You’re invited to join in our February Women’s Group Thursday, February 1, 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 continue previous discussions around relationships. This includes professional relationships, friendships at work, boundary setting, and sharing tips and tricks for socializing at work. If this is your first time, don’t worry–the content of each discussion is unique and previous attendance isn’t required to benefit from it.
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, February 1, 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 – February 2024 Women’s Group” event to enroll and access the virtual link.
Women & Autism – February 2024 Women’s Group
About the Presenter: Kristen Coglon has more than nine years of experience supporting adults on the spectrum to find community and thrive in their every day lives. She works as a Life Skills Coach with The Sinneave Family Foundation and is passionate about creating supportive and safe spaces for neurodivergent women to come together, share experiences, stories, resources and peer connection. Her hope is to foster a long-lasting community of women who support each other.
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.
If you are an autistic parent, or the parent of an autistic child, you are invited to attend our first Art of Parenting…with Autism session for 2024!
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 how to find encouragement and hope in the midst of dealing with systemic issues occasionally encountered when dealing with schools, professionals, friends and outside of family. We will discuss strategies you can implement when you feel misunderstood, and provide compassionate advice on how to not give up when you feel discouraged or defeated.
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.
Mark your calendar and plan to join us Thursday, January 25 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
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 – January 25” 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 – January 25” and enroll.
The Art of Parenting – January 25
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.
The Autism Housing Network of Alberta (AHNA), together with STEPS Society of Red Deer is hosting a Hybrid Resource Fair, with an eye to the future.
“Who Will Care for our Loved Ones in the Future” Resource Fair will bring together like-minded individuals and organizations to envision and plan for the future and explore various resources that can help shape the path ahead.
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
If you are in the Red Deer area, you’re invited to connect in-person at STEPS Society (2830 Bremner Avenue)
Participants from outside of Red Deer are invited to attend virtually from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. online via an Eventbrite link.
The event will feature:
- Resource Fair booths for in-person attendees
- A variety of guest speakers
- Networking opportunities
- Connecting with other families
- Generating new ideas and insights
RSVP to reserve your spot today! When you click the buttons below, you will be directed to an EventBrite site to reserve your spot. There is no charge for this event.
To attend the in-person event, click the button below that says “I’m Coming to Red Deer”
To attend the virtual event, click the button below that says, “I’m Attending Virtually”
If you have questions about this event, please reach out to STEPS Society by calling 403 343-6249 or email frc@epssworks.com
Do you find it challenging to know if people are interested and willing to talk with you?
Join us Tuesday, January 30, 2024 from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. to learn about non-verbal communication and some of the visual cues and strategies you can use to enhance communication in social settings.
This session is one of a series of six drop-in workshops designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn and practice essential social communication skills. Each 90-minute workshop covers a different aspect of social communication, providing information, tips and strategies to help Autistic and neurodivergent individuals to connect and thrive in social situations.
All workshops are in-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW).
There is no cost to attend these sessions.
Advance registration is not required – you can attend them all (we recommend this!) or just the ones that seem interesting to you.
All sessions begin promptly at 4:00 p.m.
If attending in-person presents a barrier for you, you can also choose to attend virtually via Sinneave Connects, our online learning portal. Sinneave Connects is FREE, but you must register for an account to use it.
If you already have a Connects account, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s easy! Click the button below that says “Sinneave Connects” to access the portal and follow these steps:
- Create a user name
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
- Select “Register”
- Choose the Drop-in Workshop – Non-verbal Communication course to access the virtual link.
Drop-in Workshop – Non-verbal Communication: Learning how to tell if others want to talk with you
Other Social Communication Workshop topics include:
Non-verbal Communication: Learning how to tell if others want to talk with you
Do you find it challenging to know if people are interested and willing to talk with you? In this session, we’ll talk about non-verbal communication and learn some of the visual cues and strategies you can use to find out.
Strategies for Entering Conversations: Easy ways to start or join social conversations
We know that starting a conversation or joining in a conversation that is already underway can be difficult. In this session, we’ll learn and practice a few strategies to help you enter into conversations more confidently.
Strategies for Exiting Conversations: Easy ways to end or leave a conversation
How do you end or leave a conversation when it’s time to go? In this session, we’ll talk about strategies you can learn and practice to help you leave a conversation or end a conversation in tactful ways.
Electronic Communication: Strategies for managing electronic communication and and maintaining good mental health
Technology is rapidly changing and advancing. While we embrace the good things it has to offer, it has also introduced many new challenges. In this session, we’ll talk about the implications of online safety and discuss strategies for navigating electronic communication and maintaining good mental health in the process.
Establishing Social Connections: 5 Pro-tips for developing social relationships in your community
Meeting new people and making friends isn’t always easy. In this session, we’ll share 5 tips you can practice and use when it comes to making friends and maintaining social relationships.
Handling Disagreements in communication: Tips for keeping your cool
Do you find it difficult to communicate when someone disagrees with you? In this session, we’ll talk about conflict and share tips to help you keep your cool when you’re in the middle of a disagreement, as well as provide strategies to help you work through it.
If you have any questions about these workshops or if you need help navigating the Sinneave Connects online learning portal, please reach out by email at info@sinneavefoundation.org OR call us at 403 210-5000. We’re here for you!
You are invited to join Autism Awareness Club UCalgary (AACUC) for an Art Therapy Event!
Discover art therapy and learn how Autistic individuals use it as a communication tool to express their thoughts and feelings.
Channel your inner artist and practice drawing, colouring and painting.
Come join us for this relaxing event. It’s a great way to connect with peers and have fun!
Anyone can attend, including members and people who regularly attend our Board Game evenings.
Saturday, December 16, 2023
12:00 – 6:00 p.m.
@The Ability Hub – 300, 3820 24 Avenue NW Calgary, AB
As this is an in-person event, there are capacity limits. Please RSVP by Thursday, December 14 to autismawarenessucalgary@gmail.com so organizers can ensure they have enough space and supplies.
If you have any questions about the event or the AACUC, you can email the same address and someone will reply to you.
Take a small break from studying and do something FUN!
You are invited to join the University of Calgary Autism Awareness Club (AACUC) for a Gingerbread decorating event! You do not need to be a University of Calgary student to attend–everyone is welcome. It is a great way to connect with peers in a fun and friendly environment.
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
@The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
Please email your RSVP before Monday, December 11 to autismawarenessucalgary@gmail.com so organizers know how many people to prepare for and can ensure they have enough supplies.
If you have any questions about this event, please email the same address and someone will get back to you.
Due to unavoidable circumstances, the Art of Parenting with Autism session scheduled for December 21, 2023 is cancelled. We apologize for any inconvenience and invite you to check our Events Calendar for future dates.
The struggle is real! Just in time for the holidays, you are invited to join us for our next Art of Parenting session Thursday, December 21 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
In this particular session, we will be discussing daily sensory overload and health anxiety. The goal of the session is to give attendees a greater understanding of sensory overload and provide short and long-term ideas and strategies for managing it. The overall aim of this group is to help parents navigate the parenting journey in the healthiest way possible.
If you are an autistic parent, or the parent of an autistic child, you will benefit from this information and the connection of others who share similar experiences.
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!
We love supporting autistic and neurodivergent individuals in exploring career options. But, in doing so, we sometimes tend to think about and focus on more traditional roles and jobs first–the possibility of entrepreneurship isn’t often considered. But the reality is that entrepreneurship is a viable career option where neurodivergent people can thrive.
Many neurodivergent people are well suited to be entrepreneurs. By creating their own companies, people on the spectrum can develop a work environment that leverages their interests, strengths, skills and abilities, and accommodates their work style and comfort level. The flexibility of entrepreneurship opens up all kinds of employment opportunities to a talent pool that is very skilled and capable, but often underemployed due to the way society defines “work.”
If you’re interested to learn more about self-employment and the entrepreneurial journey, you’re invited to join us for an inspiring presentation featuring Margaux Wosk (they/them). Margaux is an autistic artist–among other things–and owner and operator of Retrophiliac, an online store. They are passionate about breaking down barriers that neurodivergent individuals face in society and empowering them to create the lives they want.
In this virtual presentation, Margaux will share:
- about their journey towards becoming an entrepreneur
- why self-employment works for them (and might for you too!)
- things they’ve learned along the way, and
- some action steps attendees can take, whether you are a self-advocate, a member of a support network (like parents, guardians, family member or friends), or a business owner, operator, or if you have influence where policy is being discussed and developed.
Join us:
Thursday, December 7, 2023
6:30 – 7:45 p.m. (Mountain Time)
Online via Sinneave Connects
There is no cost to attend this presentation, but you will need to create a FREE account to access our online platform. It’s easy! Click the button below that says, “Empowering Neurodiversity: The Entrepreneurial Journey.” You will be directed to the portal–just follow the prompts.
- Pick a user name
- Pick a password (Don’t forget to record it somewhere safe for next time!)
- Select “Register”
- Choose “Empowering Neurodiversity: The Entrepreneurial Journey” and enroll.
Empowering Neurodiversity: The Entrepreneurial Journey
If you need technical support navigating Sinneave Connects, please email us at info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help!
A little bit more about Margaux: Margaux Wosk (they/them)–owner and operator of Retrophiliac–is an autistic, non-binary, self-taught artist, designer, writer, entrepreneur, disability advocate and activist based in Vancouver, BC (Unceded Coast Salish Territory). Margaux has always been a creative person. Coming from an eccentric family of artists, they credit them for fostering their unique vision. They have been able to utilise their one-of-a-kind ideas as an outlet for positive change, self-expression, and vibrant works of art. Margaux designs merchandise including a line of neurodiversity pride pieces and hopes to break down barriers and eliminate stigma. Proudly, they use their art to open a dialogue of what Autistic and disabled people are capable of, and trailblaze the way for other self-employed people in their position.
Margaux’s body of work comes in many forms, including vibrant, retro inspired paintings and mixed media work, to enamel pins, patches and stickers. Most notably, Margaux’s neurodiversity and autistic pride collections have garnered attention from around the world.
They have received multiple BC Arts Council Grants, their art was featured on the cover of York University’s Mental Health Literacy Guide for Autism, they also have extensive press coverage and have shown in multiple galleries. Margaux’s merchandise is available on retrophiliac.etsy.com, as well as www.shopretrophiliac.com. They also have their items in 20 brick and mortar retail stores. They are the Lower Mainland West Director of BC People First, they founded the Facebook groups Made by Autistics Community and Made by Autistics Marketplace.
Creativity is in Margaux’s DNA. Being Neurodivergent helps them see things their own way. Expressing themself through art helps them connect to the world around them. They primarily work with acrylic paint and paint markers, they are also known to work with mixed media and digital works. They are inspired by pop culture of the 1960s, 70s, 80s and 90s. Margaux’s artist pseudonym “Retrophiliac” encapsulates their wonder with the past. Their art features a vibrant palette, expressive movement, and surreal worlds. When painting, they trust the process and allow themself to work intuitively, channeling their inner child and transforming the music they listen to into energetic pieces. The result is usually eye-catching colours, textures, shapes, and movement. Their primary themes are; rainbows, birds, flowers, houses, trees, and geometric shapes. They live their life in stunning colour and when they create art, it’s truly a piece of their soul.
AHNA is pleased to be hosting our monthly Housing Resources meeting in Calgary! Join us for a Potluck & Presentation and get to know your local and provincial support teams as well as the families they serve.
Our hope is to connect like-minded people to enhance the social- and community-based landscape of housing in Calgary and provide provincially relevant information about ongoing advocacy efforts in Alberta.
Bring a dish to share and join us:
Legacy on 5th
933 5 Avenue Southwest
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Guest speakers include:
Amy Tatterton: The Sinneave Family Foundation
Drewe Rowbotham: Autism Housing Network of Alberta
Representatives from Autism Calgary and Autism Society of Alberta will also be onhand.
Learn about how the Autism Alberta’s Alliance Housing Community of Practice will be advocating for better housing opportunities and outcomes for Autistic Albertans.
Learn about the Legacy on 5th affordable housing opportunity for Autistics.
Learn about the Sinneave Family Foundation programs and services.
Let us know you’re coming by registering in advance. Click the button below that says “I’m coming!” to reserve your spot.
If you want to join the meeting virtually at 7:00 p.m. click the button below that says, “Connect me online” to register.
If you have any questions about this event, please reach out to Tracy Mendoza at tracy@autismcalgary.com
If you enjoy playing a variety of 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 last Board Games Night of the semester.
Wednesday, November 29, 2023
5:30 – 7:00 p.m. in the café area at the Child Development Centre
3820 24th Avenue NW Calgary, AB (at the Southwest corner of the University of Calgary campus, across from the Children’s Hospital)
You don’t have to be a U of C student to participate, anyone who enjoys games is welcome.
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
Mark your calendar and plan to attend!
Stay tuned for some fun December activities, coming soon!