Co-construction of tools to foster inclusive environments for the social participation of adults with disabilities- in the context of gender and sexual diversity

In Quebec, 2SLGBTQIA+  people represent approximately 10% of the population, which would bring this population to  almost 300,000 older adults over the next 40 years. More than half (56%) of older adults  have a disability. 2SLGBTQIA+ older adults with disabilities experienced systemic  discrimination, associated with stigma, and amplified by ageism, which increases their  probability of having disabilities and being restricted in their social participation. The  intersections between gender identity or sexual orientation, disabilities and advanced age  further increase the risk of vulnerability. Due to higher rates of victimization and  discrimination, 2SLGBTQIA+ people are more likely to experience negative physical and  mental health outcomes. For example, almost one third (31%) present symptoms  of depression, as well as high rates of cancer and HIV. Such health problems are  associated with disabilities limit the opportunities of social connections. Studies showing  that 53% of 2SLGBTQ+ older adults report being isolated. Indeed, GRIS Estrie and  public health authorities identify the social isolation of 2SLGBTQ+ older adults as a major  concern and report the gradual withdrawal from social environments of this population. Accordingly, it is essential and urgent to combat isolation and better support social participation, an important modifiable determinant of health and a key dimension of active aging, of  this population.

Higher social participation has been associated with lower mortality risk  and greater life satisfaction. Despite the important negative consequences of this  exclusion, little is known about how to foster their social participation. According to GRIS Estrie, creating inclusive and welcoming environments for 2SLGBTQIA+ older adults is essential and  depends on gatekeepers and service providers increasing their awareness of the specific needs  of this population. For GRIS Estrie, it is critical to identify the unmet needs in terms of social  participation for this population, explorer factors that create barriers or facilitate participation  (e.g., community centres or recreational facilities), and develop awareness and education  tools to reduce discrimination within these environments. The overall goal of the present  project is to co-construct tools that promote inclusive environments for the social participation  of 2SLGBTQIA+ older adults with disabilities (physical and mental health conditions) that  respond to their needs for their inclusion in social life and interpersonal relationships as well as  access to leisure, sports, tourism, and cultural activities in their context.

The specific objectives are:

1. To identify and prioritize the social participation needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ older adults with  disabilities.
2. To explore factors that create barriers or facilitate participation according to key  resources for social participation.
3. To co-design awareness raising campaigns to reduce stereotypes and discrimination specifically among gatekeepers of services for the social  participation of 2SLGBTQIA+ older adults.