January 22 @ 6:45 pm – 7:45 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 can it 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.
Thursday, January 22, 2026
6:45 – 7:45 p.m.
Online via Sinneave Connects
This free, virtual workshop is hosted on Sinneave Connects, our online learning portal. Sinneave Connects is FREE, but you must register 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 Self-advocacy Workshop: Knowing Yourself – January 22 course to access the virtual link.
This session is one of three drop-in workshops designed to provide Autistic and neurodivergent individuals opportunities to learn about self-advocacy and practice skills essential to learning to speak up for yourself confidently. Each workshop covers different aspects of self-advocating and provides information, tips and strategies intended to help in day-to-day social situations.
As these sessions build on each other, attending all three is recommended, but not required.
Part Two – Starting the Conversation – Thursday, January 29
Building on what we learned in Workshop 1, 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 – Thursday, February 5
Concluding what we learned in Workshops 1 and 2, 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’re here to help!
Related Events
January 5 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Applications for the February – March 2026 Acceptance & Commitment Training (ACT) Skills Group are now closed. This group will run virtually for 8 weeks, starting Thursday, February 5 through Thursday, March 26.
For more information about our Skills Groups, please visit our website by clicking here.
Related Events
March 4 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
What now? Discovering autism later in life can be both liberating and disorienting. Many Autistic adults describe feeling “between worlds” no longer fitting the old stories they were told about themselves, yet still uncertain how to embrace a new way forward. Living The Good Life offers held space to share this journey with others who “get it”, so you don’t have to navigate it alone, while exploring new possibilities for identity, connection, and meaning.
This peer-facilitated drop-in group is for adults who are newly diagnosed, late-identified, or newly aware/self-diagnosed Autistic, and who are navigating the early stages of understanding what that means. Together, we explore what it means to “be Autistic” through storytelling, connection, reflection, and lived experience.
At its heart, this series is about beginning again from the other side of this liminal space. It isn’t about arriving at a fixed destination but stepping into an ongoing process of your becoming. Discovering, learning, and shaping your own path.
Wednesdays, January 21, February 4, February 18, March 4, 2026
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
This is not a therapy group. It is a space for mutual support, co-regulation, and honest, non-performative conversation. Everyone enters as an equal. Not as experts (including the facilitator) but as people, uncovering something we’ve always been.
Led by an Autistic facilitator(s) who are walking this road themselves, each session offers space to unmask, grieve, reframe, and slowly rebuild. Together, we’ll witness and support one another as we navigate loss, joy, hope, and the beginnings of a new relationship with ourselves, on our own terms.
Please note: This space is exclusively for people who identify as Autistic and are in the early stages of that discovery. It is not intended for allies, parents, professionals, or those who are curious but do not personally identify. This boundary ensures participants can share openly without explanation or justification.
The purpose of this group is to provide a supportive, non-clinical peer-led space for Autistic adults who are newly, late, or self-identified, to begin exploring what it means to live authentically for themselves after diagnosis.
In this pilot series, participants will:
- Engage with their feelings and reactions openly, recognizing that all emotions are valid (and can be “ACT’d” on) and important to their journey.
- Build trust in themselves again, their instincts, and their experiences as they navigate new understandings of identity.
- Explore life as an ongoing process, focusing on growth, self-discovery, and meaningful connection rather than fixed outcomes (or this is the “right way to…”), that they may have been stuck in.
- Witness and be witnessed (Leave grounded) by peers, fostering a sense of belonging, validation, and mutual support; Triaged support so people don’t have to do it alone.
- Begin cultivating a more authentic relationship with themselves, learning to move toward a personally meaningful version of their “the good life.”
**You can drop-in to any or all of the sessions, there is no cost to attend. **
About the Presenter:
Ryan Elkanah is a late-diagnosed AuDHD adult with lived experience navigating identity, masking, mental health, burnout, and loss, as well as reclaiming agency. They bring a neuro-affirming, values-driven, strength-based, and trauma-informed lens to peer support, grounded in experience as an Autistic self-advocate and facilitator at Sinneave.
With backgrounds in community development and youth work, Ryan creates and holds spaces for authentic connection, reflection, and witnessing. A lifelong learner, they are passionate about supporting those who have been misunderstood, marginalized, or overlooked, helping participants explore their own paths toward living authentically and embracing the ongoing process of self-discovery.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call (403) 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Related Events
February 18 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
What now? Discovering autism later in life can be both liberating and disorienting. Many Autistic adults describe feeling “between worlds” no longer fitting the old stories they were told about themselves, yet still uncertain how to embrace a new way forward. Living The Good Life offers held space to share this journey with others who “get it”, so you don’t have to navigate it alone, while exploring new possibilities for identity, connection, and meaning.
This peer-facilitated drop-in group is for adults who are newly diagnosed, late-identified, or newly aware/self-diagnosed Autistic, and who are navigating the early stages of understanding what that means. Together, we explore what it means to “be Autistic” through storytelling, connection, reflection, and lived experience.
At its heart, this series is about beginning again from the other side of this liminal space. It isn’t about arriving at a fixed destination but stepping into an ongoing process of your becoming. Discovering, learning, and shaping your own path.
Wednesdays, January 21, February 4, February 18, March 4, 2026
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
This is not a therapy group. It is a space for mutual support, co-regulation, and honest, non-performative conversation. Everyone enters as an equal. Not as experts (including the facilitator) but as people, uncovering something we’ve always been.
Led by an Autistic facilitator(s) who are walking this road themselves, each session offers space to unmask, grieve, reframe, and slowly rebuild. Together, we’ll witness and support one another as we navigate loss, joy, hope, and the beginnings of a new relationship with ourselves, on our own terms.
Please note: This space is exclusively for people who identify as Autistic and are in the early stages of that discovery. It is not intended for allies, parents, professionals, or those who are curious but do not personally identify. This boundary ensures participants can share openly without explanation or justification.
The purpose of this group is to provide a supportive, non-clinical peer-led space for Autistic adults who are newly, late, or self-identified, to begin exploring what it means to live authentically for themselves after diagnosis.
In this pilot series, participants will:
- Engage with their feelings and reactions openly, recognizing that all emotions are valid (and can be “ACT’d” on) and important to their journey.
- Build trust in themselves again, their instincts, and their experiences as they navigate new understandings of identity.
- Explore life as an ongoing process, focusing on growth, self-discovery, and meaningful connection rather than fixed outcomes (or this is the “right way to…”), that they may have been stuck in.
- Witness and be witnessed (Leave grounded) by peers, fostering a sense of belonging, validation, and mutual support; Triaged support so people don’t have to do it alone.
- Begin cultivating a more authentic relationship with themselves, learning to move toward a personally meaningful version of their “the good life.”
**You can drop-in to any or all of the sessions, there is no cost to attend. **
About the Presenter:
Ryan Elkanah is a late-diagnosed AuDHD adult with lived experience navigating identity, masking, mental health, burnout, and loss, as well as reclaiming agency. They bring a neuro-affirming, values-driven, strength-based, and trauma-informed lens to peer support, grounded in experience as an Autistic self-advocate and facilitator at Sinneave.
With backgrounds in community development and youth work, Ryan creates and holds spaces for authentic connection, reflection, and witnessing. A lifelong learner, they are passionate about supporting those who have been misunderstood, marginalized, or overlooked, helping participants explore their own paths toward living authentically and embracing the ongoing process of self-discovery.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call (403) 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Related Events
February 4 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
What now? Discovering autism later in life can be both liberating and disorienting. Many Autistic adults describe feeling “between worlds” no longer fitting the old stories they were told about themselves, yet still uncertain how to embrace a new way forward. Living The Good Life offers held space to share this journey with others who “get it”, so you don’t have to navigate it alone, while exploring new possibilities for identity, connection, and meaning.
This peer-facilitated drop-in group is for adults who are newly diagnosed, late-identified, or newly aware/self-diagnosed Autistic, and who are navigating the early stages of understanding what that means. Together, we explore what it means to “be Autistic” through storytelling, connection, reflection, and lived experience.
At its heart, this series is about beginning again from the other side of this liminal space. It isn’t about arriving at a fixed destination but stepping into an ongoing process of your becoming. Discovering, learning, and shaping your own path.
Wednesdays, January 21, February 4, February 18, March 4, 2026
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
This is not a therapy group. It is a space for mutual support, co-regulation, and honest, non-performative conversation. Everyone enters as an equal. Not as experts (including the facilitator) but as people, uncovering something we’ve always been.
Led by an Autistic facilitator(s) who are walking this road themselves, each session offers space to unmask, grieve, reframe, and slowly rebuild. Together, we’ll witness and support one another as we navigate loss, joy, hope, and the beginnings of a new relationship with ourselves, on our own terms.
Please note: This space is exclusively for people who identify as Autistic and are in the early stages of that discovery. It is not intended for allies, parents, professionals, or those who are curious but do not personally identify. This boundary ensures participants can share openly without explanation or justification.
The purpose of this group is to provide a supportive, non-clinical peer-led space for Autistic adults who are newly, late, or self-identified, to begin exploring what it means to live authentically for themselves after diagnosis.
In this pilot series, participants will:
- Engage with their feelings and reactions openly, recognizing that all emotions are valid (and can be “ACT’d” on) and important to their journey.
- Build trust in themselves again, their instincts, and their experiences as they navigate new understandings of identity.
- Explore life as an ongoing process, focusing on growth, self-discovery, and meaningful connection rather than fixed outcomes (or this is the “right way to…”), that they may have been stuck in.
- Witness and be witnessed (Leave grounded) by peers, fostering a sense of belonging, validation, and mutual support; Triaged support so people don’t have to do it alone.
- Begin cultivating a more authentic relationship with themselves, learning to move toward a personally meaningful version of their “the good life.”
**You can drop-in to any or all of the sessions, there is no cost to attend. **
About the Presenter:
Ryan Elkanah is a late-diagnosed AuDHD adult with lived experience navigating identity, masking, mental health, burnout, and loss, as well as reclaiming agency. They bring a neuro-affirming, values-driven, strength-based, and trauma-informed lens to peer support, grounded in experience as an Autistic self-advocate and facilitator at Sinneave.
With backgrounds in community development and youth work, Ryan creates and holds spaces for authentic connection, reflection, and witnessing. A lifelong learner, they are passionate about supporting those who have been misunderstood, marginalized, or overlooked, helping participants explore their own paths toward living authentically and embracing the ongoing process of self-discovery.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call (403) 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Related Events
January 21 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
What now? Discovering autism later in life can be both liberating and disorienting. Many Autistic adults describe feeling “between worlds” no longer fitting the old stories they were told about themselves, yet still uncertain how to embrace a new way forward. Living The Good Life offers held space to share this journey with others who “get it”, so you don’t have to navigate it alone, while exploring new possibilities for identity, connection, and meaning.
This peer-facilitated drop-in group is for adults who are newly diagnosed, late-identified, or newly aware/self-diagnosed Autistic, and who are navigating the early stages of understanding what that means. Together, we explore what it means to “be Autistic” beyond the clinical lens through storytelling, connection, reflection, and lived experience.
At its heart, this series is about beginning again from the other side of this liminal space. It isn’t about arriving at a fixed destination but stepping into an ongoing process of your becoming. Discovering, learning, and shaping your own path.
Wednesdays, January 21, February 4, February 18, March 4, 2026
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
This is not a therapy group. It is a space for mutual support, co-regulation, and honest, non-performative conversation. Everyone enters as an equal. Not as experts (including the facilitator) but as people, uncovering something we’ve always been.
Led by an Autistic facilitator(s) who are walking this road themselves, each session offers space to unmask, grieve, reframe, and slowly rebuild. Together, we’ll witness and support one another as we navigate loss, joy, hope, and the beginnings of a new relationship with ourselves, on our own terms.
Please note: This space is exclusively for people who identify as Autistic and are in the early stages of that discovery. It is not intended for allies, parents, professionals, or those who are curious but do not personally identify. This boundary ensures participants can share openly without explanation or justification.
The purpose of this group is to provide a supportive, non-clinical peer-led space for Autistic adults who are newly, late, or self-identified, to begin exploring what it means to live authentically for themselves after diagnosis.
In this pilot series, participants will:
- Engage with their feelings and reactions openly, recognizing that all emotions are valid (and can be “ACT’d” on) and important to their journey.
- Build trust in themselves again, their instincts, and their experiences as they navigate new understandings of identity.
- Explore life as an ongoing process, focusing on growth, self-discovery, and meaningful connection rather than fixed outcomes (or this is the “right way to…”), that they may have been stuck in.
- Witness and be witnessed (Leave grounded) by peers, fostering a sense of belonging, validation, and mutual support; Triaged support so people don’t have to do it alone.
- Begin cultivating a more authentic relationship with themselves, learning to move toward a personally meaningful version of their “the good life.”
** Space in these sessions are limited, and advance registration is not required. You can drop-in to any or all of the sessions, there is no cost to attend. **
About the Presenter:
Ryan Elkanah is a late-diagnosed AuDHD adult with lived experience navigating identity, masking, mental health, burnout, and loss, as well as reclaiming agency. They bring a neuro-affirming, values-driven, strength-based, and trauma-informed lens to peer support, grounded in experience as an Autistic self-advocate and facilitator at Sinneave.
With backgrounds in community development and youth work, Ryan creates and holds spaces for authentic connection, reflection, and witnessing. A lifelong learner, they are passionate about supporting those who have been misunderstood, marginalized, or overlooked, helping participants explore their own paths toward living authentically and embracing the ongoing process of self-discovery.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call (403) 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Related Events
January 26 @ 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 first session will focus on homelessness and emergency shelters. 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, January 26, 2026
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.
** Space in these sessions are limited, and 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: Introduction, Homelessness & Emergency Shelters” 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 2 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Whether independent living is one of your current goals and you are planning to move out soon, or it is a long-term goal for 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. Participants will have the opportunity to 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 work with others.
The menu for this session is Valentine’s Day Heart Sugar Cookies and Chocolate Covered Pretzels (Yum!).
Monday, February 2
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)
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.
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.
To register, click the button that says, “Sinneave Connects” and follow the instructions. If you have an account, just log in as usual. If you don’t have an account yet, it’s free and easy to sign up.
- Create a user name
- Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)
- Select “Register”
- Choose the Joy of Cooking: Cooking Skills for Independent Living – February 2, 2026 Registration course and click on the, “Enroll” button.
About the Presenter:
Mila Fernandes – McKenna is a participant of the Launch + Skills program, and a student who learned how to cook at a young age, and has been baking for 10 years. She enjoys baking cookies, cakes, and cupcakes for birthdays.
If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.
Related Events
February 3 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 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’ll 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.
Participants are strongly encouraged to attend all three in-person sessions for this series which will be held as follows:
Session 1: Understanding Bullying on January 20. Details available here.
Session 2: Building Your Skills on January 27. Details available here.
Session 3: Putting It into Practice on February 3. Details available on this page.
Session 3: Putting It into Practice
This session will cover the following topics:
- 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 and,
- Practicing what we’ve learned.
Tuesday, February 3, 2025
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
In this workshop series, participants will gain the skills and knowledge to:
- Explain the various reasons why bullying occurs and recognize the different forms and locations of bullying, including online and in the workplace,
- Identify the signs and impact of bullying and describe how Autism and bullying are connected,
- Differentiate between bullying, normal conflict, and diagnosis-based discrimination,
- Reflect on their own actions for signs of bullying behaviour,
- Support someone else who is being bullied and try a variety of strategies to reduce the impact of bullying,
- Develop strategies to address and react to a bullying situation and help prevent future bullying and,
- Be aware of supports for emotional coping and healing, and resources for legal/logistical support.
** Space in these sessions are limited, and advance registration is required through Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub. **
There is no cost to attend and 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 Navigating Bullying and Neurodivergence Series – Registration event
- Click on the, “Enroll” button, and then press Confirm. You will be registered for all three sessions in this series. Don’t forget to mark your calendar and attend them all!
About the Presenter:
Yonatan Tesfagiorgis is a Life Skills Coach at The Sinneave Family Foundation. With over 8 years of professional experience in the human services field, Yonatan 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
January 27 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 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’ll 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.
Participants are strongly encouraged to attend all three in-person sessions for this series which will be held as follows:
Session 1: Understanding Bullying on January 20. Details available here.
Session 2: Building Your Skills on January 27. Details available on this page.
Session 3: Putting It into Practice on February 3. Details available here.
Session 2: Building Your Skills
This session will cover the following topics:
- 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, and
- Practicing what we’ve learned.
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)
In this workshop series, participants will gain the skills and knowledge to:
- Explain the various reasons why bullying occurs and recognize the different forms and locations of bullying, including online and in the workplace,
- Identify the signs and impact of bullying and describe how Autism and bullying are connected,
- Differentiate between bullying, normal conflict, and diagnosis-based discrimination,
- Reflect on their own actions for signs of bullying behaviour,
- Support someone else who is being bullied and try a variety of strategies to reduce the impact of bullying,
- Develop strategies to address and react to a bullying situation and help prevent future bullying and,
- Be aware of supports for emotional coping and healing, and resources for legal/logistical support.
** Space in these sessions are limited, and advance registration is required through Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub. **
There is no cost to attend and 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 Navigating Bullying and Neurodivergence Series – Registration event
- Click on the, “Enroll” button, and then press Confirm. You will be registered for all three sessions in this series. Don’t forget to mark your calendar and attend them all!
About the Presenter:
Yonatan Tesfagiorgis is a Life Skills Coach at The Sinneave Family Foundation. With over 8 years of professional experience in the human services field, Yonatan 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.