Are you an Autistic or neurodivergent high school or post-secondary student who’s thinking about getting a summer job?
You’re invited to join us for a special employment series designed just for you!
We know from experience that when a person has a better understanding of their strengths and interests it helps them feel more confident in taking steps to find a fulfilling job–so we’re here to help.
Get Ready for Your Summer Job! is a two-day workshop that will:
- guide participants in discovering their strengths and interests,
- provide an overview of various types of summer jobs,
- explore seasonal opportunities in the Calgary area, and
- share the necessary skills for successful employment, such as preparing a resume and cover letter, and honing interview skills.
This series takes place during Calgary Teachers’ Convention:
Thursday & Friday, February 15 & 16
1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
In-person @The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
We want to ensure our participants have the best possible experience, so to facilitate as much hands-on interaction as possible, this series is limited to 15 attendees. When you sign up, you are committing to attend both sessions.
Reserve your spot today by clicking the button below that says Get Ready for Your Summer Job! This button will direct you to Sinneave Connects, our online learning portal.
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, 4… When you click the button below, it will direct you to the portal. Follow the prompts from there.
- Create a Username
- Create a password (remember to keep it someplace safe for next time)
- Select “Register”
- Choose the “Get Ready for Your Summer Job!” session
Get Ready for Your Summer Job!
About the Presenter: Ian Humphreys is an Employment Advisor at The Sinneave Family Foundation. With more than 10 years of experience in the disability and employment sectors, he leads impactful programs for Autistic and neurodivergent individuals like EmploymentWorks and EmploymentWorks Online. He has also facilitated one-on-one employment coaching via our Drop-in Employment Support workshops. He is passionate about empowering individuals on their employment journeys, fostering both personal and professional growth, and aiding them in the successful transition to the workforce.
Do you have plans and dreams for your future, but aren’t sure of how to make them a reality?
Do you want to set meaningful goals for your life, but don’t know where to start?
This Learning & Connection activity may be just what you need!
Learn how to create meaningful and realistic goals and then take action steps to achieve them – one at a time.
In this session, participants will learn about the importance of values and how they inform our life goals. They will also learn about SMART goals and how to determine what yours might be. Attendees will have an opportunity to participate in a values exercise and a goal setting exercise to practice these skills.
Join us Thursday, February 15 from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24th Avenue NW in Calgary) If attending in person isn’t possible for you, you can also attend virtually via 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.
- Create a Username
- Create a password (remember to keep it someplace safe for next time)
- Select “Register”
- Choose the “Goal Setting: Creating a Blueprint for your Life – Feb. 15” session
To access Sinneave Connects, click on the button below that reads, “Goal Setting: Creating a Blueprint for your Life – Feb 15”
Goal Setting: Creating a Blueprint for your Life – Feb 15
About the Presenter:
Cedric Nicholson is a certified professional executive and life coach with 20 years of working with people who have various disabilities and 7 years working specifically with individuals on the spectrum. Cedric is passionate about personal development and helping people reach their highest potential and is currently a Life Skills coach in the Launch + Skills program at Sinneave.
If you have questions or need help navigating Sinneave Connects, please email us at info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help!
P.S. This session pairs perfectly with our Visioning: Creating a Blueprint for your Life session on February 8. To find out more about that session, visit the event page by clicking on the words, Visioning.
P.S. Did you know we have a quick access button to Sinneave Connects on the upper right corner of our Homepage? Once you have a Sinneave Connects account, you can go directly to the portal and see what’s new!
Did you know that visualizing life events and outcomes can increase your confidence?
Research shows that imagining or “seeing” yourself succeed helps you believe that it can–and will–happen. When you imagine taking steps through an event or activity and it goes well, your mind and body get ready to take those steps in real life.
In this great session, we’ll discuss the importance of Visioning and how it helps to create a positive self-image. Participants will learn about the power of thought and imagination and how increased confidence can help you take reasonable action steps towards making the vision and goals for your life a reality. Attendees will also be creating vision boards to take home.
Vision boards are tactile and visual tools to help you set goals around your education, career, family, relationships, and more. The images you choose can help represent what you’d like your life to look like. Creating a vision board can help you figure out what’s really important to you, which can help to inform your future steps. Displaying your vision board in a place where you regularly see it can be a great reminder of those things in your daily life.
You’re invited to join us Thursday, February 8, 2024 from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Due to the interactive nature of this event, it is offered in-person only at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
To ensure we have enough supplies you must register in advance to reserve your spot. There are only 10 spots, so don’t delay.
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, 4…
- Create a Username
- Create a password (remember to keep it someplace safe for next time)
- Select “Register”
- Choose the “Visioning: Creating a Blueprint for your Life – Feb 8” session
Visioning: Creating a Blueprint for your Life – Feb 8
About the Presenter:
Cedric Nicholson is a certified professional executive and life coach with 20 years of working with people who have various disabilities and 7 years working specifically with individuals on the spectrum. Cedric is passionate about personal development and helping people reach their highest potential and is currently a Life Skills coach in the Launch + Skills program at Sinneave.
If you have questions or need help navigating Sinneave Connects, please email us at info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help!
P.S. This session pairs perfectly with our Goal Setting: Creating a Blueprint for your Life session on February 15. To find out more about that session, visit the event page by clicking on the words, Goal Setting.
P.S. Did you know we have a quick access button to Sinneave Connects on the upper right corner of our Homepage? Once you have a Sinneave Connects account, you can go directly to the portal and see what’s new!
You’re invited to join in our February Women’s Group Thursday, February 1, 2024
In each Women’s Group, 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 continue previous discussions around relationships. This includes professional relationships, friendships at work, boundary setting, and sharing tips and tricks for socializing at work. If this is your first time, don’t worry–the content of each discussion is unique and previous attendance isn’t required to benefit from it.
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, February 1, 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.
- Pick a user name
- Pick a password (Don’t forget to record it somewhere safe for next time!)
- Register!
- Choose the “Women & Autism – February 2024 Women’s Group” event to enroll and access the virtual link.
Women & Autism – February 2024 Women’s Group
About the Presenter: Kristen Coglon has more than nine years of experience supporting adults on the spectrum to find community and thrive in their every day lives. She works as a Life Skills Coach with The Sinneave Family Foundation and is passionate about creating supportive and safe spaces for neurodivergent women to come together, share experiences, stories, resources and peer connection. Her hope is to foster a long-lasting community of women who support each other.
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.
If you are an autistic parent, or the parent of an autistic child, you are invited to attend our first Art of Parenting…with Autism session for 2024!
Each Art of Parenting session focuses on different aspects of parenting through the lens of being autistic and/or parenting autistic children. Through a short presentation, discussion and activities, 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 session will focus on how to find encouragement and hope in the midst of dealing with systemic issues occasionally encountered when dealing with schools, professionals, friends and outside of family. We will discuss strategies you can implement when you feel misunderstood, and provide compassionate advice on how to not give up when you feel discouraged or defeated.
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.
Mark your calendar and plan to join us Thursday, January 25 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
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 – January 25” to be directed to the portal and follow the prompts.
- Pick a user name
- Pick a password (Don’t forget to record it somewhere safe for next time!)
- Select “Register”
- Choose “The Art of Parenting – January 25” and enroll.
The Art of Parenting – January 25
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.
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”
To attend the virtual event, click the button below that says, “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
January 30, 2024 @ 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Do you find it challenging to know if people are interested and willing to talk with you?
Join us Tuesday, January 30, 2024 from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. to learn about non-verbal communication and some of the visual cues and strategies you can use to enhance communication in social settings.
This session is one of a series 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. All workshops are in-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW). 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. All sessions begin promptly at 4:00 p.m. If attending in-person presents a barrier 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 Drop-in Workshop – Non-verbal Communication course to access the virtual link.
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 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!Related Events
Parenting is fraught with joys and challenges on even the best days. But when you’re an autistic parent, these things can be amplified.
This new Exploration Session designed especially for parents covers the spectrum in two parts. It is for parents who are autistic and also, it is for parents of both autistic and non-autistic children.
Part 1 will focus on being an autistic parent and the art of balancing what you need versus the needs of your children. Through a short presentation, discussion and activities, participants will receive support and tips and strategies for navigating the joys and challenges of parenting and coping in the healthiest ways possible, with a focus on self-care and compassion.
If you are an autistic parent, or the parent of an autistic child, you will benefit from this session.
Join us Thursday, April 6 from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
This session is 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 a FREE account, it’s easy! Click the link below to be directed to the portal.
- Pick a user name
- Pick a password (Don’t forget to record it somewhere safe for next time!)
- Choose the “Art of Parenting – Part 1” event to be directed to the livestream.
The Art of Parenting…with Autism – Part 1 Virtual Link
If you have any questions about this Exploration Session or if you need support navigating the Sinneave Connects learning hub, please email info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000.
Part 2 will focus on parenting both autistic and non-autistic children. Coming Thursday, May 4 – Look for details coming soon!
“Work on Your Social Communication” workshops are back!
These workshops are 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 on connecting and thriving in social situations. Participants will have the opportunity to learn and practice new skills, receive feedback and mentorship in a small group setting.
All sessions are in-person at The Ability Hub, located on the 3rd floor of the Child Development Centre (3820 24th Avenue NW).
There is a Zoom option available if attending in person is a barrier for you. Email info@sinneavefoundation.org for the link.
There is no cost to attend these sessions.
Advance registration is not required and you can choose to attend them all, or only the ones that seem interesting to you.
All sessions begin promptly at 4:00 p.m.
The workshop topics and dates are as follows:
Tuesday, April 4– 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.
Tuesday, April 11 – 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.
Tuesday, April 18 – 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.
Tuesday, April 25 – Establishing Social Connections: 5 Pro-tips for successful social relationships.
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.
Tuesday, May 2 – Strategies for self care and electronic communication safety tips
Technology is rapidly changing and advancing. While we embrace the good things it has to offer, it has also introduced many new challenges. Particularly in the area of electronic communication and managing mental health. In this session, we’ll talk about the implications of online safety and discuss strategies for navigating electronic communication and maintaining good mental health.
Tuesday, May 9 – Handling Disagreements: Top tips for keeping your cool.
Do you get frustrated when someone disagrees with you? Do you find it difficult to stay calm and composed? In this session, we’ll talk about conflict and share the top tips to help you keep your cool when you’re in the middle of a disagreement and strategies to help you work through it.
If you have any questions, please contact us at info@sinneavefoundation.org.
We look forward to seeing you there!
April 5, 2023 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
