December 12, 2024 @ 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Building on what we learned in Self-advocacy Parts One and Two, this session will provide practical tips and strategies for you to practice effectively communicating 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 session is one of a new series of three drop-in workshops designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn about self-advocacy and practice skills essential to learning to speak up for yourself confidently. Each 90-minute workshop will cover different aspects of self-advocating and provide information, tips, and strategies intended to help in day-to-day social situations.
As these sessions build on each other, attending all three is strongly recommended, but not required.
There is no cost to attend these sessions and you don’t need to register in advance.
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:
- Create a user name
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
- Select “Register”
- Choose the Self-advocacy Workshop Part Three: Finding Your Voice course to access the virtual link.
There are three workshops in this series:
*NEW* Self-advocacy Part One – Knowing Yourself
You’ve probably heard the word “Self-advocacy” before, but do you know what it is and how to do it?
Self-advocacy is expressing your needs and preferences in a way that ensures your voice is heard in the decisions that impact your life. An important first step to self-advocacy is understanding the barriers you face and the strengths you bring to each situation.
In this session, you will learn what self-advocacy is and how can it benefit you. This session will also help you understand your strengths and some of the barriers you face. This knowledge will enhance your ability to self-advocate.
As these sessions build on each other, attending all three is strongly recommended, but not required.
*NEW* Self-advocacy Part Two – Starting the Conversation
Building on what we learned in Self-advocacy Part One, this session will provide tips and strategies for you to practice communicating your needs with others, as well as how you can effectively start conversations about your needs.
*NEW* Self-advocacy Part Three – Finding Your Voice
Concluding what we learned in sessions one and two, this session will provide practical tips and strategies to help negotiate and discuss how you can have your needs met in your current environment. We will also have an opportunity to summarize and apply everything we have learned up to this point.
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!
PS Did you know? We have a quick access button to Sinneave Connects on our Homepage?
Related Events
Published: September 26, 2024
The Government of Canada has officially launched the Framework for Autism in Canada, Canada’s Autism Strategy, and opened applications for a National Autism Network.
This announcement marks a key milestone towards ensuring Autistic people in Canada are accepted, included, and supported to live fully throughout their lives, from childhood through adulthood.
The release of the National Autism Strategy brings hope, and we want to congratulate and thank Canada’s autism community for their tireless advocacy, which has no doubt been a significant factor leading up to this announcement.
While this is an important milestone for Autistic Canadians and their families, we recognize there is still work to be done. Sinneave looks forward to working with governments and communities to translate this plan into meaningful action and tangible outcomes.
Below is a summary of key points from the announcement to help you understand what it means for you.
Canada’s Autism Strategy is a multi-year action plan to help the federal government implement the Framework. It focuses on short- and medium-term initiatives and builds on existing programs and measures to address key priorities. The Strategy is intended to be updated on a regular basis to meet the changing needs of Autistic people in Canada.
Developed collaboratively with Autistic people, their families, caregivers, provinces, territories, Indigenous organizations and other stakeholders, these initiatives will require coordinated efforts across all levels of government as well as many partners, organizations, and individuals whose work touches on autism-related initiatives. The Government of Canada will continue to work with provinces and territories to advance the needs of Autistic people in Canada.
Click on the image to learn more about the Strategy.
Cover artist: Raymund Gabriel Concon
The Framework for Autism in Canada outlines guiding principles and best practices to shape national autism policy, programs and activities in Canada. It builds on the Government of Canada’s leadership role to advance best practices that support Autistic people of all ages, their families and caregivers.
The goal of the Framework is to promote the health and well-being of Autistic people, their advocates, families, and caregivers throughout their lives.
Click on the image to learn more about the Framework.
The National Autism Network will unite autism organizations, stakeholders, and people with lived experience from across Canada to help carry out the Framework and Strategy and address key priorities.
The network will be established as a stand-alone, not-for-profit organisation grounded in inclusivity. This means that autistic people are meaningfully involved in implementing both the Framework and the Strategy, ensuring that initiatives are relevant, practical and effective.
Eligible organizations may respond to the call for applications for the Network by November 25, 2024.
Click on the image to learn more about the Network.
Sinneave is dedicated to working with governments and communities to ensure this strategy is not just a promise, but a pathway to positive impact for Autistic individuals and families.
If you would like to read the official Government of Canada news release, you can find that HERE.
Maximizing the value of Job Supports
After nearly a year on disability leave during which she received both autism and ADHD diagnoses, Katelyn discovered the EmploymentWorks Online program. In preparing to re-enter the workforce she knew she could benefit from some additional workplace strategies and support and decided to register.
Staff Reflections
Sinneave staff shared what they wish to celebrate when reflecting on our work, our organization, and our impact in the community.
Watch the video (click on the play button) to hear their reflections.
A Perfect Academic Record
Sinneave’s scholarships and awards support Autistic youth transitioning from high school to further educational pursuits. For many, post-secondary education does not feel attainable. The reasons vary, but associated costs are often a barrier. For some students, receiving an award or scholarship can be life changing.
We are pleased to know that in big and small ways, our scholarships and awards make a difference to every student who receives one. They are often a stepping stone along the path to a larger goal.
Click on the button below to read the full story.
December 2, 2024 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Celebrate the season with the Autism Awareness Club UCalgary at its Holiday Movie Night!
Monday, December 2, 2024
5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
All are welcome. You don’t need to be a University of Calgary student to attend, you just need to enjoy having fun with a great group of individuals.
Let organizers know you’re coming by emailing autismawarenessucalgary@gmail.com.
Please note: This is not a Sinneave event. If you have questions, please email autismawarenessucalgary@gmail.com directly.
Related Events
November 18, 2024 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
If you enjoy playing board games and hanging out with a great group of people, you are invited to join the fun!
The Autism Awareness Club at University of Calgary (AACUC) is hosting another Board Games Night on Monday, November 18, 2024.
Mark your calendar and plan to attend – you don’t have to be a U of C student to participate, anyone who enjoys games is welcome.
5:30 – 7:00 p.m. in the café area at the Child Development Centre (3820 24th Avenue NW Calgary, AB)
There is no cost to attend, however attendees are asked to email autismawarenessucalgary@gmail.com to RSVP so organizers know how many people to expect and prepare for.
If you have any questions about this event, please email autismawarenessucalgary@gmail.com directly.
Related Events
November 5, 2024 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Drop-in and visit our Employment Specialists for FREE personalized coaching and guidance as you navigate your employment journey!
In November, join us on Tuesday, November 5 & 22, 2024
1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
Benefit from connecting with experienced professionals who understand neurodiversity and will help you identify your strengths, interests and potential career paths.
Participants are encouraged to bring their resumes, cover letters, curiosity and questions. Our facilitators will focus on helping you develop essential pre-employment skills, including:
- Creating a more effective resume and cover letter
- learning and practicing interview techniques
- job search strategies
- and more!
Support availability is limited and is on a “first come, first served” basis.
Our goal is to create an inclusive and supportive environment where neurodivergent individuals can access resources, gain valuable insights, and enhance their employability, confidence, and career prospects.
About our Facilitators:
Meet the Sinneave Employment Team: Sherry, Marcela and Ryan. They are a dedicated group of professionals committed to empowering neurodivergent individuals on their journeys towards meaningful employment and career success.
If you have questions about these sessions, please contact us by email at info@sinneavefoundation.org or call us at 403 210-5000.
Related Events
November 25, 2024 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Please note The Joy of Cooking Class that was scheduled for Monday, November 25, 2024 has been cancelled. Check back on our Event Calendar in the New Year to see when the next session will be held.
Related Events
November 21, 2024 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
The next Art of Parenting…with Autism group meets Thursday, November 21 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. online via Sinneave Connects.
Each Art of Parenting session focuses on a different aspect 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 focus on how parents can support their children–no matter what age–when they feel lost, left out and alone, and when they are feeling down. Being Autistic can often feel lonely; many Autistic people have difficulty making and maintaining friendships and experience social isolation. We want you to know you aren’t alone.
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.
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.
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 words below that say, “Sinneave Connects” to be directed to the portal and follow the prompts:
- Pick a user name
- Pick a passwork
- Select “Register”
- Choose “The Art of Parenting – November 21” and enroll