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.
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.
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!