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Family Engagement in Research Training Program @ferprogram.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

Exciting New Research Findings! The FER Team's latest study reveals the long-term (2-year) impact of the Family Engagement in Research (FER) Course on researchers and family members in neurodevelopmental disability and child health research! Link: www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....

New
FER
FAMILY ENGAGEMENT
IN RESEARCH
-TRAINING PROGRAM-
Publication
CanChild
McMaster
University
The family engagement in research course: impact on family engagement in neurodevelopmental disability and child health research two years later
Taylor & Francis
Online
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Research Article
The family engagement in research course: impact on family engagement in neurodevelopmental disability and child health research two years later
Alice Kelen Soper 2, Sarah Ali, Kinga Pozniak, Donna Thomson, Connie Putterman, Dayle McCauley, ..show all Received 29 Jul 2025, Accepted 28 Jan 2026, Published online: 04 Feb 2026

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Family Engagement in Research Training Program @ferprogram.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

We also share exciting community highlights, opportunities for involvement, upcoming workshops, and resources for researchers, patients, caregivers, and partners. 👉 Read the full newsletter: conta.cc/4sJp7Zk Let’s build meaningful engagement together in 2026! 🌟/2

conta.cc

FER Community Update | January 2026

Email from CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research What Does W.A.I.T Mean? January, 2026 Happy New Year! I’ve been following portia.noir (@portia.noir on Threads; @portianoir.com on Bluesky)

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Family Engagement in Research Training Program @ferprogram.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

✨ January FER Community Update is live! ✨ Start your year with intention and connection. In this month’s edition, we explore the power of a simple yet profound way to strengthen patient and family engagement. /1

conta.cc

FER Community Update | January 2026

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Family Engagement in Research Training Program @ferprogram.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

🔹 Festive reflections on family engagement & the holiday season. 🔹 Opportunities for youth voice, training, research participation, and more. 📬 Dive into the full update here 👉 conta.cc/4pIX76l Wishing you peace, rest, and connection as we head into 2026! ✨ /3

conta.cc

FER Community Update | December 2025

Email from CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research Happy Holidays! December, 2025 As we wrap up another meaningful year together, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the families, r

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Family Engagement in Research Training Program @ferprogram.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

✨ Our December FER Update is Here! 🎉 As 2025 winds down, we’re grateful for every family member, researcher, trainee, and partner who has helped make the Family Engagement in Research (FER) community vibrant, collaborative, and inspiring. 💛 In this month’s newsletter, you’ll find: /1

conta.cc

FER Community Update | December 2025

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PxP (For Patients, By Patients) @pxphub.bsky.social · 18/11/2025

How can you lay the groundwork for successful patient partnership? #PxP25 speakers shared practical strategies for building research teams where patient partners feel prepared and supported—no matter their experience or role. 🎥 Watch back: www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnJ6...

youtube.com

Laying the groundwork: setting up for success in patient partnership

YouTube video by PxP For Patients, By Patients

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Charis Hill | they/them @beingcharis.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

I keep seeing, "I saw someone post about being hungry yesterday so I gave them groceries" posts. Please don't post about keeping us fed for a pat on the back. We see those posts & it reminds us that people may help us & then ask friends for applause.

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Family Engagement in Research Training Program @ferprogram.bsky.social · 12/11/2025

This piece reflects the power of collaboration and real-world experience. We dive into how a name becomes more than a label; how it becomes a mission, a purpose, a movement. 👉 Read it now and let us know: What’s your leadership purpose? Link: open.substack.com/pub/familyen... /2

open.substack.com

From Name to Purpose: Tailoring Your Introduction

A shared collaboration by the FER Leadership Academy teaching team and leaders from our recent cohort.

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Family Engagement in Research Training Program @ferprogram.bsky.social · 12/11/2025

✨New Blog Alert!✨ We’re thrilled to share our latest post, “From Name to Purpose: Tailoring Your Leadership Journey,” co-written by the dedicated instructor team of the FER Leadership Academy and inspiring leaders from our current cohort. /1

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Family Engagement in Research Training Program @ferprogram.bsky.social · 17/10/2025

💡 Swipe through our photo carousel for quick tips on showing up with purpose this conference season, and read the full October issue for updates, opportunities, and community highlights. 🔗 myemail.constantcontact.com/FER-Communit... /3

myemail.constantcontact.com

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Family Engagement in Research Training Program @ferprogram.bsky.social · 17/10/2025

✨ Strategic Visibility: Do Less, But Do It Intentionally. You don’t have to attend everything to make meaningful connections. Being strategically visible means choosing where, how, and with whom you show up, in ways that support your energy, your message, and your goals. /2

myemail.constantcontact.com

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Family Engagement in Research Training Program @ferprogram.bsky.social · 17/10/2025

📣 New FER Community Update is here! As conference season approaches, our latest newsletter opens with an important reminder for researchers, healthcare professionals, and advocates alike: /1

Conference season is here
When you're starting out, it's tempting to attend everything - but here's the secret:
Practice Strategic Visibility
Show up where it aligns with your goals, not where it drains your energy.

Strategic visibility means the intentional effort to be seen, heard, and recognized in ways that advance your meaningful goals.
IN RESEARCH
Even attending events that you might just find fun is strategic!

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Family Engagement in Research Training Program @ferprogram.bsky.social · 12/10/2025

Continued from above: Building skills in science literacy is a positive byproduct of partnering in research.

Building skills in science literacy is a positive byproduct of partnering in research.
When people with lived experience partner in research, they get to learn more about the whole research process.
Their contributions build a stronger study.
Communities get to work together,
and knowledge moves where it's needed most.
While partnering in research is just one way to learn, science literacy is

Want to build your own science literacy skills?
Science Up First:
Canadian Association of
Science Centres
Healthcare For Real:
Canadian
Medical Association
Free Science
Literacy Course at the University of
Alberta

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Family Engagement in Research Training Program @ferprogram.bsky.social · 12/10/2025

This #ScienceLiteracyWeek, we’re celebrating how learning flows both ways. When people with lived experience partner in research, they gain new skills in science literacy, and studies grow stronger for it. Together, we build understanding, community, and knowledge that moves where it’s needed most.

This is Rae.
Rae started out as a lived experience partner in research.
She was there to share her story,
but she ended up learning a whole lot about the research process.
Partnering in research helped her build her skills in science literacy.
Science Literacy Week: Oct. 6-12, 2025

Partnering in research helped Rae learn about:
How studies are designed and why.
How communities and researchers work together.
How evidence becomes practice and policy.
How a study connects to people's lives.

What is Science Literacy?
Science literacy isn't about memorizing facts.
It's about understanding how science works, so you can ask questions, find trustworthy information,
and make informed choices.
Partnering in research is one way people can learn about the scientific process in real time.

Learning More About the Research Process Helped Rae:
-Better understand her child's complex medical care.
-Navigate her own cancer journey.
-See how lived experience can help shape research.
Building her science literacy skills helped change the way she sees the world.

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Family Engagement in Research Training Program @ferprogram.bsky.social · 18/08/2025

Apply by Aug 27: Family Engagement Leadership Academy — earn a McMaster University Certificate (10–week program starting Sept 17; only 12 spots!) New book alert: by Maude Champagne Big News: U Calgary researchers awarded $2.5 M SSHRC grant supporting neurodivergent individuals and their families/2

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Family Engagement in Research Training Program @ferprogram.bsky.social · 18/08/2025

Making Space Takes More Than a Seat This August, we're diving into "making space"—not just inviting family & lived-experience partners to the table, but empowering their voices to be heard and respected (and acted upon!). Plus: /1

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Family Engagement in Research Training Program @ferprogram.bsky.social · 18/07/2025

Real impact starts with real voices. Hear from a FER graduate about the power of meaningful collaboration. 👉Learn more: tr.ee/lKU4zw @canchild.bsky.social @kidsbrainhealth.bsky.social #FERCourse #FamilyEngagement

FAMILY ENGAGEMENT
IN RESEARCH
- TRAINING PROGRAM -

"The course was really structured to give you a lot of tools and
confidence
to be able to do family engagement."
- Researcher
CanChild
McMaster
University

CIHR IRSC
Canadian Institutes of
Instituts de recherche
kids
brain health network
réseau pour la santé du cerveau des enfants

FAMILY ENGAGEMENT
IN RESEARCH
- TRAINING PROGRAM -

"This course has been fulfilling in so many ways.
I have learned a lot, but it was the conversations and connections that ring true"
- Family Member
CanChild
McMaster
University

CIHR IRSC
Canadian Institutes of
Instituts de recherche
kids brain health network
réseau pour
la santé du cerveau des enfants

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Family Engagement in Research Training Program @ferprogram.bsky.social · 15/07/2025

📰 Our July 2025 FER Community Update is live! Catch up on what’s new & what’s next in family engagement in research. 📖 Read: tinyurl.com/FERJuly2025 💬 What helped you feel more ready to engage in meaningful ways? Comment below—we’d love to hear! #FERProgram #FamilyEngagement

FER Community Update
July 2025
8 tools that bring people with lived experience and researchers bring to research.
Plus: A recap of FER in Germany 2025
Congratulations to multiple FER grads in our community
Upcoming events
Our favourite readings and resources we saw this month

What helped you show up prepared, or made you fee more ready to engage in meaningful ways? Comment below!

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Family Engagement in Research Training Program @ferprogram.bsky.social · 14/07/2025

🇩🇪 FER in Germany! So proud to see FER grads at #EACD2025 sharing how family voices shape care + research. From parenting to systems change, they’re leading the way. Want to join them? ➡️ ferprogram.ca #FERProgram #MedicalParent #DisabilityResearch #HealthEquity

Collage of attendees from the EACD conference who were also graduates of the course.

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Family Engagement in Research Training Program @ferprogram.bsky.social · 11/07/2025

📣 Last day to apply! Are you a parent or caregiver of a child with a disability or health condition? Join the 10-week FER Course to build research skills & connect with families & researchers. 🌍 Open to all 🔗 tr.ee/Z1Kj79 #momlife #Parenting

Last change to apply for the Fall 2025 FER Course!

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Family Engagement in Research Training Program @ferprogram.bsky.social · 09/07/2025

3 Things Parents Might Not Know About Partnering in Research You can shape research, not just join it. Your lived experience is expertise. Research with parents hits closer to home for real families. Applications are still open for the Family Engagement in Research Course! /1

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Family Engagement in Research Training Program @ferprogram.bsky.social · 09/07/2025

If you are in the field of neurodevelopmental disability research, consider giving Kids Brain Health Network a follow!

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Family Engagement in Research Training Program @ferprogram.bsky.social · 03/07/2025

Co-learning in the Family Engagement in Research course strengthens partnerships and builds real-world skills in family engagement. 🔍 Learn more: tr.ee/lKU4zw 📝 Apply now: tr.ee/Z1Kj79 /3 #specialneeds #medicalmom #disability #parenting #momlife @canchild.bsky.social

tr.ee

Amazingly Simple Graphic Design Software – Canva

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Family Engagement in Research Training Program @ferprogram.bsky.social · 03/07/2025

When we take the time to listen, learn, and truly see their stories, we build a world that respects and includes every voice. Whether you're a parent, a researcher, a clinician, or a community member, your role in that story matters too. Let’s partner in research that reflects real lives. /2

tr.ee

Amazingly Simple Graphic Design Software – Canva

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Family Engagement in Research Training Program @ferprogram.bsky.social · 03/07/2025

Good news! The deadline to apply for the next Family Engagement in Research (FER) Course has been extended! Behind every child is a story that matters… Every child’s journey is unique, shaped by their dreams, challenges, and the people who walk beside them. /1 #patientengagement

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Family Engagement in Research Training Program @ferprogram.bsky.social · 03/07/2025

Co-learning in this course strengthens partnerships and builds real-world skills in family engagement. 🔍 Learn more: tr.ee/lKU4zw 📝 Apply now: tr.ee/Z1Kj79 @canchild.bsky.social #research #researcher #healthcare #pediatrics /2

tr.ee

Amazingly Simple Graphic Design Software – Canva

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Family Engagement in Research Training Program @ferprogram.bsky.social · 03/07/2025

Good news! The deadline to apply for the next Family Engagement in Research (FER) Course has been extended! Whether you've already applied or still thinking about it, researchers, now’s a great time to reach out to your current patient or community partner and apply together. /1 #patientengagement

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Family Engagement in Research Training Program @ferprogram.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

Ready to join a growing community of researchers and families working together? 🎉 Applications are OPEN for the Family Engagement in Research Course!  🗓️ Fall 2025: Sept 15 – Nov 23  🗓️ Winter 2026: Jan 19 – Mar 29  💻 All online. 👉Learn more: tr.ee/lKU4zw 🔗Apply now: tr.ee/Z1Kj79 #PatientEngagement

participants rated their overall course satisfaction on a scale of 1 to 10, with an average score of 8.6.

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Family Engagement in Research Training Program @ferprogram.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

It’s a candid, encouraging read for anyone committed to more equitable and impactful research partnerships. /3 open.substack.com/pub/familyen... open.substack.com/pub/familyen...

open.substack.com

Reflecting on our experience of partnering in research: Youth and trainee perspectives.

By Brian Xiao, Danielle DuPlessis, Josh Shore

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Family Engagement in Research Training Program @ferprogram.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

to navigating real‑world challenges and hard‑won insights. Along the way, they highlight what worked (and what didn’t), the value of mutual respect, and key lessons about how to make family–researcher collaborations truly meaningful. /2

open.substack.com

Reflecting on our experience of partnering in research: Youth and trainee perspectives.

By Brian Xiao, Danielle DuPlessis, Josh Shore

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Family Engagement in Research Training Program @ferprogram.bsky.social · 26/06/2025

Reflecting on partnership in research In this thoughtful blog post from members and partners from Bloorview Research Institute at Holland Bloorview, they share their journey of collaborating with a research team, from gaining the opportunity to partner, /1 #PatientEngagement

open.substack.com

Reflecting on our experience of partnering in research: Youth and trainee perspectives.

By Brian Xiao, Danielle DuPlessis, Josh Shore

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Family Engagement in Research Training Program @ferprogram.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

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Family Engagement in Research Training Program @ferprogram.bsky.social · 16/06/2025

From course highlights to community celebrations, resources, and upcoming opportunities—there’s something for everyone. 📬 Read it here: myemail.constantcontact.com/FER-Communit... 🔗 Learn more about our program at ferprogram.ca /2

myemail.constantcontact.com

FER Community Update | June 2025

Email from CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research Communicating Summer Goals June, 2025 Happy June everyone! This is that time of year where I always hear as a part of general small talk, "

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Family Engagement in Research Training Program @ferprogram.bsky.social · 16/06/2025

🎉 Applications are OPEN for the Family Engagement in Research Course!  🗓️ Fall 2025: Sept 15 – Nov 23  🗓️ Winter 2026: Jan 19 – Mar 29  💻 All online. 👉Link in bio for more information /2 @canchild.bsky.social #parenting

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Family Engagement in Research Training Program @ferprogram.bsky.social · 16/06/2025

At the Family Engagement in Research (FER) Course, our work is grounded in four core values: 💛Authenticity 🌍Inclusivity 👥Collaboration 🙌🏽Mutual Respect Do these resonate with you? Come join us! /1 #PatientEngagement #ConsumerInvolvement

Our values
Authenticity: We build and foster trusting relationships
Inclusivity: We foster co-learning in supportive environments
Collaboration: We effectively work together
for change
Mutual Respect: We celebrate all knowing and experience

At the Family Engagement in Research (FER) Course, our work is grounded in four core values:

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Family Engagement in Research Training Program @ferprogram.bsky.social · 13/06/2025

🗓️ Fall 2025: Sept 15 – Nov 23  🗓️ Winter 2026: Jan 19 – Mar 29  💻 All online. 👉Link in bio for more information #education #thesis #science #dissertation #university /2

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Family Engagement in Research Training Program @ferprogram.bsky.social · 13/06/2025

Are you a researcher looking to strengthen your ability to collaborate meaningfully with families in research? This course is for you! 🎉 Applications are OPEN for the Family Engagement in Research Course!  /1 #PatientEngagement

"I now feel better equipped to work alongside parents as research partners." -Researcher Graduate

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Family Engagement in Research Training Program @ferprogram.bsky.social · 12/06/2025

Stories from researchers and families Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and discover how you can make an impact through training with the FER program. Brought to you by CanChild, McMaster University, and Kids Brain Health Network. 📩 RSVP now: Link in bio! /3

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Family Engagement in Research Training Program @ferprogram.bsky.social · 12/06/2025

Whether you’re a researcher, family member, or community partner, this event is for you! 📅 When: Wed June 18 at 7:30-8:30pm ET and again Tues June 24 at 12-1pm ET 📍 Where: Virtual via Zoom ✨ What to Expect: Insights into the FER course Interactive Q&A session

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Family Engagement in Research Training Program @ferprogram.bsky.social · 12/06/2025

🌟 Spring Open House Alert! 🌟 The Open House is your opportunity to learn about the Family Engagement in Research (FER) Course, meet members of our team, and explore how our program can help you feel confident to partner in research. /1 #PatientEngagement

The Family Engagement in Research (FER) Course
Spring OPEN HOUSE
Thinking about taking the
FER Course? Not sure what it's really about? Have questions for us?
Wed June 18, 7:30-8:30pm ET
Tues June 24, 12-1pm ET
Online via Zoom
Registration link in bio
Can't make it?
Connect offline
fer@mcmaster.ca
ferprogram.ca

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Family Engagement in Research Training Program @ferprogram.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

You are up next! 🎉 Applications are OPEN for the Family Engagement in Research Course! 🗓️ Fall 2025: Sept 15 – Nov 23 🗓️ Winter 2026: Jan 19 – Mar 29 💻 All online. 👉Link in bio for more information #familyengagenent #FERCourse #consumerinvolvement #PPI @canchild.bsky.social /2

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Family Engagement in Research Training Program @ferprogram.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

🌍 Did you know the Family Engagement in Research (FER) Course has welcomed learners from 23 countries around the world? Families, individuals with lived experience and researchers from all backgrounds have come together to learn, connect, and make research more meaningful. #patientengagenent /1

23 countries Map with pins. 713 grads. Join us! Application now open!

Learn more about the FER Course! Ferprogram.ca fer@mcmaster.ca @ferprogram (Instagram)

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Family Engagement in Research Training Program @ferprogram.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

🗓️ Fall 2025: Sept 15 – Nov 23  🗓️ Winter 2026: Jan 19 – Mar 29  💻 All online! 👉Linktree for more information: linktr.ee/familyengage... /2

linktr.ee

Family Engagement in Research | Instagram | Linktree

Building capacity and community in meaningful family engagement

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Family Engagement in Research Training Program @ferprogram.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

🌟 At FER, our vision is to transform the culture and practice of family engagement in health research and health care. Sounds like something you believe in too? 🎉 Applications are OPEN for the Family Engagement in Research Course!  /1 #consumerinvolvement #patientengagement

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Family Engagement in Research Training Program @ferprogram.bsky.social · 06/06/2025

Fall 2025: Sept 15 – Nov 23 🗓️ Winter 2026: Jan 19 – Mar 29 💻 All online. Email fer@mcmaster.ca for more information. #FamilyEngagement #FERCourse /2

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Family Engagement in Research Training Program @ferprogram.bsky.social · 06/06/2025

Applications are OPEN for the Family Engagement in Research Course! 💬 Whether you’re new to family engagement research or looking to deepen your perspective, this course will offer the tools and mentorship to help you! /1 @canchild.bsky.social #consumerinvolvement #patientengagement

"I think the course was really structured to give you a lot of tools and confidence to be able to do
family engagement."
- Researcher

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