Events

If you thought your task would be a “piece of cake,” but now you’ve “bitten off more than you can chew” and want to “call it a day” we would understand if you were confused. 

Idioms are multi-word expressions that have non-literal meanings. These can often only be figured out by using contextual information. Confusing phrases like idioms can be heard everywhere: in the workplace, at school, at the local bar, and even at home.

Each language has its own set of unique idioms, but they don’t often translate well. And, if you aren’t familiar with them, they can leave a person feeling very confused. Unfortunately, the literal meaning is never the correct meaning of what the speaker is trying to get across.

Good communication is already difficult enough for some autistic individuals, so finding a solution for learning idioms is important.

In this fun and interactive session, participants will:

  • learn about and discuss some common idiomatic expressions
  • learn some strategies to help them identify idioms and predict the meanings of them
  • have the opportunity to expand your knowledge and understanding of idioms in the English language.

Join us Thursday, December 14

from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24th Avenue NW)

or Online via Sinneave Connects.

This session is free.

You don’t need to register in advance, but you are welcome to sign up on Sinneave Connects.

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.

  1. Pick a user name – Choose Register
  2. Pick a password (Don’t forget to record it somewhere safe for next time!)
  3. Choose the “All About Idioms – Dec 14” session
  4. Enroll in the session to access the virtual link.

Sinneave Connects

If you have any questions about this session, or if you need help navigating Sinneave Connects, please email us at info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.

About the Presenter: Sherry Taylor has more than 15 years experience in the not for profit industry. She is a Program Facilitator with the EmploymentWorks program and is passionate about developing curriculum and content that makes lifelong learning fun for autistic youth, adults, persons with disabilities and professionals interested in expanding their knowledge and creating environments that are welcoming and inclusive.

 

PS Did you know that we have a Quick Access button to Sinneave Connects in the top right corner of our Homepage?

A screen grab of sinneavefoundation.org homepage with an arrow pointing to the Sinneave Connects button in the upper right corner

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

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.

Skills Group sessions happen once a week for six consecutive weeks. The next Executive Functioning group begins Wednesday, September 6 and runs through October 11, 2023.

Do you:

  • Struggle with unexpected changes?
  • Have trouble getting started, or maybe 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 your 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 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 part workshop 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.

Participants will learn about the importance of EF and how to improve EF skills through specific practice within a safe and supportive environment.

Please note: Skills Groups are closed groups with a limited number of participants to allow for the greatest participation.

To learn more about Skills Groups, visit our website, by clicking HERE.

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

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.

Skills Group sessions happen once a week for six consecutive weeks. The next Executive Functioning group begins Wednesday, September 6 and runs through October 11, 2023.

Do you:

  • Struggle with unexpected changes?
  • Have trouble getting started, or maybe 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 your 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 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 part workshop 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.

Participants will learn about the importance of EF and how to improve EF skills through specific practice within a safe and supportive environment.

Please note: Skills Groups are closed groups with a limited number of participants to allow for the greatest participation.

To learn more about Skills Groups, visit our website, by clicking HERE.

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

“Work on Your Social Communication” workshops are back!

These workshops are 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 on connecting and thriving in social situations. Participants will have the opportunity to learn and practice new skills, receive feedback and mentorship in a small group setting.

All sessions are in-person at The Ability Hub, located on the 3rd floor of the Child Development Centre (3820 24th Avenue NW).

There is a Zoom option available if attending in person is a barrier for you. Email info@sinneavefoundation.org for the link.

There is no cost to attend these sessions.

Advance registration is not required and you can choose to attend them all, or only the ones that seem interesting to you.

All sessions begin promptly at 4:00 p.m.

The workshop topics and dates are as follows:

Tuesday, April 4– 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.

Tuesday, April 11 – 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.

Tuesday, April 18 – 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.

Tuesday, April 25 – Establishing Social Connections: 5 Pro-tips for successful social relationships.
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.

Tuesday, May 2 – Strategies for self care and electronic communication safety tips
Technology is rapidly changing and advancing. While we embrace the good things it has to offer, it has also introduced many new challenges. Particularly in the area of electronic communication and managing mental health. In this session, we’ll talk about the implications of online safety and discuss strategies for navigating electronic communication and maintaining good mental health.

Tuesday, May 9 – Handling Disagreements: Top tips for keeping your cool.
Do you get frustrated when someone disagrees with you? Do you find it difficult to stay calm and composed? In this session, we’ll talk about conflict and share the top tips to help you keep your cool when you’re in the middle of a disagreement and strategies to help you work through it.

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@sinneavefoundation.org.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

“Work on Your Social Communication” workshops are back!

These workshops are 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 on connecting and thriving in social situations. Participants will have the opportunity to learn and practice new skills, receive feedback and mentorship in a small group setting.

All sessions are in-person at The Ability Hub, located on the 3rd floor of the Child Development Centre (3820 24th Avenue NW).

There is a Zoom option available if attending in person is a barrier for you. Email info@sinneavefoundation.org for the link.

There is no cost to attend these sessions.

Advance registration is not required and you can choose to attend them all, or only the ones that seem interesting to you.

All sessions begin promptly at 4:00 p.m.

The workshop topics and dates are as follows:

Tuesday, April 4– 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.

Tuesday, April 11 – 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.

Tuesday, April 18 – 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.

Tuesday, April 25 – Establishing Social Connections: 5 Pro-tips for successful social relationships.
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.

Tuesday, May 2 – Strategies for self care and electronic communication safety tips
Technology is rapidly changing and advancing. While we embrace the good things it has to offer, it has also introduced many new challenges. Particularly in the area of electronic communication and managing mental health. In this session, we’ll talk about the implications of online safety and discuss strategies for navigating electronic communication and maintaining good mental health.

Tuesday, May 9 – Handling Disagreements: Top tips for keeping your cool.
Do you get frustrated when someone disagrees with you? Do you find it difficult to stay calm and composed? In this session, we’ll talk about conflict and share the top tips to help you keep your cool when you’re in the middle of a disagreement and strategies to help you work through it.

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@sinneavefoundation.org.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

“Work on Your Social Communication” workshops are back!

These workshops are 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 on connecting and thriving in social situations. Participants will have the opportunity to learn and practice new skills, receive feedback and mentorship in a small group setting.

All sessions are in-person at The Ability Hub, located on the 3rd floor of the Child Development Centre (3820 24th Avenue NW).

There is a Zoom option available if attending in person is a barrier for you. Email info@sinneavefoundation.org for the link.

There is no cost to attend these sessions.

Advance registration is not required and you can choose to attend them all, or only the ones that seem interesting to you.

All sessions begin promptly at 4:00 p.m.

The workshop topics and dates are as follows:

Tuesday, April 4– 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.

Tuesday, April 11 – 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.

Tuesday, April 18 – 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.

Tuesday, April 25 – Establishing Social Connections: 5 Pro-tips for successful social relationships.
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.

Tuesday, May 2 – Strategies for self care and electronic communication safety tipsTechnology is rapidly changing and advancing. While we embrace the good things it has to offer, it has also introduced many new challenges. Particularly in the area of electronic communication and managing mental health. In this session, we’ll talk about the implications of online safety and discuss strategies for navigating electronic communication and maintaining good mental health.

Tuesday, May 9 – Handling Disagreements: Top tips for keeping your cool.
Do you get frustrated when someone disagrees with you? Do you find it difficult to stay calm and composed? In this session, we’ll talk about conflict and share the top tips to help you keep your cool when you’re in the middle of a disagreement and strategies to help you work through it.

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@sinneavefoundation.org.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

“Work on Your Social Communication” workshops are back!

These workshops are 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 on connecting and thriving in social situations. Participants will have the opportunity to learn and practice new skills, receive feedback and mentorship in a small group setting.

All sessions are in-person at The Ability Hub, located on the 3rd floor of the Child Development Centre (3820 24th Avenue NW).

There is a Zoom option available if attending in person is a barrier for you. Email info@sinneavefoundation.org for the link.

There is no cost to attend these sessions.

Advance registration is not required and you can choose to attend them all, or only the ones that seem interesting to you.

All sessions begin promptly at 4:00 p.m.

The workshop topics and dates are as follows:

Tuesday, April 4– 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.

Tuesday, April 11 – 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.

Tuesday, April 18 – 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.

Tuesday, April 25 – Establishing Social Connections: 5 Pro-tips for successful social relationships.
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.

Tuesday, May 2 – Strategies for self care and electronic communication safety tips
Technology is rapidly changing and advancing. While we embrace the good things it has to offer, it has also introduced many new challenges. Particularly in the area of electronic communication and managing mental health. In this session, we’ll talk about the implications of online safety and discuss strategies for navigating electronic communication and maintaining good mental health.

Tuesday, May 9 – Handling Disagreements: Top tips for keeping your cool.
Do you get frustrated when someone disagrees with you? Do you find it difficult to stay calm and composed? In this session, we’ll talk about conflict and share the top tips to help you keep your cool when you’re in the middle of a disagreement and strategies to help you work through it.

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@sinneavefoundation.org.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

“Work on Your Social Communication” workshops are back!

These workshops are 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 on connecting and thriving in social situations. Participants will have the opportunity to learn and practice new skills, receive feedback and mentorship in a small group setting.

All sessions are in-person at The Ability Hub, located on the 3rd floor of the Child Development Centre (3820 24th Avenue NW).

There is a Zoom option available if attending in person is a barrier for you. Email info@sinneavefoundation.org for the link.

There is no cost to attend these sessions.

Advance registration is not required and you can choose to attend them all, or only the ones that seem interesting to you.

All sessions begin promptly at 4:00 p.m.

The workshop topics and dates are as follows:

Tuesday, April 4– 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.

Tuesday, April 11 – 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.

Tuesday, April 18 – 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.

Tuesday, April 25 – Establishing Social Connections: 5 Pro-tips for successful social relationships.
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.

Tuesday, May 2 – Strategies for self care and electronic communication safety tips
Technology is rapidly changing and advancing. While we embrace the good things it has to offer, it has also introduced many new challenges. Particularly in the area of electronic communication and managing mental health. In this session, we’ll talk about the implications of online safety and discuss strategies for navigating electronic communication and maintaining good mental health.

Tuesday, May 9 – Handling Disagreements: Top tips for keeping your cool.
Do you get frustrated when someone disagrees with you? Do you find it difficult to stay calm and composed? In this session, we’ll talk about conflict and share the top tips to help you keep your cool when you’re in the middle of a disagreement and strategies to help you work through it.

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@sinneavefoundation.org.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

“Work on Your Social Communication” workshops are back!

These workshops are 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 on connecting and thriving in social situations. Participants will have the opportunity to learn and practice new skills, receive feedback and mentorship in a small group setting.

All sessions are in-person at The Ability Hub, located on the 3rd floor of the Child Development Centre (3820 24th Avenue NW).

There is a Zoom option available if attending in person is a barrier for you. Email info@sinneavefoundation.org for the link.

There is no cost to attend

these sessions.

Advance registration is not required and you can choose to attend them all, or only the ones that seem interesting to you.

All sessions begin promptly at 4:00 p.m.

The workshop topics and dates are as follows:

Tuesday, April 4– 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.

Tuesday, April 11 – 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.

Tuesday, April 18 – 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.

Tuesday, April 25 – Establishing Social Connections: 5 Pro-tips for successful social relationships.
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.

Tuesday, May 2 – Strategies for self care and electronic communication safety tips
Technology is rapidly changing and advancing. While we embrace the good things it has to offer, it has also introduced many new challenges. Particularly in the area of electronic communication and managing mental health. In this session, we’ll talk about the implications of online safety and discuss strategies for navigating electronic communication and maintaining good mental health.

Tuesday, May 9 – Handling Disagreements: Top tips for keeping your cool.
Do you get frustrated when someone disagrees with you? Do you find it difficult to stay calm and composed? In this session, we’ll talk about conflict and share the top tips to help you keep your cool when you’re in the middle of a disagreement and strategies to help you work through it.

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@sinneavefoundation.org.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Questions? Contact Us!

Events

We are delighted to introduce Employment Drop-in Sessions for 2023. Designed specifically for Autistic and Neurodivergent individuals, these sessions aim to provide a space for learning and practicing essential pre-employment skills on an as-needed basis.

Each week, our skilled Employment Program Facilitators will dive into a different aspect of the job-search journey providing attendees a diverse set of strategies and skills to develop, practice and build on.

The sessions consist of a short, informative presentation that provide practical tips, recommendations and advice on the topic of the day. Attendees will have the opportunity to put their newfound knowledge into action by practicing these new skills with the support of the facilitator and other attendees.

The sessions are in-person at The Ability Hub located on the 3rd floor of the Child Development Centre at 3820 24th Avenue NW. The best part is that the sessions are free!

You can choose to attend all six sessions or pick the ones that align with your interest or greatest need, no advance registration is required.

All sessions will begin promptly at 1:00 p.m. and a Sinneave Program Facilitator will be available to support participants until 3:00 p.m..

Sessions run weekly, every Wednesday starting February 8 through May 17, 2023. Each topic will be offered at least twice, so if you miss the first date, you can catch the second.

Topics and corresponding dates are below:

Career Exploration
Offered February 8, March 22, May 10

Are you unsure of what job might be a good fit for you? In this session, we will discuss ways that you can think about your skills, strengths and interests and use those to inform what jobs would be interesting to you, might be a good fit for you, and help you develop a strategy to begin your search.

Résumé Building
Offered February 15, March 29, May 17

Do you have a resume? Has it been a while since someone had a chance to review it? Or maybe you have new work experience but you are unsure of the best way to update your resume. In this session we’ll learn how you can make sure that your resume is up to date and application-ready.

Cover Letter Writing
Offered February 22, April 5

What is a cover letter? Do you really need one? What does it include and why is it important for job applications? This session will cover all of that and more so you can learn how to use a cover letter to help you stand out against other applicants.

Interview Preparation
Offered March 1, April 12

Do you find interviews challenging? Do you get nervous and feel unprepared even though you know you are a good fit for the job? In this session we will discuss how to prepare for an interview and how to answer some of the most commonly asked interview questions.

Job Search Strategies
Offered March 8, April 19

Searching for a job can be stressful and take up a lot of time, but it doesn’t have to!  In this session you will learn a variety of strategies to help you plan and manage your job search process effectively.

Disclosure & Workplace Accommodations
Offered March 15, May 3

What is disclosure and why talk about it? This session provides an opportunity for participants to discuss the topic of disclosing their diagnosis/need for a workplace flexibility (accommodation) to their employer.

 

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Email info@sinneavefoundation.org or call us 403 210-5000

Questions? Contact Us!

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