Projects

On-going Research Projects led by DICARP

Nothing About Us Without Us –Implementing disability-inclusive climate adaptation in the Montreal Metropolitan Community 

This research project investigates the impact of climate events on people with disabilities in the Montreal Metropolitan Community. We are interested in learning about how events such as heat waves, rising temperatures, smog, major rainstorms, floods, rapid freeze and thaw cycles and winter rains affect people with disabilities. The goal of the research is to develop helpful strategies with and for people disabilities to better support them during these events, as well as to help with preparation and recovery. 

In recent years in Canada, we have experienced a rapid increase in climate-related weather emergencies. People with disabilities are uniquely vulnerable during these weather events. We are interested in learning directly from people with disabilities who have experienced one or more of these weather conditions. You can learn more about our researchers here.

This study is funded by Ouranos.

Want to Participate in the study? 

We want this study to reflect the diverse experiences and perspectives of people living with disabilities. We are seeking participants with diverse experiences, from diverse backgrounds, different neighborhoods, genders, and ethnicities. We are looking in particular for the following participants:

Blind or visually impaired people

Deaf or hearing impaired people

People living with intellectual disabilities

People with physical or motor disabilities

Neurological diseases

(including multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease)

Chronic diseases

(including diabetes, Sjögren's syndrome, asthma, kidney disease)

Psychosocial disabilities

(anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, and psychotic disorders (schizophrenia))

Why Participate? 

Your participation will help us better understand the difficulties experienced by people with disabilities during events like heat waves, rainstorms, floods, freeze-thaw cycles and other climate events. It will also help us develop strategies to help support people through these events. 

What happens if you choose to participate? 

Participants will be invited to an interview that will last about 90 minutes. We can meet you at your home or somewhere else, as you like. You will first be asked for some general information about yourself and about your disability. You will then be invited to an in-person. In the interview, we will also ask you questions about your experience and perspectives on how specific weather events and conditions affect people with disabilities. All answers will be anonymous, and you will also be free to stop the interview or to skip questions that make you uncomfortable. 

Compensation 

$50/interview in form of a prepaid gift card. 

If you want to participate or are interested in learning more, please contact: 

Email: jennifer.spiegel@mcgill.ca 

Tel: 514-396-1385