Events

At Sinneave, we are passionate about providing practical strategies and tools for skill-building so autistic & neurodiverse youth and adults can thrive in their everyday lives.

In this session, we’ll focus on digital literacy and basic computer skills that will enhance both education and employment success. Attendees will have an opportunity to learn about the Microsoft Office suite of tools–primarily Word, Excel and PowerPoint–listen, observe, ask questions and practice using the software, learning the basic of each tool.

*Because participants require a computer with the necessary software, this session is in-person only.

Join us Thursday, May 11, 2023 from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24th Avenue NW)

This one-hour Exploration Session is free but you do need to register, as we are limited in the number of computers we can provide participants.

If you have your own laptop or tablet loaded with a version of Microsoft Office 2013 or later, you are welcome to bring your own! (Don’t forget to update your software and bring your charger!)

Registration for this session will take place on Sinneave Connects, our online Learning Hub. 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. 

  1. Pick a user name
  2. Pick a password (Don’t forget to record it somewhere safe for next time!)
  3. Register! Choose the “Digital Literacy for Education & Employment Success” event

IMPORTANT INFO: When you log in to the event, you’ll see a tab on the side that says, “Select Session” (see the screen shot below)

A screen shot of the registration page indicating where you select the session you want

When you click on Select Session, you will see a drop down menu. If you are bringing your own device, select that option. If you need to use one of our computers, select the “I Need a Device” option. (We have a limit of eight computers for participants to use.)

This is a screen shot where you indicate if you need a computer or if you're bringing your own device.

Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot today! Click the button below that says “Register for Digital Literacy for Education & Employment Success HERE” (When you click this button, you will be directed to the Sinneave Connects log-in page. When you log in, the Digital Literacy session should be on your screen.

Register for Digital Literacy for Education & Employment Success HERE!

If you have any questions about this session, or need technical support with navigating the Sinneave Connects Learning Hub, please contact info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000.

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

Did you know that visualizing outcomes you want 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, you get your mind and body ready to take those steps in real life.

In this Exploration Session we’ll discuss the importance of visualization and how it helps to create a positive self-image. Participants will learn how increased confidence can help an individual take steps toward making the vision and goals for their life a reality, followed by an opportunity to create their own vision board.

Join us Thursday, March 9, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24th Avenue NW in Calgary).

Please Note: This session pairs perfectly with our Exploration Session on Goal Setting: Learn how to set meaningful and realistic goals on March 2, 2023. To find out more about that session, visit the event page by clicking on the words, Goal Setting.

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

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?

Then this Exploration Session 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 one-hour session, participants will learn about the importance of values and how they inform our life goals, followed by learning 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, March 2 at 4:00 p.m. at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24th Avenue NW in Calgary)

If  you would like to attend but getting to the Ability Hub in person is a barrier for you, attending via Zoom is also an option. Please email info@sinneavefoundation.org IN ADVANCE for the link and materials you will need to print off for the session.

Please note: This Exploration Session pairs perfectly with our March 9th session on Visualization: Visualize the future you want and take steps towards achieving it. For more information about that session, visit the event page by clicking on the word, Visualization. (There is no Zoom option for this session as the activity is hands-on.)

 

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

Updated: Registration for Skills Groups is now closed. Our next Executive Functioning Skills Group will run from April 4 through May 9. The application window for that group will open in early March. Stay tuned for updates to our event calendar.

Do you struggle with unexpected changes?

Do you have trouble getting started on tasks?

Or maybe you have trouble stopping things you like to do when it’s time to do something you don’t like to do?

Have you ever avoided an experience or a person because of anxiety?

How about when you have a great idea, but have trouble creating and acting on a plan to get it done?

If so, learning more about Executive Functioning (EF) may be beneficial for you. Research has shown us that the skills underlying Executive Functioning can be taught, practiced and improved on. When EF skills are working, we tend to be happier and more productive.

We are excited to invite self-advocates and individuals who identify as autistic to attend this six-week Skills Group focused on Executive Functioning (EF). We will discuss and practice skills including: Cognitive Flexibility, Getting Started, Staying Present, Bringing your Anxiety along for the Ride, and Organization/Planning.

In this group, participants will learn about the importance of EF and how to improve EF skills through specific practice within a safe and supportive environment.

What are Skills Groups?

Skills Groups are skill development workshops that are facilitated by two Sinneave staff members (one is an autistic self-advocate). In each 90-minute workshop, participants learn a variety of strategies that are foundational to success in various aspects of daily life. They are then given opportunities to practice the strategies with the support of the facilitators and other group members.

Are Skills Groups for Me?

Skills Groups are best suited for autistic and neurodiverse individuals who…

  • Are 15 years of age and older.
  • Self-identify (or have been diagnosed) as being neuro-diverse and/or autistic.
  • Are able to commit to 6 weeks of programming (90 minutes to 2 hours) once weekly.
  • Are interested in learning and practicing key strategies that can have a positive impact on their daily routines.
  • Can communicate verbally.
  • Are willing to practice reflecting and sharing their thoughts with the group.
  • Can reliably and independently participate in a group setting (e.g., arrive on time, communicate with group leader if you are unable to attend, do not require a one-to-one assistant).
  • Will commit to keeping an open mind, and actively participating in program activities.
  • Have reliable transportation arrangements to and from the program

If you can answer “Yes” to each of the statements above, our Skills Groups may be a good fit for you.

How Do I Apply?

Because we keep the groups small, Skills Groups are in high demand. Enrolment is limited to 4-6 participants per group and individuals may only register for one group at a time to allow for the greatest participation.

All applications are completed online. The online application portal opens three weeks before the start of the next Skills Group. When the application window is open, the link to apply will be LIVE on this page. (If you don’t see a link, we are not currently accepting applications.)

Please Note: Skills Groups are not intended for support workers, aides, caregivers, or other professionals.

If you would like more information about a particular group, please contact us at 403-210-5000 or info@sinneavefoundation.org to book an Information and Navigation meeting to learn about other programs and services.

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

Workshop: Thriving and Autism: Tips, Tricks, and Strategies for Success

 

Date:

February 10th, 2022 6:30 – 8:30 PM

This workshop will be made available FREE and ONLINE via CES.

 

Ticket Price: Free

 

Workshop Description: 

We all have an intuitive notion of what it means to live well, or what it means to thrive, or what human flourishing looks like. But figuring out what thriving looks like for us personally is a really hard question to answer. If you are autistic, that question might be even harder to figure out. This is often because even well-intentioned advice and strategies were developed by non-autistic researchers and tested with non-autistic participants and thus are not always helpful. In this workshop, Dr. Brown will present findings from research conducted primarily by autistic researchers themselves, in which they examined the constructs of wellbeing and quality of life for autistic individuals. By drawing on the lessons from the neurodiversity movement and personal experience, she will also present tips, tools, and strategies for learning to Thrive. The importance of (a) presumed competence and autonomy; (b) sparks, flow, and special interests; and (c) positive identity, belonging, and connection will specifically be considered.

Presenter Bio:

Dr. Heather M. Brown was originally trained as an elementary school teacher, but she is now an Associate Professor in the Dept. of Educational Psychology at the University of Alberta. She is also an autistic professional who studies autism. Her AIDAN lab aims to uncover strategies to support the academic achievement and overall well-being of autistic children, youth and adults. By doing so, her research is poised to empower autistic individuals to be more self-confident in their neurodiversity and to develop a better understanding of the factors that most support their well-being at home, work and school.

View the poster for more information or register below.

 

Register

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