CDPP 2.0 Summer Institute
The CDPP 2.0 Summer Institute aims to build capacity among CDPP 2.0 trainees so that trainees are equipped to contribute to the goal of CDPP: optimizing full and effective physical activity participation among persons with lived experience of disability in Canada. The CDPP 2.0 Summer Institute will be offered every other year starting in 2025. The theme and learning objectives will be informed by the training needs of the CDPP 2.0 members. The program will feature plenary sessions, workshops, group work, networking, poster sessions and more.
Eligibility
Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows who are contributing to CDPP 2.0 research or knowledge mobilization activities are invited to apply for this training opportunity. Trainees contributing to any of the CDPP 2.0 teams are encouraged to apply. Please refer to the program guidelines (once posted) for complete eligibility criteria.
To give weight to the experiences of those who are currently the least represented in scholarship, at least 75% of spots will be reserved for trainees who identify with one or more equity-owed groups.
CDPP 2.0 Summer Institute 2025
Building Inclusive Research Partnerships to Advance Disability Participation
The Canadian Disability Participation Project (CDPP) 2.0 hosted its inaugural Summer Institute from June 10–12, 2025, bringing together 12 in-person trainees and 11 online trainees. Supported by CDPP 2.0 faculty and partners, the event centered on partnership, inclusivity, and knowledge mobilization.
The Summer Institute provided an immersive, supportive learning space for trainees committed to advancing disability-inclusive research in sport, exercise, and play. It offered the opportunity for trainees to build-capacity for partnered research and knowledge mobilization, and to network with CDPP 2.0 trainees, faculty, and staff.
Our Goals
After completing the Summer Institute, trainees were able to:
- Build collaborative relationships across disciplines and communities
- Describe processes to initiate and maintain research partnerships
- Apply principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and social justice
- Use integrated knowledge translation (iKT) guiding principles in real-world case scenarios
Key Features
- Inclusion Agreement – All participants co-created guidelines for respectful, inclusive engagement
- Interactive Workshops – Practical skill-building in partnership research
- Keynotes & Presentations – From leaders like Dr. Heather Gainforth, Dr. Stephanie Nixon, and Dr. Mary Ann McColl.
- Breakout Groups – Small team discussions both in-person and online
- 3-Minute Thesis Presentations and “Speed Dating” – Trainees presented their research in an accessible format then had the opportunity to discuss their research with fellow attendees
Acknowledgements
We thank Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) for funding support, Queen’s University for co-funding and hosting, and our many partners, facilitators, and planning committee members for shaping this meaningful event.
Access the Full Proceedings
For a detailed overview of the program, abstracts, and trainee contributions, download the proceedings:
Download the Summer Institute 2025 Proceedings Document (linked).
Recognition
One of the highlights of the Summer Institute was the launch of the Jane Arkell Memorial Ambassadorship, honouring trainees who embodied Jane Arkell’s vision for inclusive communities.
Learn more about the Jane Arkell Memorial Ambassadorship and the 2025 Ambassadors
Future Capacity-Building and Networking Opportunities
The CDPP 2.0 Mentorship Team will host the next Summer Institute in June 2027. More information will be posted on this page as planning gets underway. In the meantime, additional capacity-building and networking opportunities will be made available to members of the CDPP 2.0 partnership.
