Published: October 1, 2026
Sometimes making your home work better for you does not mean changing where you live. It can mean changing how you live and function in the home you have.
For National Housing Day on November 22, 2026, The Sinneave Family Foundation (Sinneave) wants to celebrate the creative, practical, and personal ways Autistic people, their families, and natural supports make their homes and daily lives work better.
We are calling these “Home Hacks”: an adaptation, addition, setup, routine, or way of doing something at home that makes life a little easier, more comfortable, more enjoyable, or more successful.
Whether you live in an apartment or a house, whether you have a roommate, live with family members, or alone, we are looking for hacks that work in a variety of housing contexts.
We want to connect with Autistic people, parents, caregivers and natural supports across all ages and stages who are interested in sharing a home hack with us. Out of the home hacks submitted, Sinneave will select a small number to feature as part of a National Housing Day campaign on or around November 22.
View the full article for details on how to submit your “Home Hack” for consideration.
October 6 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
If you love playing board games and hanging out with awesome people, you’re invited to a Board Games Night with the UCalgary Autism Awareness Club
There will be a variety of board games available to play. All are welcome! You don’t need to be a UCalgary student to attend.
We hope to see you there!
If you have questions, please email autismawarenessucalgary@gmail.com directly.
The Ability Hub is located at 300, 3820 24 Avenue NW
Whether you’re 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 20 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
You are invited to join UCalgary’s Autism Awareness Club for their Trivia Night. If you love trivia this is a great opportunity to test your knowledge on a wide range of topics and have fun with a fantastic group of people.
All are welcome! You don’t need to be a UCalgary student to attend.
Tuesday, October 20
5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
We hope to see you there!
If you have questions, please email autismawarenessucalgary@gmail.com directly.
We invite you to explore our space using the virtual tour on our website. Whether you are preparing for your first visit, or just curious about our space, this will provide you with information you might need to be more comfortable in a space that is new to you.
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 29 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Are you interested in the programs and services The Sinneave Family Foundation (Sinneave) has to offer?
Are you, or is your child, Autistic or neurodivergent and age 15 or older?
This presentation is for you! Join us for a 60-minute virtual information session and Q & A and get to know all about us!
In our hour together, we share who Sinneave is and how we can support Autistic and neurodivergent youth and adults with the major life transitions they are facing. Things like:
- Graduating high school and attending post-secondary
- Getting a job
- Moving out and living independently
- And more!
This presentation is ideal for Autistic and neurodivergent individuals, their support networks, such as parents, caregivers and guardians, as well as local service providers and professionals who may be seeking more information about our programs and services in the Calgary area and beyond.
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 other neurodivergent individuals one-on-one to provide consistent, person-centred information, and navigate individuals to Sinneave programs and services and/or community-based resources. Ali has more than a decade of experience in the field of mental health, and has a passion for person-centered care and intersectional inclusivity.
If you need assistance, please don’t hesitate to 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 27 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
We are pleased to be partnering with the Centre for Sexuality to deliver a new, 4-part version of the Centre’s Relationship and Sexual Health program.
Facilitated through a neuro-affirming lens, these interactive workshops provide a welcoming and inclusive environment to explore the foundations of healthy relationships.
This program is intended for Autistic and neurodivergent adults identifying as women, as well as those who have been socialized as women. This includes two-spirit, transgender, nonbinary, and other gender-diverse people whose experiences have been shaped by those gendered expectations in society.
Creating a shared space around these lived experiences helps foster open, authentic conversation without the need for explanation, justification, or fear of judgement.
Join us to connect in a space intentionally designed with neurodivergent experiences in mind, recognizing both the strengths and unique experiences that can shape our relationships.
During these two-hour (with breaks), in-person workshops, you will also have the opportunity to discuss:
- Strategies to address and navigate common relationship challenges
- Sexual health resources
- Other questions asked through an anonymous “Questions Box”
Participants are encouraged to register for and attend all 4 sessions:
October 6 – Getting to Know You and “Relationship-you”
October 13 – Clarifying Consent and Building Boundaries
October 20 – Relationships: Navigating Healthy vs Harmful
October 27 – Dating: In-person and Online
About the Presenters
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 navigation to Sinneave programs and services, and/or community-based resources.
Ali has both professional and lived experience navigating identity, and the intersectional impact of societal expectations/beliefs on neurodivergent individuals. They bring over a decade of experience in the field of mental health, and a passion for person-centered care and intersectional inclusivity.
Elliot Mears is the Coordinator of Programs for People with Intellectual and Development Disabilities (PIDD) at the Centre for Sexuality. He is passionate about cultivating neuroaffirming learning environments for learners of all ages and has a strong background in art-based education. In his free time, you can find him line dancing at local honky-tonks.
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 20 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
We are pleased to be partnering with the Centre for Sexuality to deliver a new, 4-part version of the Centre’s Relationship and Sexual Health program.
Facilitated through a neuro-affirming lens, these interactive workshops provide a welcoming and inclusive environment to explore the foundations of healthy relationships.
This program is intended for Autistic and neurodivergent adults identifying as women, as well as those who have been socialized as women. This includes two-spirit, transgender, nonbinary, and other gender-diverse people whose experiences have been shaped by those gendered expectations in society. Creating a shared space around these lived experiences helps foster open, authentic conversation without the need for explanation, justification, or fear of judgement.
Join us to connect in a space intentionally designed with neurodivergent experiences in mind, recognizing both the strengths and unique experiences that can shape our relationships.
During these two-hour (with breaks), in-person workshops, you will also have the opportunity to discuss:
- Strategies to address and navigate common relationship challenges
- Sexual health resources
- Other questions asked through an anonymous “Questions Box”
Participants are encouraged to register for and attend all 4 sessions:
October 6 – Getting to Know You and “Relationship-you”
October 13 – Clarifying Consent and Building Boundaries
October 20 – Relationships: Navigating Healthy vs Harmful
October 27 – Dating: In-person and Online
About the Presenters
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 navigation to Sinneave programs and services, and/or community-based resources.
Ali has both professional and lived experience navigating identity, and the intersectional impact of societal expectations/beliefs on neurodivergent individuals. They bring over a decade of experience in the field of mental health, and a passion for person-centered care and intersectional inclusivity.
Elliot Mears is the Coordinator of Programs for People with Intellectual and Development Disabilities (PIDD) at the Centre for Sexuality. He is passionate about cultivating neuroaffirming learning environments for learners of all ages and has a strong background in art-based education. In his free time, you can find him line dancing at local honky-tonks.
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 13 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
We are pleased to be partnering with the Centre for Sexuality to deliver a new, 4-part version of the Centre’s Relationship and Sexual Health program.
Facilitated through a neuro-affirming lens, these interactive workshops provide a welcoming and inclusive environment to explore the foundations of healthy relationships.
This program is intended for Autistic and neurodivergent adults identifying as women, as well as those who have been socialized as women. This includes two-spirit, transgender, nonbinary, and other gender-diverse people whose experiences have been shaped by those gendered expectations in society. Creating a shared space around these lived experiences helps foster open, authentic conversation without the need for explanation, justification, or fear of judgement.
Join us to connect in a space intentionally designed with neurodivergent experiences in mind, recognizing both the strengths and unique experiences that can shape our relationships.
During these two-hour (with breaks), in-person workshops, you will also have the opportunity to discuss:
- Strategies to address and navigate common relationship challenges
- Sexual health resources
- Other questions asked through an anonymous “Questions Box”
Participants are encouraged to register for and attend all 4 sessions:
October 6 – Getting to Know You and “Relationship-you”
October 13 – Clarifying Consent and Building Boundaries
October 20 – Relationships: Navigating Healthy vs Harmful
October 27 – Dating: In-person and Online
About the Presenters
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 navigation to Sinneave programs and services, and/or community-based resources.
Ali has both professional and lived experience navigating identity, and the intersectional impact of societal expectations/beliefs on neurodivergent individuals. They bring over a decade of experience in the field of mental health, and a passion for person-centered care and intersectional inclusivity.
Elliot Mears is the Coordinator of Programs for People with Intellectual and Development Disabilities (PIDD) at the Centre for Sexuality. He is passionate about cultivating neuroaffirming learning environments for learners of all ages and has a strong background in art-based education. In his free time, you can find him line dancing at local honky-tonks.
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 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
We are pleased to be partnering with the Centre for Sexuality to deliver a new, 4-part version of the Centre’s Relationship and Sexual Health program.
Facilitated through a neuro-affirming lens, these interactive workshops provide a welcoming and inclusive environment to explore the foundations of healthy relationships.
This program is intended for Autistic and neurodivergent adults identifying as women, as well as those who have been socialized as women. This includes two-spirit, transgender, nonbinary, and other gender-diverse people whose experiences have been shaped by those gendered expectations in society. Creating a shared space around these lived experiences helps foster open, authentic conversation without the need for explanation, justification, or fear of judgement.
Join us to connect in a space intentionally designed with neurodivergent experiences in mind, recognizing both the strengths and unique experiences that can shape our relationships.
During these two-hour (with breaks), in-person workshops, you will also have the opportunity to discuss:
- Strategies to address and navigate common relationship challenges
- Sexual health resources
- Other questions asked through an anonymous “Questions Box”
Participants are encouraged to register for and attend all 4 sessions:
October 6 – Getting to Know You and “Relationship-you”
October 13 – Clarifying Consent and Building Boundaries
October 20 – Relationships: Navigating Healthy vs Harmful
October 27 – Dating: In-person and Online
About the Presenters
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 navigation to Sinneave programs and services, and/or community-based resources.
Ali has both professional and lived experience navigating identity, and the intersectional impact of societal expectations/beliefs on neurodivergent individuals. They bring over a decade of experience in the field of mental health, and a passion for person-centered care and intersectional inclusivity.
Elliot Mears is the Coordinator of Programs for People with Intellectual and Development Disabilities (PIDD) at the Centre for Sexuality. He is passionate about cultivating neuroaffirming learning environments for learners of all ages and has a strong background in art-based education. In his free time, you can find him line dancing at local honky-tonks.
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 19 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Whether you live independently or it is one of your future goals, being able to confidently navigate your way around a kitchen and cook healthy meals are important life skills.
Preparing your own meals helps you to save money, control portion sizes, and make choices that match your nutritional needs. Most importantly, being able to cook for and feed yourself (and others!) builds self-sufficiency, confidence and can even be a creative outlet or social activity.
The menu for this class is Chicken Quesadilla and a Garden Salad.
While cooking dinner together, participants will learn:
- 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
- How to work well with others in a team environment
As only light support is provided by staff, participants need to be able to follow instructions, must be willing to work in a small group to prepare the meal, and are expected to help with clean up after the session.
Please note: If you have dietary allergies or restrictions, our staff need to know this in advance of the class. *Once your registration is confirmed, please email info@sinneavefoundation.org with details.
Space in this activity is limited. Participants must apply and be accepted into the session.
About the Presenter:
Nathaniel Anderson is a 26-year-old cook from Calgary, where he has lived his entire life. He is a former participant of the Launch + Skills program, which he found extremely valuable. As a way of giving back, he hopes to use his skills and experiences to support others who may also need help.
Nathaniel began cooking at the age of 14 and has been working professionally for 3 years. During this time, he has gained experience in nearly every aspect of the job, including prepping ingredients, making cold salads, grilling, sautéing pastas and other dishes, and plating meals for both events and regular service. Outside of work, he enjoys playing video games and has a strong interest in history and music.
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 28 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Self-advocacy is expressing your needs and preferences in a way that ensures your voice is heard in the decisions that impact your life.
In this session, building on what was covered in sessions 1 and 2, attendees will learn practical tips and strategies that will help in effectively communicating about your needs with others.
When you have an understanding of what’s important to you, you can clearly communicate, set boundaries, and make decisions that align with your beliefs and goals.
This is 1 of 3 self-advocacy workshops designed to provide Autistic and other neurodivergent youth and adults (age 15+) with opportunities to learn about self-advocacy and practice skills that are essential to learning to speak up for yourself confidently.
Other upcoming self-advocacy workshops include:
The Art of Knowing Yourself – Wednesday, October 14
Learn what self-advocacy is and how it can benefit you. The content of this workshop will help you understand your strengths and some of the barriers you may face. This knowledge will enhance your ability to self-advocate.
Starting the Conversation – Wednesday, October 21
Learn tips and strategies for you to practice communicating your needs with others and learn how you can effectively start conversations about your needs.
About the presenter:
Cedric Nicholson is a certified professional life coach with over 20 years of experience mentoring, coaching, and supporting individuals in the developmental disability field. For the past 7.5 years, he has been proudly employed with the Sinneave Family Foundation. Cedric is passionate about empowering others to set meaningful goals, create effective plans, and take purposeful steps toward personal growth and self-improvement.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Neurodiversity Acknowledgement
We honour neurodiversity and strive to create environments that value the many ways people think, learn, and communicate. Our programs, services, and activities are designed to be neuroaffirming, accessible, and guided by the input from the people we serve.