March 10 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
How do you end or leave a conversation when it’s time to go? In this workshop, we’ll talk about strategies you can learn and practice to help you leave a conversation or end a conversation in tactful ways whether in a one-on-one conversation or a group.
In this workshop, you will gain the skills and knowledge to:
- Discuss strategies for exiting conversations
- Recognize disinterest in communication
- Manage rejection and move forward
- Set the stage for future engagements
Tuesday, March 10
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
There is no cost to attend this drop-in workshop
This workshop is designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn and practice essential social communication skills in a safe and welcoming setting. Participants will be provided with information, tips, and strategies intended to help in day-to-day social situations.
About the Presenter:
Yonatan Tesfagiorgis is a Life Skills Coach at The Sinneave Family Foundation and has been working with neurodivergent and Autistic individuals for over 8 years. He strives to offer skill building strategies using a neuro affirming framework and aspires to provide an inclusive space for all individuals.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403-210-5000. We’re here to help.
Related Events
March 9 @ 6:30 pm – 7:15 pm
The Housing Continuum Series is a 7-part virtual learning series offered in 2026. The housing continuum is the range of housing types typically available in a community. It represents an assortment of housing options and types, each critically important for different people at different times.
The fourth session will focus on community housing. Participants attending these sessions will strengthen their knowledge of the housing options in their community and understand how each part of the housing continuum works. They will also increase their understanding of how different types of housing can be welcoming, accessible, and inclusive for Autistic and neurodivergent people.
Monday, March 9
6:30 – 7:15 p.m.
Online via Sinneave Connects
This series will walk participants through each part of the housing continuum and provide real examples within Calgary. The sessions are designed to help people build their understanding of how housing works, what options exist, and how different housing environments can support Autistic and neurodivergent adults to live well in their communities.
There is no cost to attend these sessions and you can attend them all, or just the ones that seem interesting to you.
** Advance registration is required through Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub. **
Sinneave Connects is free, but you need to register for an account to use it.
If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s easy! Click the button that says, “Sinneave Connects” to access the hub and follow these steps:
- Create a user name
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy!)
- Select “Register”
- Choose “The Housing Continuum Series: Community Housing” event
- Click on the, “Enroll” button, and then press Confirm. Don’t forget to mark your calendar and attend!
About the Presenter:
Amy Tatterton is the Director of Learning and Connection at The Sinneave Family Foundation. Amy has a degree in Disability Studies and a Master of Education in Educational Research. She has worked in the disability services sector for over 15 years is passionate about systems-level changes that promote more neuroinclusive communities.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403-210-5000. We’re here to help.
Related Events
March 3 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Starting a conversation with someone new or joining in a conversation that is already underway can be difficult. In this workshop, we will learn and practice a few strategies to help you enter into conversations more confidently.
In this workshop, you will gain the skills and knowledge to:
- Feel more comfortable and confident in your communication skills
- Explain what is required for good conversation
- Identify ways to find a good conversation partner and show you’re interested in talking
- Practice strategies for starting and continuing conversations
- Prepare a list of future conversation topics
- Practice troubleshooting communication experiences
Tuesday, March 3
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
There is no cost to attend this drop-in workshop
This workshop is designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn and practice essential social communication skills in a safe and welcoming setting. Participants will be provided with information, tips, and strategies intended to help in day-to-day social situations.
About the Presenter:
Yonatan Tesfagiorgis is a Life Skills Coach at The Sinneave Family Foundation and has been working with neurodivergent and Autistic individuals for over 8 years. He strives to offer skill building strategies using a neuro affirming framework and aspires to provide an inclusive space for all individuals.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Related Events
March 19 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Join Autism Edmonton’s Autistic Journeys: Voices & Perspectives series, where individuals share their story of how they have become self-advocates. In this case, Heather will discuss how, as an aging adult, they have created a space for themselves. A specific focus will be on AISH and resources.
This learning session introduces you to a self-advocate who is creating space for everyone through the advocacy they are doing. Join to learn more and be inspired!
This session is brought to you by Autism Edmonton and The Sinneave Family Foundation.
Thursday, March 19, 2026
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Online via Autism Edmonton
Registration for this event is via Autism Edmonton’s website. You can register by clicking the button that says, “Register”.
About the Presenter:
Heather Hanninen Fairbairn is a disabled, nonbinary person working at the intersections of poverty, disability, housing, and women’s and gender-diverse people’s issues. Heather has multiple disabilities, and she is neurodivergent, which she considers an asset and not a disability.
Heather began to organize AISH recipients about 10 years ago by creating the first Facebook group for AISH-specific concerns and still plays an active role in her own group, The AISH Page, and associated AISH groups. AISH is Alberta’s provincial disability benefit.
Heather is part of the Pan-Canadian Voice for Women’s Housing’s (PCVWH) National Advisory Council and is grateful to have worked along with the amazing women and gender-diverse humans that make up that group.
Related Events
February 13 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Do you want to find a summer job, but you’re not sure where to start? Then this 2-day workshop series is for you! Two interactive sessions are designed to assist Autistic and neurodivergent youth and young adults to discover their strengths, build the skills needed to succeed in the job search journey, and explore summer job opportunities in the Calgary area.
The last two sessions on February 13, will focus on resume writing, job search strategies, interviewing skills, and workplace communication. Specifically, you will have the opportunity to:
- Review different resume formats and templates
- Receive step-by-step guidance on creating a professional and effective resume
- Receive tips on job search strategies, including online job boards
- Prepare for a job interview
- Conduct a mock interview and receive feedback from peers
- Discuss workplace communication skills
- Understand strategies for managing workplace stress and sensory overload
- Participate in role-playing exercises to practice effective communication in different workplace scenarios
Friday, February 13
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
Please note you do not need to attend both days of the workshop series. You can attend the day(s) that interest you the most! If you plan on attending both days, please ensure you register for both workshops.
**Please note space is limited to 8 participants and is on a first-come, first-served basis. Please register quickly to avoid disappointment. Thank you for your understanding.**
To Register:
If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s easy! Click the button that says, “Sinneave Connects” to access the learning hub and follow these steps:
- Create a user name
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
- Select “Register”
- Choose the Preparing for your Summer Job! – Day 2 of 2 event and click the Enroll button.
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.
Stéphanie Chapman is an Employment Works Bilingual Online Program Facilitator at The Sinneave Family Foundation. She has 15+ years of professional experience in the fields of education and disability across the lifespan.
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. Her passion, excitement, as well as creating a safe space always encouraging her participants autonomy, curiosity and empowering them on their journey.
If you have questions or need assistance, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call (403) 210-5000. We’re here to help!
Related Events
February 5 @ 12:00 pm – 3:15 pm
You are invited to join NEUROinclusive Workforce Solutions for an interactive event designed for employers and HR professionals who want to turn inclusion into action.
This event offers an opportunity to build employer confidence and capacity through practical training and education. Participants will connect with businesses and inclusion advocates in their community who are putting neuroinclusive practices into action.
Thursday, February 5
12:00 – 3:15 p.m. Pacific time
In-person at The Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront (1133 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC)
Workshop 1: The 6 Principles for Inclusion
Led by Ian Humphreys, this session introduces The Sinneave Family Foundation’s 6 Principles for Inclusion and explores how they can be applied to build more inclusive and effective workplaces.
Workshop 2: Inclusive Hiring in Action — Simple Shifts, Big Impact
Delivered by Jamie Millar-Dixon, this workshop focuses on practical, low-barrier changes employers can make to improve hiring practices and better support neurodiverse talent.
Attendees are welcome to attend both workshop sessions.
To learn more about this event and to register, click on the button that says, “Register your Organization”. You will be redirected to the event information page, please scroll down on that page to find more information on the Vancouver event.
Related Events
February 12 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Do you want to find a summer job, but you’re not sure where to start? Then this 2-day workshop series is for you! Four interactive sessions are designed to assist Autistic and neurodivergent youth and young adults to discover their strengths, build the skills needed to succeed in the job search journey, and explore summer job opportunities in the Calgary area.
The first two sessions on February 12, will focus on understanding your strengths and interests, and an introduction to summer job opportunities in the Calgary area. This will look like:
- Discussion on strengths and interests
- Self-assessment tools to identify skills, strengths, and interests
- Group brainstorming and sharing
- Creating a personal plan for success in a summer job, including goal-setting
- An introduction to industries and companies in the Calgary are that often hire seasonal workers
- Discussion on how to research and apply for jobs, including online postings and job fairs
- Activities to help prepare for the work environment, including workplace expectations.
Thursday, February 12
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
Please note you do not need to attend both days of the workshop series. You can attend the day(s) that interest you the most! If you plan on attending both days, please ensure you register for both workshops.
**Please note space is limited to 8 participants and is on a first-come, first-served basis. Please register quickly to avoid disappointment. Thank you for your understanding.**
To Register:
If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s easy! Click the button that says, “Sinneave Connects” to access the learning hub and follow these steps:
- Create a user name
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
- Select “Register”
- Choose the Preparing for your Summer Job! – Day 1 of 2 event and click the Enroll button.
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.
Stéphanie Chapman is an Employment Works Bilingual Online Program Facilitator at The Sinneave Family Foundation. She has 15+ years of professional experience in the fields of education and disability across the lifespan.
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. Her passion, excitement, as well as creating a safe space always encouraging her participants autonomy, curiosity and empowering them on their journey.
If you have questions or need assistance, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call (403) 210-5000. We’re here to help!
Related Events
January 19 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Applications for the March – April 2026 Executive Functioning (EF) Skills Group are now open. This group will run virtually for 6 weeks, starting Wednesday, March 4 through Wednesday, April 8. To participate in this Skills Group, you must apply through Sinneave Connects and be accepted into the group.
For more information about our Skills Groups and to apply, please visit our website.
Related Events
February 23 @ 6:30 pm – 7:15 pm
The Housing Continuum Series is a 7-part virtual learning series offered in 2026. The housing continuum is the range of housing types typically available in a community. It represents an assortment of housing options and types, each critically important for different people at different times.
The third session will focus on supportive housing. Participants attending these sessions will strengthen their knowledge of the housing options in their community and understand how each part of the housing continuum works. They will also increase their understanding of how different types of housing can be welcoming, accessible, and inclusive for Autistic and neurodivergent people.
Monday, February 23
6:30 – 7:15 p.m.
Online via Sinneave Connects
This series will walk participants through each part of the housing continuum and provide real examples within Calgary. The sessions are designed to help people build their understanding of how housing works, what options exist, and how different housing environments can support Autistic and neurodivergent adults to live well in their communities.
There is no cost to attend these sessions and you can attend them all, or just the ones that seem interesting to you.
** Advance registration is required through Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub. **
Sinneave Connects is free, but you need to register for an account to use it.
If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s easy! Click the button that says, “Sinneave Connects” to access the hub and follow these steps:
- Create a user name
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy!)
- Select “Register”
- Choose “The Housing Continuum Series: Supportive Housing” event
- Click on the, “Enroll” button, and then press Confirm. Don’t forget to mark your calendar and attend!
About the Presenter:
Amy Tatterton is the Director of Learning and Connection at The Sinneave Family Foundation. Amy has a degree in Disability Studies and a Master of Education in Educational Research. She has worked in the disability services sector for over 15 years is passionate about systems-level changes that promote more neuroinclusive communities.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403-210-5000. We’re here to help.
Related Events
February 18 @ 6:15 pm – 7:45 pm
Learn how to create meaningful and realistic goals and then take action to achieve them – one at a time.
In this fun and interactive session, participants will learn about the importance of values and how they inform our life goals. We will also learn about SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals and how to determine what yours might be.
Attendees will have an opportunity to participate in a values and a goal-setting exercise to practice these skills. There is no cost to attend this session.
Wednesday, February 18
6:15 pm – 7:45 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
P.S. Consider attending the Visioning workshop on February 25, as this workshop is a great way to follow up, helping you take practical and realistic steps towards making your vision for your life a reality.
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. He is a dedicated Life Coach 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.