Development and Mapping of a Composite Index of Accessibility and Inclusion

Project Description

This Master's project proposal is part of an innovative research initiative addressing a challenge faced by Quebec municipalities: ensuring accessibility and inclusion to leisure activities for populations with diverse life trajectories and capacities. Accessibility and inclusion in leisure are key determinants of participation and social connectivity, which are fundamental for individual and community well-being. Despite recognition of its importance, municipalities do not necessarily possess adequate tools to target their interventions and identify intra-municipal inequalities. Inequalities in access and inclusion can exacerbate marginalization, social isolation, and hinder a sense of community belonging. Developing a better understanding of the dimensions associated with accessibility and inclusion in leisure would facilitate planning and interventions aimed at increasing participation. This project, in partnership with the City of Sherbrooke, aims to develop a decision-support tool for municipalities in planning inclusive environments and optimizing their resources.

Research Objectives
The project aims to O1) document the development and mapping of a composite index of accessibility and inclusion in leisure, and O2) explore its relevance and applicability as a decision-support tool.
The research will be conducted using a mixed-methods approach, combining secondary data analysis with a participatory approach involving a steering committee and two key informant forums with experts and knowledge users.

Team and Study Environment
Under the co-supervision of Dr. Mélanie Levasseur (School of Rehabilitation) and Dr. Philippe Apparicio (Department of Applied Geomatics), the student will play a central role in the analysis of secondary data, contributing to the identification, development, and mapping of the composite index, and to the evaluation of its relevance and applicability to other municipal contexts. The student will also be involved in organizing key informant forums and participating in knowledge transfer activities. The student will collaborate with a multidisciplinary research team and will be funded by a Mitacs scholarship (between $60,000 and $65,000) for a two-year duration.

Required Training and Skills
A 1st cycle degree in a relevant field of study such as:
•	Health Sciences (e.g., occupational therapy, gerontology, public health)
•	Social Sciences (e.g., urban planning, territorial development, geography, leisure sciences)
•	Geomatics

Desired skills include:
•	Experience with geomatics and spatial analysis
•	Quantitative secondary data analysis

Additional relevant aptitudes:
•	Interest in social inclusion, aging, leisure
•	Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team and in an action-research context
•	Willingness to apply for research scholarships (CdRV, FRQ, CIHR).

Funding offered

Yes

$30,000 per year (for 2 years)

Partner(s)

Ville de Sherbrooke, Laboratoire interdisciplinaire en innovation municipale

The last update was on 21 October 2026. The University reserves the right to modify its projects without notice.