The Joy of Cooking: Cooking Skills for Independent Living
2025-12-01 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Edmonton) | The Ability Hub, Suite #300, 3820 - 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B-2X9, Canada
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. While preparing a tasty and well-balanced dinner, participants will also 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.

And then, you’ll get to enjoy what you’ve made for dinner! The menu for this session is Fish Tacos with Red Lentils as a side dish (Yum!).

Monday, December 1, 20255:00 – 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 – December 1, 2025 Registration course and click on the, “Enroll” button.

Sinneave Connects

About the Presenter:

Nathaniel Anderson is a former participant of the Launch + Skills program, which he found extremely valuable. He is eager to use his skills and experiences as a way of giving back. Nathan 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. He is proud to call himself, “a self-proclaimed foodie” that enjoys eating and making meals from multiple cultures.

If you have questions or if you need help navigating Sinneave Connects, please reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.

Your Time, Your Way
2025-12-02 17:00 - 19:30, 2025-12-03 17:00 - 19:30, 2025-12-04 17:00 - 19:30, 2025-12-09 17:00 - 19:30, 2025-12-10 17:00 - 19:30, 2025-12-16 17:00 - 19:30, 2025-12-17 17:00 - 19:30, 2025-12-18 17:00 - 19:30 and 2 more dates | The Ability Hub, Suite #300, 3820 - 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B-2X9, Canada
Many individuals can benefit from what is often referred to as a “third space”—a place separate from home or work or school where there is no obligation to spend money on food or beverages. So we’re opening our doors to members of our community.

We invite you to drop in and use our space to help you unwind or recharge—with no pressure to engage in structured activities. We have several rooms and spaces available–a quiet lounge, computer desks, hang out sofas–you choose. It’s your time to use your way.

Our space provides flexible seating options, focus tools, and adjustable lighting options as we strive to make our space more welcoming and inclusive to those who wish to spend time in it.

Our drop-in hours are 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Here are some suggestions of things you may like to do, but this is not an exhaustive list:

Socializing: Chat with others, make new connections, or catch up with friends

Using Computers: Access the internet, complete personal tasks, or explore hobbies online. Use our computers and wifi or bring your own device and connect via our network

Relaxing: Sit quietly, read, listen to music with headphones, or just enjoy the calm space

Independent Work: Bring personal projects, homework or studying you may need to do, or use the time to focus on tasks

Unstructured Activities: puzzles, sketching, journaling, or engaging in other personal hobbies

Exploring Resources: Learn about other programs, events, or services Sinneave offers

Simply Being: Spend time in the space without any specific activity, just enjoying the presence of others without any expectations to engage

To ensure a welcoming and safe space for all users, please read over the Rules of the Space before you arrive:

Check-In is Required: Everyone signs in upon arrival

No Alcohol or Drugs: This is a substance-free space for everyone’s safety and comfort

Respectful Content and Behavior: No engagement with explicit content and all interactions should be respectful

Noise Levels: Keep volume moderate to accommodate diverse activities

No formal supervision provided: Attend and engage independently

Supporting Healthy Relationships: Participant Workshop
2025-12-02 17:30 - 19:30 | Hybrid: The Ability Hub and Online
We are pleased to be partnering with the Centre for Sexuality on a new initiative that adapts the Centre’s Relationship & Sexual Health program for Autistic adults. This program has provided vital information to youth about sexual health and healthy relationships. We are excited to be adapting this program for adults with autism to bring this information to you.

Presented in a welcoming and inclusive space, through a neuroaffirming lens, these interactive workshops present an opportunity to learn about the hallmarks of healthy relationships in a safe space. These workshops start Tuesday, October 14 and continue weekly for eight weeks. You can sign up for all the sessions, or just the ones that interest you.

The schedule for these workshops is as follows:

Identity: Owning your story, supporting others (October 14)

Mind Matters: Self-concept and relationship skills (October 21)

Boundaries: Holding your own with confidence (October 28)

Consent: Yes, no, and everything in between (November 4)

Relationships: Healthy vs. harmful and what it means for you (November 13)

Dating: Decoding signals and signs (November 18)

Online Dating: Behind the screen (November 25)

Sexual Health: Talking and testing (December 2)

During this two-hour hybrid workshop (with breaks), Autistic adults will also have an opportunity to discuss:

• Strategies for addressing and supporting common relationship challenges • Sexual health resources• Open discussion and Q&A opportunities

Tuesday, December 2, 20255:30 – 7:30 p.m.In-Person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW) and Online via Microsoft Teams

Please RSVP for this workshop by clicking on the button that says, “RSVP” and let the organizers know if you will be attending in-person or online.

RSVP

The Employment Classroom Session: Searching, applying for jobs, and preparing references
2025-12-03 10:00 - 12:00 | The Ability Hub, Suite #300, 3820 - 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B-2X9, Canada
Are you interested in learning more about all the stages of the employment journey and the steps you can take to lead you on a path to success? We are offering a series of workshops that cover many topics related to finding a job, keeping a job, and thriving in the workplace.

Join us Wednesday, December 3 from 10 a.m. to Noon to learn how to search and apply for jobs as well as create a reference list.

Specifically, you will:

Learn where to look for jobs, including the hidden job market,

Learn how to ensure your resume will get through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), and

Learn who to include on your reference list and how to format it.

Wednesday, December 3, 202510:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)

The workshop combines classroom instruction and time to practice what you’ve learned with support from the facilitators, if needed. Attendees to these workshops must be able to participate independently.

**Please note: Space in these sessions is limited and advance registration is required.**

You will need a Sinneave Connects account to register. If you already have one, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s free and easy! Click the button that says, “Sinneave Connects” and follow the prompts on the sign-in screen.

Pick a username

Choose a password

Select “Register”

Click on “The Employment Classroom Session: Searching, applying for jobs, and preparing references – Registration” and enroll.

Sinneave Connects

About our Facilitators:

Ryan Elkanah and Sherry Taylor, members of the Sinneave employment team, are committed to empowering Autistic and neurodivergent individuals on their journeys towards meaningful employment and career success.

If you have questions or if you need help navigating Sinneave Connects, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.

Navigating Bullying and Neurodivergence Series
2025-12-03 17:00 - 18:30 | The Ability Hub, Suite #300, 3820 - 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B-2X9, Canada
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 November 19. Details available here.

Session 2: Building Your Skills on November 26. Details available here.

Session 3: Putting It into Practice on December 3. Details are 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.

Wednesday, December 3, 20255:00 – 6:30 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!

Sinneave Connects

About the Presenters:

Tracie Czerkawski is a Learning Strategist at The Sinneave Family Foundation. She has 15+ years of professional experience in education and human services, and a lifetime of lived neurodivergent experience. Tracie aims to create friendly and inclusive learning opportunities where participants feel a sense of belonging.

Mason Jaffray is an Autistic Self-Advocate, currently working as a Program Facilitator at The Sinneave Family Foundation. Mason has taught many of Sinneave’s Skills Groups, such as Acceptance and Commitment Training and Executive Functioning, and finds the skills and ideas in the groups indispensable in his daily life.

If you have questions, please reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call us (403) 210-5000. We’re here to help.

Building Your Toolbox and Supporting the Transition to Employment: Embrace Independence
2025-12-03 18:00 - 19:30 | The Ability Hub, Suite #300, 3820 - 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B-2X9, Canada
As parents, guardians, and caregivers; you play an important part in the successful transition of a young adult into the workforce.

Session: Embrace Independence

This in-person session is focused on your transition from the role of, “Manager,” to the role of, “Consultant,” in your relationship with your young adult. You will explore strategies and resources that will help you to empower your young adult and support them in a way that makes sense for both of you throughout this transition. You will also learn how to recognize your own needs and expectations of this process so that you may be able to support yourself through this transition.

In this in-person session, you will learn how to:

Transition from the role of, “Manager,” to the role of, “Consultant”,

Find a balance of support for yourself and your young adult through their transition to independence and,

Build a shared confidence between yourself and your young adult in your new roles.

Wednesday, December 3, 20256:00 – 7:30 p.m.In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)

This series introduces you to The Sinneave Family Foundation’s Family Work Readiness Toolkit (FWRT), a practical, strengths-based resource designed to help youth explore their interests, skills, values, and preferred work environments. You will learn how to use the toolkit to guide supportive conversations, set goals, and take meaningful action toward employment success.

Through this series, you will:

Build confidence in supporting your young adult’s employment journey,

Learn how to apply the FWRT at home to break the process into manageable steps,

Explore community resources that complement the toolkit and,

Connect with other parents and guardians navigating similar experiences.

By the end of the series, you will have a stronger understanding of how to support your young adult’s transition into the workforce with practical tools, shared insight, and a clear starting point.

** Space in this session is limited, and advance registration is required through Sinneave Connects, our online learning hub. 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 is no cost to attend these sessions. 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 Building Your Toolbox and Supporting the Transition to Employment: Embrace Independence – December 3, 2025 session.

Click on the, “Choose session” button, and then press Confirm.

Sinneave Connects

About the Presenter:

Stéphanie Chapman is a Bilingual Online Program Facilitator for the EmploymentWorks program. She has 15+ years of professional experience in the fields of education and disability across the lifespan, and personally as a caregiver. Stéphanie is dedicated to creating inclusive spaces for families of all shapes and sizes to learn and grow together.

If you have questions, please reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.

Acceptance & Commitment Training Skills Group
2025-12-04 17:00 - 18:30, 2025-12-11 17:00 - 18:30 | Online via Sinneave Connects
The application window for our Acceptance & Commitment Training Skills Group is now closed.

This is a closed group.

If you would like more information about Skills Groups, please click here.

Your Time, Your Way - Open Interest Night
2025-12-11 17:00 - 19:30 | The Ability Hub, Suite #300, 3820 - 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B-2X9, Canada
Many individuals can benefit from what is often referred to as a “third space”—a place separate from home or work or school where there is no obligation to spend money on food or beverages. So we’re opening our doors to members of our community.

We invite you to drop in and use our space to help you unwind or recharge—with no pressure to engage in structured activities. We have several rooms and spaces available–a quiet lounge, computer desks, hang out sofas–you choose. It’s your time to use your way.

Our space provides flexible seating options, focus tools, and adjustable lighting options as we strive to make our space more welcoming and inclusive to those who wish to spend time in it.

On Thursday, December 11, we’re hosting a special activity during the Your Time, Your Way time. Participants can drop-in between 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. to engage in an, “Open Interest Night” and join the fun whether by showcasing your unique interest, or simply by enjoying the company of others. Pizza will be served!

The concept of an, “Open Interest Night” stems from an Open Mic Night. The Open Interest Night will provide a safe and welcoming space where participants can share their interest with peers and express themselves creatively. Some of the interests you can share are:

Visual art (painting, drawing, etc.)

Items you may have made (crochet, knitting etc.)

Music

Writing (poems, stories, scripts)

Performances (stand up comedy, monologues)

Please click on the button that says, “RSVP” to confirm your attendance for the event and for the organizers to plan accordingly. Please RSVP no later than December 9, 2025 so arrangements can be made.

RSVP

Here are some suggestions of things you may like to do, if you will not be participating in the Open Interest Night, please note this is not an exhaustive list:

Socializing: Chat with others, make new connections, or catch up with friends

Using Computers: Access the internet, complete personal tasks, or explore hobbies online. Use our computers and wifi or bring your own device and connect via our network

Relaxing: Sit quietly, read, listen to music with headphones, or just enjoy the calm space

Independent Work: Bring personal projects, homework or studying you may need to do, or use the time to focus on tasks

Unstructured Activities: puzzles, sketching, journaling, or engaging in other personal hobbies

Exploring Resources: Learn about other programs, events, or services Sinneave offers

Simply Being: Spend time in the space without any specific activity, just enjoying the presence of others without any expectations to engage

To ensure a welcoming and safe space for all users, please read over the Rules of the Space before you arrive:

Check-In is Required: Everyone signs in upon arrival

No Alcohol or Drugs: This is a substance-free space for everyone’s safety and comfort

Respectful Content and Behavior: No engagement with explicit content and all interactions should be respectful

Noise Levels: Keep volume moderate to accommodate diverse activities

No formal supervision provided: Attend and engage independently

Employment Skills Help Desk
2025-12-16 14:30 - 16:00 | The Ability Hub, Suite #300, 3820 - 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B-2X9, Canada
Benefit from connecting one-on-one with experienced professionals who understand neurodiversity and will help you identify your strengths, interests, and potential career paths. Our goal is to create an individualized, inclusive, and supportive environment where neurodivergent individuals can access resources, gain valuable insights, and enhance their employability, confidence, and career prospects.

Attendees are encouraged to select from available topics to receive tailored guidance or bring other employment-related concerns they may have. Our employment coaches have experience and expertise in:

Career Exploration

Cover Letter Writing

Disclosure & Accommodations

Interview Prep

Job Search Strategies

Resume Building

Applicant Tracking System (ATS)

1:1 Facilitator guidance* (Maximum 45 minutes)

Tuesday, December 16, 20252:30 – 4:00 p.m.In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)

Attendees must book an in-person 45-minute appointment with one of our facilitators. There are 3 appointments available from 2:30 – 3:15 p.m. or 3 appointments from 3:15 – 4:00 p.m.

Appointments can be booked on Sinneave Connects. When you click the button that says, “Sinneave Connects” you will be directed to the login page. If you already have an account, just log in as usual. If you don’t have an account, it’s free and easy to set up.

Create a user name

Create a password (don’t forget to save it someplace handy)

Select “Register”

Choose Employment Skills Help Desk Registration – December 16, 2025 and follow the instructions.

Sinneave Connects

Please select a time slot that works for you and click the enroll button. To allow for the greatest participation, participants are limited to one time slot per day. If no sessions are available, that means they are all booked. Please choose an available time slot on a different day.

If you have questions or require assistance with enrolling, please email info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help!

The Employment Classroom Session: Communicating well in the workplace
2025-12-17 10:00 - 12:00 | The Ability Hub, Suite #300, 3820 - 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B-2X9, Canada
Are you interested in learning more about all the stages of the employment journey and the steps you can take to lead you on a path to success? We are offering a series of workshops that cover many topics related to finding a job, keeping a job, and thriving in the workplace.

Join us Wednesday, December 17 from 10 a.m. to Noon to learn the fundamentals of communicating well in the workplace.

Specifically, you will:

Learn how to give and receive feedback,

Learn about email and in-person communication etiquette and,

Learn how to navigate the unwritten rules that sometimes show up in workplace settings.

Wednesday, December 17, 202510:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)

The workshop combines classroom instruction and time to practice what you’ve learned with support from the facilitators, if needed. Attendees to these workshops must be able to participate independently.

**Please note: Space in these sessions is limited and advance registration is required.**

You will need a Sinneave Connects account to register. If you already have one, just log in as usual. If you have not registered yet, it’s free and easy! Click the button that says, “Sinneave Connects” and follow the prompts on the sign-in screen.

Pick a username

Choose a password

Select “Register”

Click on “The Employment Classroom Session: Communicating well in the workplace – Registration” and enroll.

Sinneave Connects

About our Facilitators:

Ryan Elkanah and Sherry Taylor, members of the Sinneave employment team, are committed to empowering Autistic and neurodivergent individuals on their journeys towards meaningful employment and career success.

If you have questions or if you need help navigating Sinneave Connects, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.

Winter Break - Office Closed
2025-12-22 00:00 - 2025-12-26 23:59 | Alberta

New Year's Day - Office Closed
2026-01-01 00:00 - 23:59 | Alberta

Apply Now! Acceptance & Commitment Training Skills Group
2026-01-05 08:00 - 17:00 | Alberta
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.

The Employment Classroom: Being Professional & Identifying Job Scams
2026-01-14 10:00 - 12:00 | The Ability Hub, Suite #300, 3820 - 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B-2X9, Canada
Are you interested in learning more about all the stages of the employment journey and the steps you can take to lead you on a path to success? We are offering a series of workshops that cover many topics related to finding a job, keeping a job, and thriving in the workplace.

Join us Wednesday, January 14 from 10 a.m. to Noon to learn about workplace expectations, what it means to be professional, and how to identify job scams.

Specifically, you will:

Learn what you can do to demonstrate professional behavior in the workplace,

Learn what is expected of you at work in the first week, the first month, three months, six months, 1 year and beyond and,

Gain knowledge on how to navigate job scams and be more aware of trends.

Wednesday, January 14, 202610:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.In-person at The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Avenue NW)

The workshop combines classroom instruction and time to practice what you’ve learned with support from the facilitators, if needed. Attendees to these workshops must be able to participate independently.

**Please note space is limited to 2 participants and is on a first-come, first-served basis. Please register quickly to avoid disappointment. Thank you for your understanding.**

To Register:

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 learning hub and follow these steps:

Pick a username

Pick a password (Don’t forget to record it somewhere safe for next time!)

Choose The Employment Classroom Session: Being professional & Identifying Job Scams workshop and click on the enroll button

Sinneave Connects

About our Facilitators:

Ryan Elkanah and Sherry Taylor, members of the Sinneave employment team, are committed to empowering Autistic and neurodivergent individuals on their journeys towards meaningful employment and career success.

If you have questions or need assistance, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call (403) 210-5000. We’re here to help!

Photo Exhibit - "Celebrating Our Shared Humanity” Celebratory Event
2026-01-16 16:00 - 18:00 | University of Calgary Downtown Campus, 906 8 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 1H9, Canada
Join Precision Medicine in Autism, the University of Alberta, CASA Mental Health, Positive Exposure, and The Sinneave Family Foundation for the Celebratory Closing of, “Celebrating Our Shared Humanity”.

Friday, January 16, 20264:00 – 6:00 p.m.University of Calgary Downtown Campus (906 8 Ave SW)

This photo exhibit explores a powerful question people on the autism spectrum in clinic are asked, “What’s your thing?”. We’ve heard about sharks, igneous rocks, clocks, Def Leppard, Star Wars, SpongeBob — each one meaningful in its own way.

Sometimes the answers come from kids and young adults. Other times, from families whose eyes light up as they talk about their loved one’s focused interest — something that brings focus, excitement, and connection.

Please RSVP for the Celebratory Closing event by clicking on the button that says, “RSVP” to let the organizers know.

RSVP

Please note the exhibit remains open to the public until January 16, 2026. The hours of operation are as follows:

Monday to Thursday – 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Fridays – 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Saturdays – 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Sundays and holidays closed

If you have questions, please reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.

Apply Now! Executive Functioning Skills Group
2026-01-19 08:00 - 17:00 | Alberta
Applications for the March – April 2026 Executive Functioning (EF) Skills Group are now open. This group will run virtually for 6 weeks, starting Wednesday, March 4 through Wednesday, April 8. To participate in this Skills Group, you must apply through Sinneave Connects and be accepted into the group.

For more information about our Skills Groups and to apply, please visit our website.

Neurodivergent Voices in Academia: Transforming Post-secondary Spaces
2026-01-19 12:00 - 13:00 | Online via Zoom
Join Autism Society Alberta for a panel discussion featuring neurodivergent faculty and staff! The webinar will provide an opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of how neurodivergence informs research, teaching, and the push for greater accessibility in post-secondary institutions. You will have the opportunity to discover the unique perspectives transforming academia.

Monday, January 19, 202612 p.m. – 1 p.m.Online via Zoom (hosted by Autism Society Alberta)

Please register for this webinar by clicking on the button that says, “Register” to let the organizers know, and for you to receive the online webinar link.

Register

If you have questions, reach out to info@sinneavefoundation.org or call 403 210-5000. We’re here to help.

Your Time, Your Way - Sip & Paint 2026 Vision Boards
2026-01-20 17:00 - 19:30 | The Ability Hub, Suite #300, 3820 - 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B-2X9, Canada
Many individuals can benefit from what is often referred to as a “third space”—a place separate from home or work or school where there is no obligation to spend money on food or beverages. So we’re opening our doors to members of our community.

We invite you to drop in and use our space to help you unwind or recharge—with no pressure to engage in structured activities. We have several rooms and spaces available–a quiet lounge, computer desks, hang out sofas–you choose. It’s your time to use your way.

Our space provides flexible seating options, focus tools, and adjustable lighting options as we strive to make our space more welcoming and inclusive to those who wish to spend time in it.

On Tuesday, January 20, we’re hosting a special activity during the Your Time, Your Way time. Participants can drop-in between 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. to engage in a, “Sip and Paint your 2026 Vision Night” where you will have the opportunity to reflect on your goals and aspirations for 2026.

Participants will be able to paint their goals and aspirations so they have a visual representation of what they hope their year will look like. Canvases and paint supplies will be provided, however you are welcome to bring your own. While you paint and have fun, there will be a variety of beverages to sip on, including a hot chocolate or a mocktail.

Here are some suggestions of things you may like to do, if you will not be participating in the Sip and Paint your 2026 Vision Night, please note this is not an exhaustive list:

Socializing: Chat with others, make new connections, or catch up with friends

Using Computers: Access the internet, complete personal tasks, or explore hobbies online. Use our computers and wifi or bring your own device and connect via our network

Relaxing: Sit quietly, read, listen to music with headphones, or just enjoy the calm space

Independent Work: Bring personal projects, homework or studying you may need to do, or use the time to focus on tasks

Unstructured Activities: puzzles, sketching, journaling, or engaging in other personal hobbies

Exploring Resources: Learn about other programs, events, or services Sinneave offers

Simply Being: Spend time in the space without any specific activity, just enjoying the presence of others without any expectations to engage

To ensure a welcoming and safe space for all users, please read over the Rules of the Space before you arrive:

Check-In is Required: Everyone signs in upon arrival

No Alcohol or Drugs: This is a substance-free space for everyone’s safety and comfort

Respectful Content and Behavior: No engagement with explicit content and all interactions should be respectful

Noise Levels: Keep volume moderate to accommodate diverse activities

No formal supervision provided: Attend and engage independently

AIDE Canada Webinar: Double Diagnosis, Double Insight
2026-01-21 12:00 - 13:00 | Online via AIDE Canada
AIDE Canada, together with Autism Edmonton, are hosting a free, virtual lunch and learn exploring the connection between Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and autism through the perspectives of individuals who live with both conditions.

The discussion will highlight:

Helping participants understand the lived overlap of EDS and autism

Recognizing the shared experiences such as chronic pain, fatigue and sensory sensitivities

Navigating healthcare and daily life

Wednesday, January 21, 202612:00 – 1:00 p.m.Online via AIDE Canada

Dr. Emily Casanova, Thea Brain and Grace Calhoun will also share insights into self-advocacy, research, support strategies, and community inclusion. By centering lived experience, this session aims to foster greater understanding, empathy, and practical awareness of what it means to live at the intersection of EDS and autism.

Registration for this event is via AIDE Canada’s website. You can register by clicking the button that says, “Register”.

Register

About the Presenters:

Dr. Emily Casanova – Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology at Saint Louis University School of Medicine

Thea Brain – Clinical Director of Empowering. All. People. Consulting Inc

Grace Calhoun – Self-Advocate

Moderator:

Douglas Parsons – Training and Resource Manager, Autism Edmonton

Living the Good Life: A peer-led space for newly identified Autistic adults
2026-01-21 18:00 - 19:30 | Alberta
Thanks to those that participated in the pilot of Living the Good Life, a peer-facilitated drop-in for newly diagnosed or self-diagnosed, and late-identified Autistic and neurodivergent adults. We appreciated the opportunity to learn alongside you and to explore what this offering could look like.

Sinneave often pilots new ideas as part of our work as a hub for innovation and discovery. This means we sometimes test approaches and then adjust or pivot as we learn more about where we can have the greatest impact in alignment with our strategy.

As part of our ongoing work to learn and adapt our programs and services, we will not be continuing Living the Good Life at this time.

For those who participated in the pilot and are interested in staying connected, we encourage you to make use of Your Time Your Way as a “third space” — a place outside of work, home, or school where you can spend time, connect with others, or simply be in the space in a way that works for you. While there will no longer be formal planning and facilitation for Living the Good Life, the space remains available for people to connect on their own and spend time together if they wish.

In addition, there are several other community spaces where you may find connections and support. We have included a list of those in an attachment.

Thank you again for being part of this pilot and for the openness and contributions you made to the group.

Sinneave will continue to offer a wide variety of activities and opportunities through our events calendar, programs, and services for people to connect, engage, and take steps toward their goals and desired futures.

Want to chat? Feel free to book an Information & Navigation meeting.
