Shifting Perspectives | By Louie Fermor
Calgary-based artist and writer, Louie Fermor, attended our local World Autism Acceptance Day celebrations on April 2, 2026. They captured some reflections at the event that challenge the reader to consider a shift in perspective.
In Calgary, April 2 dawned under a blanket of fresh snow that continued all day. It would have been easy to complain about the unwanted and out-of-sync weather, but, instead, Louie provides a humanizing peek into the sometimes out-of-sync experience of autism and how thinking differently isn’t a bad thing.
Click on the button to view or download the story. (PDF, 201 KB)
April 30 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
In this timely and important presentation, caregivers will discover how to communicate with and help their children safely participate in online gaming.
The workshop highlights the social, cultural, and cognitive benefits of online gaming while helping caregivers understand both the benefits and risks of gaming, the online community, and gaming culture.
This learning session is brought to you by Autism Edmonton in partnership with the YMCA.
Thursday, April 30
1:00 – 2:30 p.m. (Mountain Time)
Online via Autism Edmonton
Registration for this event is via Autism Edmonton’s Eventbrite page. You can register by clicking the button that says “Register.”
About the YMCA:
At YMCA, we believe in the power of people. Every day, our dedicated employees and volunteers bring energy, positivity, and inclusivity to everything they do. They are the spark that ignites potential in others – helping individuals grow, thrive, and truly belong.
When people feel connected and supported, communities become stronger, more resilient, and full of life. That’s the impact of people-powered change. Together, we create welcoming spaces where everyone is valued, differences are celebrated, and possibilities are endless. Be the spark. Shine bright. Help others shine too.
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June 18 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Get ready to dive into practical solutions and support for caregivers, together with Caregivers Alberta.
This insightful and empowering session focuses on proactive strategies to support employed caregivers in the workplace. It highlights ways to continue the conversation through initiatives like Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), caregiver-focused programs, and peer-support groups.
Together, we will discuss the importance of ongoing support to ensure caregivers feel valued and connected over time.
The goal is to build trust, reduce stress, and connect caregivers with resources while fostering an inclusive and understanding workplace.
This session is presented by Autism Edmonton in partnership with Caregivers Alberta and support from The Sinneave Family Foundation.
Thursday, June 18
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)
Online via Autism Edmonton
Registration for this event is via Autism Edmonton’s Eventbrite page. You can register by clicking the button that says “Register.”
About the Presenter
Christina Henderson is a highly motivated and professional trainer in workshop facilitation, administration, and program development. As the founder of Peerspective Consulting and Facilitation in Calgary, Alberta, and the Coordinator for Caregivers Alberta Work & Care program, Christina has collaborated with organizations across Canada to integrate positive and supportive programming into staff, client, and partner interactions.
Christina is the mom of twin sons who both have special needs. Her lived experience has given her a deep understanding of the importance of fostering supportive environments and empowering individuals through peer connections.
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June 24 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Are you interested in learning more about all the stages of the employment journey and the steps you can take to lead you on a path to success?
Our Employment Classroom series of workshops cover many topics related to finding a job and keeping a job, including employment preparedness, life skills, and soft skills for the workplace.
In this particular session, participants will learn:
- How to communicate effectively in a workplace setting
- How to give and receive feedback
- All about email etiquette
- How to navigate unwritten rules in the workplace
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn what is expected in professional settings, how to navigate specific questions, and receive and provide feedback, if desired.
Wednesday, June 24
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
This workshop combines classroom instruction and time to practice what you’ve learned with support from the facilitators, if needed. Attendees to these workshops must be able to participate independently.
Please note: These classes are limited to 15 attendees. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. *If the course is full, you will be added to a waitlist. Please do not attend until your registration has been confirmed by our staff.
To Register:
Click the button that says, Sinneave Connects to access registration through our online hub. If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s free and easy. Just follow the instructions on the Log-in page.
About our Facilitators:
Ryan Elkanah is a late-diagnosed AuDHD adult and professional relationship builder who brings curiosity, empathy, and lived experience to every space they enter. Having navigated masking, burnout, loss, and the ongoing work of reclaiming agency, they approach their work with humility, intention, and care. Ryan creates spaces where people can show up fully, where reflection and authenticity meet courage and growth. Grounded in a neuro-affirming, trauma-informed, person-centered, and strengths-based approach, they walk alongside others in the lifelong practice of becoming.
Marcela Montes-Lobos is an EmploymentWorks online facilitator at the Sinneave Family Foundation and is a late-diagnosed Hispanic neurodivergent adult who has embraced her unique diversity as well as her family’s. Having lived experience in language barriers, as well as other barriers that many neurodivergent folks face in life, she decided mid-life to return to school, leaving a career in the airline indjustry and becoming an Addiction and Disability Support Worker. She is passionate about creating safe spaces, always encouraging participants’ autonomy, curiosity and empowering them on their journey.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call our office at (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. Read the full neurodiversity acknowledgement on our website.
Related Events
Related Events
June 10 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Are you interested in learning more about all the stages of the employment journey and the steps you can take to lead you on a path to success?
Our Employment Classroom workshops cover many topics related to finding and keeping a job, including employment preparedness, life skills, and soft skills for the workplace.
In this particular session, participants will learn:
- How to ensure your resume gets through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)
- Who to include in your Reference List
- How to format your Reference List
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn what is expected in professional settings, how to navigate specific questions, and receive and provide feedback, if desired.
Wednesday, June 10
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
This workshop combines classroom instruction and time to practice what you’ve learned with support from the facilitators, if needed. Attendees to these workshops must be able to participate independently.
Please note: These classes are limited to 15 attendees. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. *If the course is full, you will be added to a waitlist. Please do not attend until your registration has been confirmed by our staff.
To Register:
Click the button that says, Sinneave Connects to access registration through our online hub. If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s free and easy. Just follow the instructions on the Log-in page.
About our Facilitators:
Ryan Elkanah is a late-diagnosed AuDHD adult and professional relationship builder who brings curiosity, empathy, and lived experience to every space they enter. Having navigated masking, burnout, loss, and the ongoing work of reclaiming agency, they approach their work with humility, intention, and care. Ryan creates spaces where people can show up fully, where reflection and authenticity meet courage and growth. Grounded in a neuro-affirming, trauma-informed, person-centered, and strengths-based approach, they walk alongside others in the lifelong practice of becoming.
Marcela Montes-Lobos is an EmploymentWorks online facilitator at the Sinneave Family Foundation and is a late-diagnosed Hispanic neurodivergent adult who has embraced her unique diversity as well as her family’s. Having lived experience in language barriers, as well as other barriers that many neurodivergent folks face in life, she decided mid-life to return to school, leaving a career in the airline indjustry and becoming an Addiction and Disability Support Worker. She is passionate about creating safe spaces, always encouraging participants’ autonomy, curiosity and empowering them on their journey.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call our office at (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. Read the full neurodiversity acknowledgement on our website.
Related Events
Related Events
June 3 @ 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Members of our community are invited to drop-in and use our space on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays to unwind or recharge—with no pressure to engage in structured activities. We have several rooms available–a quiet lounge, computer desks, hang out sofas–you choose. It’s your time to use your way.
Each week, we offer a “third space”—a place separate from home, work, or school where there is no obligation to spend money on food or beverages—to members of our community.
We provide flexible seating, focus tools, and adjustable lighting options in an effort to make our space welcoming and inclusive to those who wish to spend time in it.
Drop-in hours are 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Here are some suggestions of things you may like to do, but this is not an exhaustive list:
- Socializing: Chat with others, make new connections, or catch up with friends
- Using Computers: Access the internet, complete personal tasks, or explore hobbies online. Use our computers and wifi or bring your own device and connect via our network
- Relaxing: Sit quietly, read, listen to music with headphones, or just enjoy the calm space
- Independent Work: Bring personal projects, homework or studying you may need to do, or use the time to focus on tasks
- Unstructured Activities: puzzles, sketching, journaling, or engaging in other personal hobbies
- Exploring Resources: Learn about other programs, events, or services Sinneave offers
- Simply Being: Spend time in the space without any specific activity, just enjoying the presence of others without any expectations to engage
To ensure a welcoming and safe environment for all users, please read over the Rules of the Space before you arrive:
- Check-In is Required: Everyone signs in upon arrival
- No Alcohol or Drugs: This is a substance-free space for everyone’s safety and comfort
- Respectful Content and Behavior: No engagement with explicit content and all interactions should be respectful
- Noise Levels: Keep volume moderate to accommodate diverse activities
- No formal supervision provided: Attend and engage independently
Related Events
June 22 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Are you interested in the programs and services The Sinneave Family Foundation (Sinneave) has to offer? Are you or 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!
We will talk more about who we are and how we can support Autistic and neurodivergent youth and adults with the major life transitions they are facing. Some of these life transitions are:
- Graduating high school and going to university
- Getting a job
- Moving out and living independently
- And more!
Monday, June 22
10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Online via Sinneave Connects
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.
This webinar takes place on Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub. If you already have an account, just log-in as usual. If you need an account, it’s free and easy to set up. Click the button that says Sinneave Connects and follow the instructions on the log-in screen.
About the Presenter
Nabeeha Nadeem 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 providing consistent, person-centred information and navigating individuals to Sinneave programs and services and/or community-based resources.
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. Read the full neurodiversity acknowledgement on our website.
Related Events
June 24 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Navigating the healthcare system can often feel overwhelming–from knowing which provider to see, to preparing for appointments, asking the right questions, and managing follow-up care.
To support individuals in these everyday situations, this 60-minute facilitated session will introduce participants to four micro-eLearning modules, which are available on Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub:
- Figure Out Who to See,
- Plan for Your Next Health Appointment,
- Communicate Effectively During Appointments, and
- Take Charge of Follow-Up Care.
Learn how these resources can support you in different stages of the healthcare journey, and how to access them for ongoing use.
Wednesday, June 24
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Online via Sinneave Connects
This virtual session is hosted on Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub. If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s free and easy to set up. Click the button that says, “Sinneave Connects” and follow the prompts on the log-in screen.
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 neurodivergent individuals one-on-one to provide consistent, person-centred information, and navigate individuals to Sinneave programs and services and community-based resources. Ali has more than a decade of experience in the mental health field and has a passion for person-centred care and intersectional inclusivity.
If you have questions, please 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. Read the full neurodiversity acknowledgement on our website.
Related Events
May 26 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Navigating the healthcare system can often feel overwhelming–from knowing which provider to see, to preparing for appointments, asking the right questions, and managing follow-up care.
To support individuals in these everyday situations, this 60-minute facilitated session will introduce participants to four micro-eLearning modules, which are available on Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub:
- Figure Out Who to See,
- Plan for Your Next Health Appointment,
- Communicate Effectively During Appointments, and
- Take Charge of Follow-Up Care.
Learn how these resources can support you in different stages of the healthcare journey, and how to access them for ongoing use.
Tuesday, May 26
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Online via Sinneave Connects
This virtual session is hosted on Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub. If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s free and easy to set up. Click the button that says, “Sinneave Connects” and follow the prompts on the log-in screen.
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 neurodivergent individuals one-on-one to provide consistent, person-centred information, and navigate individuals to Sinneave programs and services and community-based resources. Ali has more than a decade of experience in the mental health field and has a passion for person-centred care and intersectional inclusivity.
If you have questions, please 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. Read the full neurodiversity acknowledgement on our website.
Related Events
May 6 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Do you find it difficult to communicate when someone disagrees with you? Do you struggle to know how to respond in moments of tension and conflict?
We have updated and improved our “Handling Disagreements” workshop to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals with opportunities to reflect on the causes of disagreements, and to develop tools to effectively address disagreements when they happen.
In this session, you will have the opportunity to:
- Learn the difference between disagreement and conflict through realistic, scenario-based examples
- Brainstorm with others the role emotion plays in disagreements and conflict
- Explore practical strategies for resolving disagreements
- Reflect on and measure your confidence at the beginning and end of the workshop
Please note: There will be an interactive component to this session and participants will need some sort of wi-fi enabled device (smartphone, tablet, or laptop) to access Slido.
Wednesday, May 6
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
There is no cost to attend
This workshop is designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals with opportunities to learn and practice a variety of social communication skills in a safe and welcoming setting. Participants will be provided with information, tips, and strategies that they can choose to apply common day-to-day social situations.
Advance registration is not required, however, if you want to sign up, our team can contact you in the event of any last minute changes or cancellations. Click the button that says “Sinneave Connects” to enroll in the course.
If you have not created a free Sinneave Connects account yet, you will need to do that. Just follow the prompts on the sign-in page.
About the Presenter:
Sanique Denton is a Life Skills Coach at The Sinneave Family Foundation and has been working with neurodivergent and Autistic individuals for more than 10 years. She has experience teaching and enhancing communication skills for Autistic individuals across their life span. She is passionate about fostering an inclusive community and supporting individuals to thrive and reach their full potential.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403-210-5000. We’re here to help.