Turning Research Into Action: A Co-Design Workshop for New Grads

March 5, 2026 | 12:00PM-2:00PM EST

Virtual

CCRW Virtual Workshop

Turning Research Into Action: A Co-Design Workshop for New Grads

Date: March 5, 2026

Time: 12:00–2:00 p.m. EST · Virtual

Honorarium: Participants will receive a $150 gift card in recognition of their time and contributions.

Space is limited — registration is capped at 20 participants.

Who this workshop is for

Calling all college and university graduates and students with disabilities.

We're inviting recent graduates and current students with disabilities to help co-create a resource for other new grads entering the workforce.

About the workshop

In this two-hour virtual workshop, you'll collaborate with CCRW researchers and other postsecondary grads and students to create a guide with advice for navigating the transition from school into work.

Our research team will share findings from SURF, a recent research project exploring the school-to-work transition with students across Canada.

Together, we’ll focus on how these insights can be shared and used in meaningful ways, with participants’ lived experience guiding how this information reaches those who need it most.

What you can expect

Overview of key findings from the SURF research project.
Guided small-group discussions with fellow grads and students.
Co-design activities to shape a practical workforce transition guide.
Opportunities to share experiences and priorities for change.
$150 gift card honorarium for participants (space limited to 20 attendees).

Research team

Meet the facilitators

Vanessa Sinclair, PhD

Director of Research and Evaluation, Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work

Vanessa is a social scientist and community-based researcher focused on workplace inclusion, stigma and attitude change, and labour market participation. She earned her PhD in social psychology from Western University and has led CCRW’s disability and employment research for the past four years.

Michelle Wilson

Evaluation Specialist, Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work

Michelle uses data-driven and community-based evaluation approaches to assess and communicate the impact of community services, supporting inclusive and accessible employment practices.