April 14 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
You’ve probably heard the word “Self-advocacy” before, but do you know what it is and how to do it?
Self-advocacy is expressing your needs and preferences in a way that ensures your voice is heard in the decisions that impact your life. An important first step to self-advocacy is understanding the barriers you face and the strengths you bring to each situation.
In this session, you will learn what self-advocacy is and how it can benefit you. It will also help you understand your strengths and some of the barriers you face, which will enhance your ability to self-advocate.
Tuesday, April 14
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Online via Sinneave Connects
This session is one of 3 workshops designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn about self-advocacy and practice skills that will help build confidence in speaking up for yourself.
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 to access the online link. Just follow the prompts on the sign-in page.
As these sessions build on each other, attending all three is recommended, but not required. Other sessions in this series are:
Part Two – Starting the Conversation – Tuesday, April 28
This session will provide tips and strategies for you to practice communicating your needs with others, as well as how you can effectively start conversations about your needs.
Part Three – Finding Your Voice – Tuesday, May 12
This session will provide practical tips and strategies to help negotiate and discuss how you can have your needs met in your current environment. We will also have an opportunity to summarize and apply everything we have learned up to this point.
If you have questions or if you need help navigating Sinneave Connects, email info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403-210-5000. We are here to help!
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April 21 @ 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm
The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is one of the most powerful—and underused— financial programs in Canada.
Offering up to $90,000 in government grants and bonds, the RDSP has the potential to transform long-term financial security for individuals living with disabilities. Yet, hundreds of thousands of eligible Canadians either don’t have one, or don’t fully understand how to maximize it.
In this webinar, RDSP Educator Trish Van Sickle and Disability Tax Credit (DTC) Specialist Dr. Wayne McLeod walk you through the full journey, starting with the RDSP and connecting it back to the Disability Tax Credit that unlocks it.
Tuesday, April 21
6:30 – 7:45 p.m.
Online via Sinneave Connects
Attendees will learn:
- How the RDSP works
- Who qualifies
- How to maximize government grants, bonds, and long-term growth
- Common mistakes families make when opening an RDSP
- Key questions to ask any institution before choosing where to open one
- The Disability Tax Credit explained
- Why DTC applications get denied and how to strengthen them.
This session is education-first and designed to empower individuals, families, caregivers, and professionals with clarity, confidence, and actionable knowledge. There will be an opportunity to ask questions at the end.
Whether you are newly approved for the DTC, considering applying, or supporting someone who may qualify, this webinar will help you understand the full opportunity available—and how to make the most of it. Attendees are encouraged to invite a parent, partner, or support person if they would like someone close to them to learn alongside them.
Advance registration is required. Click on the button that says, “Sinneave Connects” to register.
If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, log in as usual. If you have not yet created an account, it’s free and easy to do. Follow the prompts on the log-in page.
If you are unable to make the April 21 webinar, we are offering it again on Tuesday, May 5. When you log-in, you can register for either session.
About the Presenters:
Dr. Wayne McLeod is a dedicated educator and advocate focused on helping Canadians successfully navigate the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). Through years of experience guiding families, Dr. McLeod understands how overwhelming and confusing the DTC process can be. Many eligible individuals are denied simply due to incomplete applications or unclear medical documentation. His approach centers on education, clarity, and ensuring applications are properly positioned to meet CRA requirements.
As the author of How to Successfully Apply for the Disability Tax Credit, Dr. McLeod provides practical, step-by-step guidance to help individuals, caregivers, and professionals confidently navigate the process and access the financial support they deserve.
His mission is simple: remove barriers, increase awareness, and help families turn DTC approval into long-term financial opportunity.
Trish Van Sickle is a passionate RDSP educator on a mission to ensure no eligible Canadian misses out on one of the most powerful financial programs in the country: the Registered Disability Savings Plan.
Despite offering up to $90,000 in government grants and bonds, hundreds of thousands of eligible Canadians still do not have an RDSP simply because they don’t understand how it works or where to start. That’s where Trish steps in.
She simplifies the complex, breaks down the rules, and focuses on education first. Whether families work with her directly or choose another institution, she equips them with the knowledge, confidence, and the right questions to ask so they can properly set up, manage, and maximize their RDSP.
Her mission is bold and clear: raise awareness, close the education gap, and connect as many Canadians as possible to the financial security they deserve.
If you have any questions, or need technical support accessing Sinneave Connects, reach out to us at info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We are here to help.
Related Events
May 5 @ 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm
The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is one of the most powerful—and underused—financial programs in Canada.
Offering up to $90,000 in government grants and bonds, the RDSP has the potential to transform long-term financial security for individuals living with disabilities. Yet, hundreds of thousands of eligible Canadians either don’t have one, or don’t fully understand how to maximize it.
In this webinar, RDSP Educator Trish Van Sickle and Disability Tax Credit (DTC) Specialist Dr. Wayne McLeod walk you through the full journey, starting with the RDSP and connecting it back to the Disability Tax Credit that unlocks it.
Tuesday, May 5
6:30 – 7:45 p.m.
Online via Sinneave Connects
Attendees will learn:
- How the RDSP works
- Who qualifies
- How to maximize government grants, bonds, and long-term growth
- Common mistakes families make when opening an RDSP
- Key questions to ask any institution before choosing where to open one
- The Disability Tax Credit explained
- Why DTC applications get denied and how to strengthen them.
This session is education-first and designed to empower individuals, families, caregivers, and professionals with clarity, confidence, and actionable knowledge. There will be an opportunity to ask questions at the end.
Whether you are newly approved for the DTC, considering applying, or supporting someone who may qualify, this webinar will help you understand the full opportunity available—and how to make the most of it. Attendees are encouraged to invite a parent, partner, or support person if they would like someone close to them to learn alongside them.
Advance registration is required. Click on the button that says, “Sinneave Connects” to register.
If you already have a Sinneave Connects account, log in as usual. If you have not yet created an account, it’s free and easy to do. Follow the prompts on the log-in page.
About the Presenters:
Dr. Wayne McLeod is a dedicated educator and advocate focused on helping Canadians successfully navigate the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). Through years of experience guiding families, Dr. McLeod understands how overwhelming and confusing the DTC process can be. Many eligible individuals are denied simply due to incomplete applications or unclear medical documentation. His approach centers on education, clarity, and ensuring applications are properly positioned to meet CRA requirements.
As the author of How to Successfully Apply for the Disability Tax Credit, Dr. McLeod provides practical, step-by-step guidance to help individuals, caregivers, and professionals confidently navigate the process and access the financial support they deserve.
His mission is simple: remove barriers, increase awareness, and help families turn DTC approval into long-term financial opportunity.
Trish Van Sickle is a passionate RDSP educator on a mission to ensure no eligible Canadian misses out on one of the most powerful financial programs in the country: the Registered Disability Savings Plan.
Despite offering up to $90,000 in government grants and bonds, hundreds of thousands of eligible Canadians still do not have an RDSP simply because they don’t understand how it works or where to start. That’s where Trish steps in.
She simplifies the complex, breaks down the rules, and focuses on education first. Whether families work with her directly or choose another institution, she equips them with the knowledge, confidence, and the right questions to ask so they can properly set up, manage, and maximize their RDSP.
Her mission is bold and clear: raise awareness, close the education gap, and connect as many Canadians as possible to the financial security they deserve.
If you have any questions, or need technical support accessing Sinneave Connects, reach out to us at info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We are here to help.
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March 16 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
The application window for the Spring Acceptance and Commitment Training Skills Group is now closed.
If you want to learn more about Skills Groups, visit our website: https://sinneavefoundation.org/services/skills-groups/
If you have questions, please reach out by email to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call us at 403 210-5000. We are here to help.
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April 30 @ 6:15 pm – 7:45 pm
This workshop series is for Autistic and neurodivergent individuals who want to build practical skills to understand, respond to, and help prevent bullying.
Together, we will explore why bullying happens, how to recognize it in different settings (including online and in the workplace), and how it uniquely affects neurodivergent people. These interactive sessions offer hands-on activities to practice strategies in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Please note: This is a skill-building series and not a bullying support group, or a substitute for professional mental health or crisis support. If you need immediate assistance, please visit Alberta.ca for resources.
Attendance at all the workshops is not mandatory, but we strongly encourage you to attend all three to most benefit from the content.
In Session 3, we will discuss:
- Noticing bullying behaviour in yourself
- What to do if you witness bullying
- How to help someone who is being bullied
- Ways to prevent future bullying
- Additional supports and anti-bullying resources
Tuesday, April 30
6:15 – 7:45 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
There is no cost to attend this workshop
Space in these sessions are limited, and advance registration is required through Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub. 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:
Kristen Coglon is a Life Skills Coach at The Sinneave Family Foundation. She has been working with Sinneave for over 4 years and has had a career in the Human Services field for more than 10 years. She has worked with individuals across the lifespan, and gained valuable skills and knowledge that contribute to her daily work. Kristen is a passionate and empathetic person who is happy to be a listening ear, supportive coach and an advocate for Autistic and neurodivergent adults.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call (403) 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Related Events
April 16 @ 6:15 pm – 7:45 pm
This workshop series is for Autistic and neurodivergent individuals who want to build practical skills to understand, respond to, and help prevent bullying.
Together, we will explore why bullying happens, how to recognize it in different settings (including online and in the workplace), and how it uniquely affects neurodivergent people. These interactive sessions offer hands-on activities to practice strategies in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Please note: This is a skill-building series and not a bullying support group, or a substitute for professional mental health or crisis support. If you need immediate assistance, please visit Alberta.ca for resources.
Attendance at all the workshops is not mandatory, but we strongly encourage you to attend all three to most benefit from the content.
In Session 1, we will discuss:
- The different types and places bullying happens
- Why bullying happens
- Autism and bullying
- Bullying vs. conflict, harassment and discrimination
- How bullying affects people
Thursday, April 16
6:15 – 7:45 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
There is no cost to attend this workshop
Space in these sessions are limited, and advance registration is required through Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub. 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:
Kristen Coglon is a Life Skills Coach at The Sinneave Family Foundation. She has been working with Sinneave for over 4 years and has had a career in the Human Services field for more than 10 years. She has worked with individuals across the lifespan, and gained valuable skills and knowledge that contribute to her daily work. Kristen is a passionate and empathetic person who is happy to be a listening ear, supportive coach and an advocate for Autistic and neurodivergent adults.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call (403) 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Related Events
April 23 @ 6:15 pm – 7:45 pm
This workshop series is for Autistic and neurodivergent individuals who want to build practical skills to understand, respond to, and help prevent bullying.
Together, we will explore why bullying happens, how to recognize it in different settings (including online and in the workplace), and how it uniquely affects neurodivergent people. These interactive sessions offer hands-on activities to practice strategies in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Please note: This is a skill-building series and not a bullying support group, or a substitute for professional mental health or crisis support. If you need immediate assistance, please visit Alberta.ca for resources.
Attendance at all the workshops is not mandatory, but we strongly encourage you to attend all three to most benefit from the content.
In Session 2, we will discuss:
- Things that contribute to and prevent bullying
- What to do if you’re being bullied
- Ways to deal with a bully
- Ways to cope with bullying
Tuesday, April 23
6:15 – 7:45 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
There is no cost to attend this workshop
Space in these sessions are limited, and advance registration is required through Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub. 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:
Kristen Coglon is a Life Skills Coach at The Sinneave Family Foundation. She has been working with Sinneave for over 4 years and has had a career in the Human Services field for more than 10 years. She has worked with individuals across the lifespan, and gained valuable skills and knowledge that contribute to her daily work. Kristen is a passionate and empathetic person who is happy to be a listening ear, supportive coach and an advocate for Autistic and neurodivergent adults.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call (403) 210-5000. We’re here to help.
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April 16 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Do you know communication can vastly differ between neurodivergent and neurotypical people? Without some understanding of these different communication styles, some interactions can be confusing and misunderstandings can occur. But, a little knowledge can go a long way.
In this social communication workshop, participants will gain the skills and knowledge to:
- Describe how communication can differ between neurodivergent and neurotypical people
- Recognize how communication across neurotypes is a form of cross-cultural communication
- Identify their own authentic communication preferences and needs
- Evaluate the benefits and challenges of using authentic communication in different settings
- Practice expressing or requesting their communication preferences and needs
Thursday, April 16
6:00 – 7:30 pm
In-person @ The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
There is no cost to attend
Our Social Communication workshops are designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals 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 in 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:
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 provides 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.
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April 14 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Women often face unique experiences as Autistic and neurodivergent individuals, including how we socialize, societal expectations, and how Autism is understood and expressed.
We’re thrilled to offer a group designed specifically for Autistic and neurodivergent adults (18+) who identify as women or who connect with experiences of womanhood.* This is not a therapy group, but rather, a supportive, non-clinical space to discuss and share ideas, lived experiences, and connect meaningfully with others.
The content and resources shared in this group are informed by both lived Autistic experience and research as they intersect with gendered experiences in society.
In this session, we’ll talk about different aspects of being Autistic and what that means and looks like in daily life. Participants are welcome to share lived experiences and discuss strategies that have been helpful for them.
Topics may include:
- Strategies for regulation
- Communication strategies
- Lifestyle changes
- Sensory-friendly accommodations
- Leaning into interests
- Finding neurodivergent community and support
*This group is intended for Autistic and neurodivergent folks who identify as women or who connect with experiences of womanhood, inclusive of non-binary and other 2SLGBTQ+ identities and expressions. This boundary ensures that participants can share openly without explanation, justification or judgement.
Please also note: During this session, Sinneave staff, guest presenters, and attendees may share information about community resources. Some information provided may not be accurate, up-to-date, or reliable for everyone. Attendees are also 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.
Tuesday, April 14
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
There is no cost to attend.
Registration is appreciated, but not required. If you sign up in advance, our facilitators are able to contact you in the event of a last-minute change in plans. Drop-ins are also welcome.
To register, log in to Sinneave Connects. If you don’t have a Sinneave Connects account yet, it’s easy! Click the button that says, Sinneave Connects to access the learning hub and follow these steps:
- Pick a username
- Pick a password
- Select “Register”
- Choose the Women’s Group: Peer Support for 18+ workshop and click on the enroll button
About the Presenters:
Kristen Coglon is a Life Skills Coach at The Sinneave Family Foundation. She has been working with Sinneave for more than 4 years and in the Human Services field for more than 10 years. Her experiences have been working with individuals across the lifespan, and she has gained valuable skills and knowledge that contribute to her daily work. Kristen is a passionate and empathetic person who is happy to be a listening ear, supportive coach, and an advocate for Autistic and neurodivergent adults.
Alexandra (Ali) Skeet is a Learning and Connection Associate at The Sinneave Family Foundation. She delivers the Information and Navigation service where they have the pleasure to meet with Autistic and neurodivergent individuals one-on-one to provide consistent, person-centred information and navigation to Sinneave programs and services, and/or community-based resources. Ali has both professional and lived experience navigating identity, and the intersectional impact of societal expectations/beliefs on neurodivergent individuals. They bring over a decade of experience in the field of mental health, and a passion for person-centered care and intersectional inclusivity.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call (403) 210-5000. We’re here to help.
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April 13 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Whether you live independently or it is one of your future goals, being able to confidently navigate your way around a kitchen and cook healthy meals are important life skills.
Preparing your own meals helps you to save money, control portion sizes, and make choices that match your nutritional needs. Most importantly, being able to cook for and feed yourself (and others!) builds self-sufficiency, confidence and can even be a creative outlet or social activity.
If learning to cook interests you, join us for the Joy of Cooking:
Monday, April 13
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
While cooking dinner together, participants will learn:
- 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
- How to work well with others in a team environment
As there is only light support provided by staff, 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 expected to help with clean up after the session.
This session is limited to six participants. If there are no spots available, you can sign up to be placed on a waiting list and a member of our team will reach out to you if spots open up.
To register, click the button that says, “Sinneave Connects.” If you don’t have a free Sinneave Connects account yet, you will need to create one. Follow the prompts on the log-in page.
About the Presenter:
Nathaniel Anderson is a 26-year-old cook from Calgary, where he has lived his entire life. He is a former participant of the Launch + Skills program, which he found extremely valuable. As a way of giving back, he hopes to use his skills and experiences to support others who may also need help.
Nathaniel began cooking at the age of 14 and has been working professionally for three years. During this time, he has gained experience in nearly every aspect of the job, including prepping ingredients, making cold salads, grilling, sautéing pastas and other dishes, and plating meals for both events and regular service. Outside of work, he enjoys playing video games and has a strong interest in history and music.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.