Family Engagement in Research Training Program
@ferprogram.bsky.social
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We train, mentor, and mobilize today’s advocates, champions, and leaders in family engagement. 🔗 - https://linktr.ee/familyengagementinresearch 👉 - What is the FER Course? https://tr.ee/lKU4zw 🚀 - Ready to apply for the FER Course? https://tr.ee/Z1Kj79
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ferprogram.bsky.social
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
ferprogram.bsky.social
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:
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ferprogram.bsky.social
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
ferprogram.bsky.social
📰 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!
ferprogram.bsky.social
🇩🇪 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.
ferprogram.bsky.social
📣 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!
ferprogram.bsky.social
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
ferprogram.bsky.social
If you are in the field of neurodevelopmental disability research, consider giving Kids Brain Health Network a follow!
kidsbrainhealth.bsky.social
Are you working on an evidence-based solution for children with NDDs?Whether you’re in research, healthcare, or a nonprofit, KBHN's upcoming funding call may be for you.

📅 Info Session: July 17 | 11 AM MT
🎯 Learn how to qualify
👥 Lived/living experience is required on your team!

buff.ly/4wKmkuz
Info session poster with logos of Kids Brain Health Network and Brain Canada Foundation. Date: July 17, 2025. Two children smiling.
ferprogram.bsky.social
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
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#specialneeds #medicalmom #disability #parenting #momlife
@canchild.bsky.social
Amazingly Simple Graphic Design Software – Canva
Amazingly Simple Graphic Design Software – Canva
tr.ee
ferprogram.bsky.social
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.
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Amazingly Simple Graphic Design Software – Canva
Amazingly Simple Graphic Design Software – Canva
tr.ee
ferprogram.bsky.social
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
ferprogram.bsky.social
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
Amazingly Simple Graphic Design Software – Canva
Amazingly Simple Graphic Design Software – Canva
tr.ee
ferprogram.bsky.social
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
Reposted by Family Engagement in Research Training Program
ferprogram.bsky.social
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.
ferprogram.bsky.social
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
Reflecting on our experience of partnering in research: Youth and trainee perspectives.
By Brian Xiao, Danielle DuPlessis, Josh Shore
open.substack.com
ferprogram.bsky.social
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
Reflecting on our experience of partnering in research: Youth and trainee perspectives.
By Brian Xiao, Danielle DuPlessis, Josh Shore
open.substack.com
ferprogram.bsky.social
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.
ferprogram.bsky.social
🎉 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
ferprogram.bsky.social
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: 
ferprogram.bsky.social
🗓️ 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
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