We’re kicking off Neurodiversity Celebration Week with a celebration of all things Autism and you’re invited!
When we read or search about Autism online, one thing we notice is that a lot of the information uses negative-based and disability-focused language. Words like “inflexible”, “rigid”, “lack of” and “difficulty “are commonly found alongside the definitions of Autism.
However, we know that the medical model of disability which uses those terms doesn’t tell the whole story.
At The Sinneave Family Foundation, we are focused on changing the perception and language around Autism, starting with celebrating the many positive traits and characteristics common among Autistics and empowering those individuals to embrace who they are and what they have to offer.
In this celebration, we will shift the views on Autism towards the positives, amplify the strength and vibrancy of the Autistic culture, and ways we can support Autism inclusion in the workplace and in life. The event will include a short presentation, information sharing, and discussion in a safe and welcoming small group environment.
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24th Avenue NW Calgary, AB) OR virtually 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 an account, it’s easy! Click the button below that says, “Celebrating Autism! – Jan 4” 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 “Celebrating Autism! – Mar 19” and enroll.
Please note: While advance registration is not necessary for most of our Learning & Connection activities (you are welcome to just pop-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!
About the Presenter: Sherry Taylor has over 15 years of experience in the not-for-profit industry. She currently is the Program Coordinator with the EmploymentWorks program at Sinneave. She started working with the EW Online program and made the transition to the in-person program continuously developing curriculum and content for Autistic youth, adults, and persons with disabilities, and professionals.
If you have any questions about this session, please contact us by emailing info@sinneavefoundation.org or calling 403 210-5000.
P.S. Did you know there’s a quick access button to Sinneave Connects in the upper right corner of our Homepage.
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 its next board game evening Wednesday, March 13.
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.
Wednesday, March 13
5:30 – 7:00 p.m. in the café area at the Child Development Centre
3820 24th Avenue NW Calgary, AB (located at the Southeast corner of the University of Calgary campus, across from the Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House)
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.
Other dates this semester are:
Wednesday, March 27
Learn more about EmploymentWorks Online – a program for individuals who enjoy the flexibility and convenience of learning at their own pace and schedule.
You’re invited to join us for a virtual Lunch & Learn hosted by Autism Society Alberta’s Family Resouce Centres.
Monday, March 18, 2024
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
The online format and user friendly design of EW Online makes the program highly accessible by removing barriers to participation related to location, transportation, or fixed program schedules. To participate, all that is required is access to a computer or tablet, and a reliable internet connection. The program transforms the EmploymentWorks curriculum into a highly engaging learning experience, jam packed with interactive features, tools and resources, and offers a new way for autistic youth, adults and persons with disabilities to prepare for, find and keep jobs.
During the program, individuals can connect with program facilitators as needed to ask questions, discuss program content, and receive optional 1:1 job seeking support. When employment is gained during the program, on-the job supports are available to support integration into the workforce, such as equipment to perform job tasks, job coaching, and a wage subsidy that can be used by employers to help cover onboarding and training costs. Other program benefits include access to on-demand mental health resources and supports, and a unique communication tool to connect with program facilitators.
If you or someone you know is looking to develop essential pre-employment skills, attending this information session is a great way to start.
Reserve your spot today by clicking the button below.
Virtual Presentation – EmploymentWorks Online
Presenter Bio:
Ian Humphreys is a dedicated Employment Advisor at the Sinneave Famly Foundation. With the perspective of a neurodivergent self-advocate, Ian brings a unique outlook to his role. Currently overseeing EmploymentWorks program at The Ability Hub, Ian leads the delivery of in-person and online initiatives, ensuring successful participant outcomes. Ian’s expertise extends to advising the EmploymentWorks National Project, where he provides insights, innovation, and guidance to drive program success nationwide.
Join us for a virtual conversation about secure housing and its role as a social determinant of health.
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Hosted by Autism Society Alberta’s Family Resource Centres.
How does housing security fit into a comprehensive framework of social justice for Autistic people?
Christopher Whelan, an Autistic registered social worker, joins us for a conversation about secure housing and its role as a social determinant of health. This presentation will review the historic and ongoing context of housing insecurity for adult-aged Autistic Albertans, the resulting impacts on health, and policy suggestions for fair and equitable access to housing for Autistic Albertans.
To reserve your spot for this Lunch & Learn event, click the button below that says “Autistic Housing: A Framework for Social Health.”
Autistic Housing: A Framework for Social Health
About the Presenter
In 2020, Christopher Whelan conducted primary research regarding adult-aged Autistic Albertans’ experiences of housing and housing security. The findings of this research, published by the AIDE Canada network and the Sinneave Foundation, informed an actionable understanding of the social issues faced by the Autistic community.
Christopher Whelan has conducted interventions for housing security, addiction recovery, and mental wellness in multiple communities within Alberta and across Canada. They obtained a Master’s degree in Social Work in 2022, and currently perform clinical interventions for people who have lost their homes to climate-related disasters in Atlantic Canada.
Just in time for International Women’s Day! You’re invited to join in our March Women’s Group Thursday, March 7, 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 discuss various aspects of being autistic and what that means and looks like in day-to-day life. We will share our lived experiences and some of the coping strategies that can help in certain circumstances. These can include (but are not limited to): stimming, communication, lifestyle changes, sensory-friendly accommodations, leaning into special interests and finding neurodivergent community and support, plus many more.
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, March 7, 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 – March 7” event to enroll and access the virtual link.
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.
Is independent living one of your goals? Whether it’s 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 increase your confidence in the kitchen.
While preparing a tasty and well-balanced dinner, 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 for dinner!
Join us for The Joy of Cooking: Cooking Skills for Independent Living
Monday, March 11, 2024
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
The theme for this session is Breakfast for Dinner, featuring berry pancakes, frittatas and hash browns (Yum!)
Please note:
- This activity is in-person only and limited to six participants.
- 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
Registration for this session is required and takes place on 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.
- Pick a user name
- Pick a password (Don’t forget to record it somewhere safe for next time!)
- Register!
- Choose the “”Joy of Cooking” event dated March 11
OTHER IMPORTANT INFO:
*When you log in to the event using the button below, you’ll see a tab on the side that says, “Select Session” (see the screen shot below) Click on that box.
About the presenter: Sydney Crosby is a born and raised Calgarian who has had a passion for cooking ever since she was a child making cakes out of mud or sand in the back yard. Sydney is a former Launch + Skills participant who attended SAIT and graduated in 2022 with a professional cooking diploma. When Sydney isn’t working on her business or Youtube cooking channel, she likes to relax by listening to music, reading, writing, knitting. She also leads a Spark unit for Girl Guides, which she has been a member of for the past 15 years. Being creative and cooking a variety of dishes is something she really enjoys and her two favourite dishes are keto lemon cheesecake and a family recipe called Grandma’s Cheesy Potato’s.
*Please note: Our Joy of Cooking sessions are popular and can fill up quickly. If the session is full, you can choose to put your name on a waiting list. Just click the “enroll” button as usual. If a spot becomes available you will be emailed. Sometimes cancellations happen at the last minute and you will not receive a lot of advance notice.
Our next Art of Parenting…with Autism group meets Thursday, March 21 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. 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 particular session will offer advice and provide strategies on how to help pre-teens and teenagers through the hormonal chaos we’ve all been through at one point in our lives. The teen years can be a confusing time for kids and parents both. An autism diagnosis can sometimes add to the complexities, making managing the hormonal and emotional chaos even more challenging. We will discuss what coping, caring and compassion look like in the midst of the chaos.
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 – March 21” to be directed to the portal and follow the prompts.
- Pick a user name
- Pick a password
- Select “Register”
- Choose “The Art of Parenting – March 21” and enroll.
The Art of Parenting – March 21
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.
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 several Board Game Nights this semester.
Mark your calendar and plan to join in the fun – you don’t have to be a U of C student to participate, anyone who enjoys games is welcome.
For game-lovers, there is no better way to spend Valentine’s Day. You’re invited:
Wednesday, February 14
5:30 – 7:00 p.m. in the café area at the Child Development Centre
3820 24th Avenue NW Calgary, AB (located at the Southeast corner of the University of Calgary campus, across from the Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House)
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.
Other dates this semester are:
Wednesday, February 28
Wednesday, March 13
Wednesday, March 27
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 several Board Game Nights this semester.
Mark your calendar and plan to join in the fun – you don’t have to be a U of C student to participate, anyone who enjoys games is welcome.
You’re invited:
Wednesday, February 28
5:30 – 7:00 p.m. in the café area at the Child Development Centre
3820 24th Avenue NW Calgary, AB (located at the Southeast corner of the University of Calgary campus, across from the Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House)
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.
Other dates this semester are:
Wednesday, March 13
Wednesday, March 27
If you are an Autistic parent, or the parent of an Autistic child, you may find the support you need at our Art of Parenting…with Autism group.
Mark your calendar and plan to join us Thursday, February 29 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
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 educating families to recognize when stress has become too much and sharing strategies for reducing household and individual stress. Attendees will learn the “Traffic Light Method” for kids and pre-teens, a helpful calming technique developed and used by our facilitator–Joannie–with her own children. It is a highly effective method that works for many children.
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.
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 – February 29” 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 – February 29” and enroll.
The Art of Parenting – February 29
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.