Autistic Journeys: Voices and Perspectives - Dianne Skoetsch
2026-04-08 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Edmonton) | Online via Eventbrite
What is life like for an Autistic over the age of 50 who received their diagnosis later in life? Plus, how and why does one become a self-advocate at this stage of a person’s life?

Meet Dianne Skoetsch. Dianne is a powerhouse of energy and dedicated to lifelong learning. In this session, you will hear Dianne’s story. You may identify with certain aspects of her journey and walk away having met someone who feels like a kindred spirit. We are convinced that you will appreciate her message.

This learning session is part of Autism Edmonton’s “Autistic Journeys: Voices and Perspectives” series which is brought to you with support from the Sinneave Family Foundation.

Wednesday, April 812:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)Online via Autism Edmonton

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

Register

About the Presenter:

Dianne Skoetsch was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, and has deep roots in the community. She was born in 1960 at the Royal Alexandra Hospital and was raised by her mother from a young age, an experience that fostered her independence, resilience, and strong sense of responsibility. An only child, Dianne has lived in Edmonton for most of her life.

Diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome later in life, Dianne brings valuable lived experience, insight, and compassion to her work and volunteerism. She values faith, lifelong learning, and healthy living, and she enjoys music, theatre, nature, walking, cooking, typing, and ongoing personal development. She regularly participates in fitness and educational programs at local senior centres.

Dianne currently serves as Power of Attorney and Agent for her mother, Maisie, who lives with progressive dementia in a specialized care residence. This unpaid role reflects her commitment to advocacy, ethical decision-making, and caregiving. She has also volunteered with the Autism Independent Living Association for over 10 years, including service as a former board member and secretary, and continues to support the organization through special projects.

In addition, Dianne is a board member and singer with Braille Tones, a choir for individuals with disabilities, through the Braille Tones Music Society. She is also a member of the Autism Lions Club, where she occasionally participates in service initiatives. Dianne is deeply committed to helping others, fostering inclusion, and contributing meaningfully to her community.

Movie Night with Autism Awareness Club UCalgary
2026-04-13 17:30 - 19:00 | The Ability Hub, Suite #300, 3820 - 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B-2X9, Canada
You’re invited to join the Autism Awareness Club at University of Calgary for their last event of the semester — a movie night!

Monday, April 13 5:30 – 7:00 PMat The Ability Hub (300, 3820 24 Ave NW)

All are welcome! You don’t need to be a UCalgary student to attend. You just need to enjoy spending time with great people.

If you want to let organizers know you will be coming, or if you have any questions about this event, please email: autismawarenessucalgary@gmail.com.

Webinar: Talk 2 Me (Stress and Stress Management)
2026-05-05 15:30 - 17:00 | Online via Autism Edmonton
Talk 2 Me is a free workshop focused on stress and stress management.

While facilitators foster open conversations about mental health and well-being, attendees will have an opportunity discuss the signs, symptoms, and impacts of stress, as well as strategies for coping in healthy ways.

This session is presented by Autism Edmonton in partnership with the YMCA and brought to you with support from the Sinneave Family Foundation.

Tuesday, May 53:30 – 5:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)Online via Autism Edmonton

Registration for this event is via Autism Edmonton’s Eventbrite page. When you click the button that says “Register” you will be redirected to their site.

Register

About the YMCA:

At YMCA, we believe in the power of people. Every day, our dedicated employees and volunteers bring energy, positivity, and inclusivity to everything they do. They are the spark that ignites potential in others – helping individuals grow, thrive, and truly belong.

When people feel connected and supported, communities become stronger, more resilient, and full of life. That’s the impact of people-powered change. Together, we create welcoming spaces where everyone is valued, differences are celebrated, and possibilities are endless. Be the spark. Shine bright. Help others shine too.

Victoria Day - Office Closed
2026-05-18 00:00 - 23:59

The Vergence: Neuroinclusive Market and Creative Expo
2026-05-23 15:00 - 21:00
The Vergence is an evening experimental expo, a micro-market, and a creative convergence designed for makers, movers, and minds that work a little differently.

Saturday, May 233:00 – 9:00 p.m.Inglewood Community Association Hall (1740 24 Avenue SE)Admission is free or by donation

Browse curated vendors, explore hands-on workshops, gain sensorial sovereignty via silent-disco headphones. Experience freedom of expression and movement in a space intentionally built for sensory comfort, creative expression, and genuine community.

Whether you’re a longtime member of the neurodivergent community or simply someone who’s tired of events that feel the same–this was made with you in mind.

The Vergence is presented by The Divergent Collective.

When you click the button that says “The Vergence” you will be redirected to their Eventbrite page, where you will find more details and ways you can participate.

The Vergence

Please note: This is not a Sinneave event. If you have questions about the market and expo, please reach out to The Divergent Collective directly. You can find them on Instagram @divergent_collective_yyc

Autistic Voices and Perspectives - Jess Burylo
2026-06-10 12:00 - 13:00
What does it really mean to speak up for yourself and feel confident doing it?

Join Autism Edmonton for an honest and inspiring conversation with Jessica Burylo, an Autistic self-advocate whose work is helping change how we understand identity, accessibility, and belonging.

Jessica is a PhD student at the University of Alberta, where she explores Autistic identity and joy. She also works with Elections Canada to reduce barriers so people with disabilities can take part in federal elections, and collaborates with Accessibility Standards Canada to improve how programs and services are designed. Across everything she does, Jessica brings both professional insight and lived experience.

This session is not about having all the answers. It is about learning how to trust your voice and use it.

Together, we will explore what self-advocacy can look like in everyday life, how to build confidence in who you are, and how to navigate systems that were not built with you in mind. Most importantly, we will talk about joy and why it matters.

You will leave with practical ideas, a stronger sense of self, and a reminder that your voice matters.

This learning session is brought to you by Autism Edmonton, with support from the Sinneave Family Foundation.

Wednesday, June 1012:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)Online via Autism Edmonton

When you click on the button that says “Register,” you will be redirected to Autism Edmonton’s Eventbrite page, where you can reserve your spot.

Register

About the Presenter:

Jessica Burylo (she/her) is an Autistic self-advocate and PhD student at the University of Alberta, where her research explores Autistic identity and joy. She works as an Outreach Officer with the Inspire Democracy team at Elections Canada, supporting efforts to reduce barriers to participation in federal elections for people with disabilities.

She works with Accessibility Standards Canada to help shape national standards for accessible program and service delivery, and serves as an advisor to Proof Positive: Autism Wellbeing Alliance. Her work brings together accessibility and lived experience with a focus on creating spaces where Autistic people can meaningfully participate and thrive.
