Research on Training
Research on Training refers to systematic inquiry aimed at enhancing the support systems around individuals with disabilities in various contexts. The overarching goal is to prepare the environment by equipping individuals, professionals, organizations, and industries with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to facilitate the active participation and engagement of people with disabilities within their communities.
Share this Page
Key areas that are being developed in our research include:
1. Preparing and Educating Individuals:
This aspect of research on training focuses on empowering individuals with disabilities themselves. It involves identifying effective strategies for enhancing their skills, independence, and self-advocacy abilities. This might include research into educational programs, life skills training, assistive technologies, and other interventions designed to promote the autonomy and well-being of individuals with disabilities. This is a research area that has been explored over the years, with the Youth KIT, and will continue to be explored in new projects like the “About Me” tool. Some related research with siblings of individuals with disabilities, SIBYAC, enables them to explore their role in better supporting their transition-aged brother or sister.
2. Training Professionals:
Professionals such as educators, healthcare providers, social workers, and therapists play crucial roles in supporting individuals with disabilities. Research on training in this context aims to identify best practices for professional development and continuing education. This may involve studying the effectiveness of training programs, exploring innovative teaching methods, and addressing knowledge gaps among professionals to ensure they are equipped to provide high-quality services to individuals with disabilities. Current research related to this area involves the training of OTs and PTs on the PREP intervention.
3. Organizational Training:
Organizations, including schools, healthcare facilities, community centers, and workplaces, also require training to create inclusive environments and effectively support individuals with disabilities. Research in this area might investigate organizational policies, practices, and culture that promote inclusivity, as well as strategies for training staff members to be more disability-aware and responsive to the needs of diverse populations. Current research called the Campus Belonging study examines the policies and procedures at post-secondary institutions to co-design solutions with autistic post-secondary students in order to enable this population to better complete their post-secondary training.
4. Industry Training:
Many industries can benefit from training initiatives aimed at promoting the inclusion and participation of individuals with disabilities. This might involve research into accessibility standards, inclusive design principles, and workplace accommodations. By equipping industries with the knowledge and resources to accommodate and support employees and customers with disabilities, research on training can help break down barriers to participation in various sectors. Current research called the Job-Train Program (JTP) aims to better prepare job coaches and employers to create more supportive environments for autistic youth in the workplace.
Community Engagement:
Finally, research on training emphasizes the importance of engaging communities in efforts to support individuals with disabilities. This might involve raising awareness, challenging stereotypes, and promoting social inclusion through educational initiatives, advocacy campaigns, and community-based programs. By fostering greater understanding and acceptance of individuals with disabilities within communities, research on training contributes to creating more inclusive and supportive environments for all. Current research through FER aims to train parents, researchers, and professionals to better engage in partnership research with people with lived experience.
Overall, research on training is essential for building capacity at multiple levels to better support individuals with disabilities and promote their full participation and inclusion in society. Through systematic inquiry and evidence-based practices, this research helps to inform policies, programs, and practices that enhance the quality of life and opportunities for people with disabilities.
PREP Intervention Protocol
Pathways and Resources for Engagement and Participation (PREP)– is an evidence-based intervention that focuses on enhancing participation through modifying the environment. Using this skills-based approach, therapists work with the client (and his/her parent or caregiver when appropriate) to identify aspects of the environment and the activity that either support or hinder participation.
Family Engagement Program (FER)
The Family Engagement Program is co-developed, co-delivered, and co-led by a dedicated team of family leaders and pediatric health service researchers in Canada. Working together, our mission is to “advance family engagement in the field of neurodevelopmental disability (NDD) and child health through equitable training, mentorship, networking, and collaboration initiatives”.
The Sibling Youth Advisory Council (SibYAC)
The Sibling Youth Advisory Council (SibYAC) was established as a research partner in the doctoral studies of CHILD-BRIGHT READYorNot™ Project Graduate Trainee and Research Assistant Linda Nguyen
Campus Belonging Project
In collaboration with the University of Alberta (U of A) and McMaster University (CanChild), the Campus Belonging project was developed to enhance autistic postsecondary (PS) students' sense of belonging within Canadian institutions. The Campus Belonging project was initially designed to understand and address the barriers that autistic PS students face.
Job-Train Program (JTP)
The Job-Train Program (JTP) is a summer vocational program developed through community-based research and designed to provide training and early paid-work experience for autistic high school students. The JTP offers employment related skills training, a paid work placement, and employment supports over the course of a 13-week summer program. Launched in 2016, the JTP has undergone iterative improvements, refining its approach based on qualitative and quantitative evaluation and feedback.
