The funded projects were presented on September 26 during the organization’s annual Forum. This major gathering represents a unique opportunity to discover innovative projects and to strengthen links between the research community, the needs of organizations and people with experiential knowledge. Among the projects highlighted is the peer employment support program for people living with schizophrenia and related psychoses. This program aims to reduce the obstacles encountered by these people in their path to employment. Another innovative project will develop solutions to facilitate the use of touch screen household appliances for people with visual impairments. A final example of research is to document the physical and mental health indicators of aging autistic people to identify facilitators and barriers to their social participation.
Consult the list of projects funded since 2017.
Participatory research is a collaborative method that arises from the needs and priorities of non-profit organizations. This approach allows them to co-create solutions to their challenges by integrating professional and experiential academic knowledge.
Inclusive Society is co-directed by Philippe Archambault, professor at the School of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy at McGill University, and François Routhier, professor at the School of Rehabilitation Sciences at Laval University. “Participatory research helps bridge the gap between theory and practice, by integrating the perspectives and knowledge of the communities directly concerned. We therefore offer an inclusive approach that values the co-creation of knowledge and promotes solutions that are truly adapted to people’s needs,” explains François Routhier.
Workshop during the annual Inclusive Society forum. (Jean-François Rivard)
“As a sexologist working with a/Autistic people, as part of the co-development project of active listening training for Autism Support volunteers, the knowledge that I acquire through the project me allow me to do my work better and become an increasingly safe person for my clients,” says Mireille St-Pierre, person with experiential knowledge, from the Autisme Soutien organization.
Inclusive Society brings together 151 researchers and 120 partners, and is attached to the Faculty of Medicine of Laval University. Several professors are involved, notably Véronique Flamand, associate professor of the occupational therapy program at Laval University, who acts as president of the steering committee of the Fund for an Inclusive Society. In collaboration with audiologist Mathieu Hotton, speech therapist Chantal Desmarais and physiotherapist Stéphanie Bernard, this committee manages foundation donations and authorizes the financing of projects in accordance with the program’s standards and guidelines.
The Azrieli Foundation is proud to support Inclusive Society’s cross-sector participatory research projects to transform and enrich current and future lives. “By funding these innovative initiatives, the Foundation strengthens its commitment to education, research and health, while promoting a better understanding and inclusion of neurodivergent people,” says Suzanne Heft, Vice President, Grants.
Lise Roche, program director of the Mirella and Lino Saputo Foundation (Jean-François Rivard)
“By offering strategic financial support to Inclusive Society, the Mirella and Lino Saputo Foundation allows community organizations to maximize their impact and innovate their approaches by combining their know-how with the university research community. Committed to encouraging an inclusive and resilient society, it aspires to create a more equitable social landscape by meeting the specific needs of people throughout Quebec,” adds Lise Roche, program director.
By joining forces, Inclusive Society partners demonstrate that inclusion and innovation go hand in hand to build a better future for all.
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