session, we’ll learn and practice a few strategies to help you enter into conversations more confidently.

Strategies for Exiting Conversations: Easy ways to end or leave a conversation
How do you end or leave a conversation when it’s time to go? In this session, we’ll talk about strategies you can learn and practice to help you leave a conversation or end a conversation in tactful ways.

Electronic Communication: Strategies for managing electronic communication and maintaining good mental health
Technology is rapidly changing and advancing. While we embrace the good things it has to offer, it has also introduced many new challenges. In this session, we’ll talk about the implications of online safety and discuss strategies for navigating electronic communication and maintaining good mental health in the process.

Establishing Social Connections: 5 Pro-tips for developing social relationships in your community
Meeting new people and making friends isn’t always easy. In this session, we’ll share 5 tips you can practice and use when it comes to making friends and maintaining social relationships.

Handling Disagreements in communication: Tips for keeping your cool
Do you find it difficult to communicate when someone disagrees with you? In this session, we’ll talk about conflict and share tips to help you keep your cool when you’re in the middle of a disagreement, as well as provide strategies to help you work through it.

If you have any questions about these workshops or if you need help navigating the Sinneave Connects online learning portal, please reach out by email at info@sinneavefoundation.org OR call us at 403 210-5000. We’re here for you!

Did you know? We have a quick access button to Sinneave Connects on our Homepage.

A screen grab of sinneavefoundation.org homepage with an arrow pointing to the Sinneave Connects button in the upper right corner

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

Our Drop-in Social Communication workshops are back!

Join us to learn Strategies for Exiting Conversations.

Tuesday, April 23, 2024 

4:00 – 5:30 p.m.

In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW) 

or Online via Sinneave Connects

How do you end or leave a conversation when it’s time to go? In this session, we’ll talk about strategies you can learn and practice to help you leave a conversation or end a conversation in tactful ways.

This session is one of six drop-in workshops designed to provide autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn and practice essential social communication skills. Each 90-minute workshop covers a different aspect of social communication, providing information, tips and strategies to help autistic and neurodivergent individuals to connect and thrive in social situations.

There is no cost to attend these sessions.

Advance registration is not required – you can attend them all (we recommend this!) or just the ones that seem interesting to you. Attending in person is a great way to meet new people and get hands-on practice. If attending in-person isn’t possible for you, you can also choose to attend virtually via Sinneave Connects, our online learning portal. Sinneave Connects is FREE, but you must register for an account to use it.

If you already have a Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s easy! Click the button below that says “Sinneave Connects” to access the portal and follow these steps:

  1. Create a user name
  2. Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
  3. Select “Register”
  4. Choose the Drop-in Workshop 3 – Strategies for Exiting Conversations course to access the virtual link.

Sinneave Connects

Other Social Communication Workshop topics include:

The Art of Non-verbal Communication: Learning how to tell if others want to talk with you
Do you find it challenging to know if people are interested and willing to talk with you? In this session, we’ll talk about non-verbal communication and learn some of the visual cues and strategies you can use to find out.

Strategies for Entering Conversations: Easy ways to start or join social conversations
We know that starting a conversation or joining in a conversation that is already underway can be difficult. In this session, we’ll learn and practice a few strategies to help you enter into conversations more confidently.

Strategies for Exiting Conversations: Easy ways to end or leave a conversation
How do you end or leave a conversation when it’s time to go? In this session, we’ll talk about strategies you can learn and practice to help you leave a conversation or end a conversation in tactful ways.

Electronic Communication: Strategies for managing electronic communication and maintaining good mental health
Technology is rapidly changing and advancing. While we embrace the good things it has to offer, it has also introduced many new challenges. In this session, we’ll talk about the implications of online safety and discuss strategies for navigating electronic communication and maintaining good mental health in the process.

Establishing Social Connections: 5 Pro-tips for developing social relationships in your community
Meeting new people and making friends isn’t always easy. In this session, we’ll share 5 tips you can practice and use when it comes to making friends and maintaining social relationships.

Handling Disagreements in communication: Tips for keeping your cool
Do you find it difficult to communicate when someone disagrees with you? In this session, we’ll talk about conflict and share tips to help you keep your cool when you’re in the middle of a disagreement, as well as provide strategies to help you work through it.

If you have any questions about these workshops or if you need help navigating the Sinneave Connects online learning portal, please reach out by email at info@sinneavefoundation.org OR call us at 403 210-5000. We’re here for you!

Did you know? We have a quick access button to Sinneave Connects on our Homepage.

A screen grab of sinneavefoundation.org homepage with an arrow pointing to the Sinneave Connects button in the upper right corner

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

Our Drop-in Social Communication workshops are back!

Join us to learn Strategies for Entering Conversations!

Tuesday, April 16, 2024 

4:00 – 5:30 p.m.

In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW) 

or Online via Sinneave Connects

Starting a conversation with someone new or joining in a conversation that is already underway can be difficult. In this session, we’ll learn and practice a few strategies to help you enter into conversations more confidently.

This session is one of six drop-in workshops designed to provide autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn and practice essential social communication skills. Each 90-minute workshop covers a different aspect of social communication, providing information, tips and strategies to help autistic and neurodivergent individuals to connect and thrive in social situations.

There is no cost to attend these sessions.

Advance registration is not required – you can attend them all (we recommend this!) or just the ones that seem interesting to you. Attending in person is a great way to meet new people and get hands-on practice. If attending in-person isn’t possible for you, you can also choose to attend virtually via Sinneave Connects, our online learning portal. Sinneave Connects is FREE, but you must register for an account to use it.

If you already have a Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s easy! Click the button below that says “Sinneave Connects” to access the portal and follow these steps:

  1. Create a user name
  2. Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
  3. Select “Register”
  4. Choose the Drop-in Workshop 2 – Strategies for Entering Conversations course to access the virtual link.

Sinneave Connects

Other Social Communication Workshop topics include:

The Art of Non-verbal Communication: Learning how to tell if others want to talk with you
Do you find it challenging to know if people are interested and willing to talk with you? In this session, we’ll talk about non-verbal communication and learn some of the visual cues and strategies you can use to find out.

Strategies for Entering Conversations: Easy ways to start or join social conversations
We know that starting a conversation or joining in a conversation that is already underway can be difficult. In this session, we’ll learn and practice a few strategies to help you enter into conversations more confidently.

Strategies for Exiting Conversations: Easy ways to end or leave a conversation
How do you end or leave a conversation when it’s time to go? In this session, we’ll talk about strategies you can learn and practice to help you leave a conversation or end a conversation in tactful ways.

Electronic Communication: Strategies for managing electronic communication and maintaining good mental health
Technology is rapidly changing and advancing. While we embrace the good things it has to offer, it has also introduced many new challenges. In this session, we’ll talk about the implications of online safety and discuss strategies for navigating electronic communication and maintaining good mental health in the process.

Establishing Social Connections: 5 Pro-tips for developing social relationships in your community
Meeting new people and making friends isn’t always easy. In this session, we’ll share 5 tips you can practice and use when it comes to making friends and maintaining social relationships.

Handling Disagreements in communication: Tips for keeping your cool
Do you find it difficult to communicate when someone disagrees with you? In this session, we’ll talk about conflict and share tips to help you keep your cool when you’re in the middle of a disagreement, as well as provide strategies to help you work through it.

If you have any questions about these workshops or if you need help navigating the Sinneave Connects online learning portal, please reach out by email at info@sinneavefoundation.org OR call us at 403 210-5000. We’re here for you!

Did you know? We have a quick access button to Sinneave Connects on our Homepage.

A screen grab of sinneavefoundation.org homepage with an arrow pointing to the Sinneave Connects button in the upper right corner

Questions? Contact Us!

Can't find what you're looking for? Contact Us