iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Pamela Block @pblock8.bsky.social · 05/11/2025

I am so happy to say that a webinar on "Sibling Co-Creation During Times of Transition" recorded with Helen Ries and Dima Kassem is finally available online. It is short, only 36 minutes long but there is also a text summary of the discussion that followed which was really amazing.

learning.siblingscanada.ca

WEBCAST | Co-creation during times of transition - Research Findings

This course is a replay of a web presentation of research findings with Dr. Pamela Block, Helen Ries and Dima Kassam. They share the results of their research on sibling relationships during times of ...

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Futurum Careers @futurumcareers.bsky.social · 17/09/2025

Our latest collection of free education resources explores disability anthropology with Dr Pamela Block (@pblock8.bsky.social) from @westernu.ca, Dr Nádia Meinerz from the Federal University of Alagoas and Bruna Teixeira from the art collective Ateliê Ambrosina. futurumcareers.com/how-can-port...

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Futurum Careers @futurumcareers.bsky.social · 17/09/2025

Dr Pamela Block (@pblock8.bsky.social) from @westernu.ca, Dr Nádia Meinerz from the Federal University of Alagoas and Bruna Teixeira from the art collective Ateliê Ambrosina are exploring disability and identity through portraits, podcasts and visual activism. futurumcareers.com/how-can-port...

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Pamela Block @pblock8.bsky.social · 02/06/2025

Upcoming talk June 25th at 1pm Eastern/6pm BST/10am Pacific Siblings, Disability and Care: Cocreation during Times of Transition with Pamela Block Helen Ries and @dimakassem Hosted by the @siblingstudies www.tickettailor.com/events/unive...

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Sibling Studies Network @siblingstudies.bsky.social · 29/05/2025

Please do join our online event next on 25th June: 'Siblings, Disability and Care: Anthropological and Co-Created Perspectives'. With @pblock8.bsky.social Helen Ries Dima Kassem @nikitahayden.bsky.social @tomjryan99.bsky.social Programme here: tinyurl.com/mr2ejrt7 Sign up here: tinyurl.com/mra86v38

Flyer for an event as follows:
Siblings, Disability and Care: Anthropological and Co-Created Perspectives.
Co-Creation During Times of Transition.
This online event builds an understanding of the impact of major life transitions on sibling relationships – particularly the emotional, social and caregiving dynamics involved. We will look at mutual care relationships as a form of access intimacy, activist affordances, and worldmaking between disabled and non-disabled siblings. We will discuss possible directions for future research as well as recommendations for service providers, decision makers, parents and others to contribute to building sustainable, inclusive support systems and better overall outcomes. This project is supported in part by funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.
The event is on Wednesday 25th June 2025 at 6-7.30pm BST and 1-2.30. Email n.hayden@sheffield.ac.uk for information on signing up.

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Institute for Health and Disability Policy Studies @ihdps.bsky.social · 01/04/2025

The 2025 National Survey on Health and Disability (NSHD) has opened! We are looking for adults with disabilities who are 18 years or over to take our survey! Take the survey at: kuhealthsurvey.org The world is changing, and now, more than ever, your experiences need to be heard!

Survey flier featuring diverse group of people with disabilities

The 2025 National Survey on Health and Disability (NSHD) has opened!

We are looking for adults with disabilities who are 18 years or over to take our survey!

Take the survey at: kuhealthsurvey.org

The world is changing, and now, more than ever, your experiences need to be heard!

Questions? Contact us!

Phone: 1 (855) 556-6328
Email: healthsurvey@ku.edu

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Pamela Block @pblock8.bsky.social · 15/05/2025

Expanding the Capacity of Planning and Facilitation Supports in Canada PARTICIPANTS NEEDED: DISABLED INDIVIDUALS & FAMILIES UNDERGOING A PLANNING AND FACILITATION PROCESS.

Expanding the Capacity of Planning and Facilitation Supports in Canada

PARTICIPANTS NEEDED: DISABLED INDIVIUDALS & FAMILIES UNDERGOING A PLANNING AND FACILITATION PROCESS.

Aim of this research: This study, conducted in collaboration with Partners for Planning and Disability and Medical Anthropologists at Western University, aims to explore the impact of planning and facilitation on disabled individuals and their families engaged in this process.

Who can participate:
 Participants must be 18 years or older.
 Must be an autistic person, a person with intellectual disability, or a family member who is involved in a planning and facilitation process or a Facilitator.
 Must be able to speak English

What to expect if you decide to participate:
 Interviews will be conducted via Zoom.
 Each Interview will last approximately one hour.

For more information about this study, please contact Dr. Pamela Block:
Email: pblock(at)uwo.ca

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Pamela Block @pblock8.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

Check and see if this is in your library’s catalog and if so share this to the librarians and ask them to remove it #disability #anthropology #publishing

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Duke University Press @dukepress.bsky.social · 27/02/2025

In "Between Families and Institutions" @zhiyingma.bsky.social examines how the contemporary Chinese state’s biopolitical governance impacts families’ involvement in the psychiatric care of their close relatives. Read the intro for free now! #Anthropology #AsianStudies buff.ly/4blj2dp

Cover of Between Families and Institutions: Mental Health and Biopolitical Paternalism in Contemporary China by Zhiying Ma. Background features artwork by Sophie Hing-Yee Cheung, a collage of white rectangular erasers covered in marbled streaks of newspaper ink. The title is centered and framed by a black and purple ink drawing that evokes a tree shape.

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Pamela Block @pblock8.bsky.social · 11/04/2025

Recommending this amazing new book!

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Pamela Block @pblock8.bsky.social · 02/04/2025

Thank you to all who attended this full-house event and thank you to the organizers and panelists!

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Pamela Block @pblock8.bsky.social · 17/03/2025

April 1st, Hyland Cinema 204 Wharncliffe Rd S., Academy Award Winning Documentary No Other Land. reception at 7:30, movie at 8:00, discussion from 9:30-10:45. Tickets are $15 at this link docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F... Or via text transfer to standingtogetherlondon@gmail.com

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Pamela Block @pblock8.bsky.social · 26/02/2025

My sister depends on Medicaid for food, housing, and medical care.

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Jen Mankoff @jcmankoff.bsky.social · 21/02/2025

I have been asked to present a talk about the future of accessibility. But I feel obliged to talk about the future we face if this current dismantling of our rights succeeds. Because we know what that world will look like -- we have only to look to the past. make4all.org/2025/02/21/w...

make4all.org

What is the future of accessibility?

I have been asked to present a talk about the future of accessibility. But how can I talk only about the amazing researchh I see our community doing, when I am watching the dismantling of the right…

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Jen Mankoff @jcmankoff.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

We've been saying DEI includes diversity for a while. Now Trump's DEIA finally includes Accessibility. It's critical that we continue the push to recognize both the positives, and fight the negatives of DEIA together with all affected communities. substack.com/home/post/p-...

substack.com

Home | Substack

Discover and discuss great writing with the world’s smartest readers on Substack.

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Otto von Biz Markie @donachaidh.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

Happy Wednesday

A screenshot of a post on LinkedIn by Monty G. Marshall, Director at Center for Systemic Peace:

"Congratulations America! The Polity Project has downgraded its score for the USA from +8 (democracy with factionalism/polarization) to 0 (freely elected executive, 8; total lack of constraints on executive action, 1; restricted factionalism, 6). President Trump began ruling by decree on "Day One"; Congress has done nothing to rein him in; there is some reaction by the courts but time has proven that Trump is an expert in delaying, ignoring, or otherwise avoiding legal accountability for years (until legal action becomes irrelevant). Ignoring the Constitution and Rule of Law is the functional equivalent to suspending the constitution. USA scores 4 on democratic authority and 4 on autocratic authority
(POLITY = 0). This change is considered an
autocoup (executive coup) and an Adverse Regime Change."

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Cullen Hendrix @cullenhendrix.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

If you've ever used the Polity data, read this from Monty Marshall. tl;dr Polity is coding recent US events as an executive self-coup and an adverse regime change.

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Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) @autisticadvocacy.org · 11/02/2025

We urge the Senate not to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy’s long record of spreading misinformation about autism in particular and public health in general makes him a disastrous choice for this role. #StopRFK

buff.ly

Call your Senators to #StopRFK now! - Autistic Self Advocacy Network

We are deeply disappointed that Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) Jr.’s nomination has moved out of the Senate Finance Committee. Now, the whole Senate will vote on whether he becomes Secretary of the…

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Ava Gurba (she/her) @avanicole23.bsky.social · 10/02/2025

The Introduction to the Science and Lived Experience of Autism (ISLEA) training program is now enrolling! Live sessions start Friday, February 28, 2025. This program costs $975 per person (although we do have group rates). Register for ISLEA at: bit.ly/ISLEARegistration #ActuallyAutistic

Flyer for the Introduction to the Science and Lived Experience of Autism (ISLEA) training program. The ISLEA training program is now enrolling. ISLEA is a training program designed to debunk common myths, explore recent scientific findings, and gain insight into the autistic lived experiences. ISLEA provides professionals and family members the skills they need to more effectively support autistic individuals. ISLEA participants will: 1) develop a deeper, more reflective and empathetic way of caring for autistic individuals; 2) learn ways to work more effectively with people across the autism spectrum; and 3) reduce stress and burnout through their enhanced understanding of autism. The program consists of 30 hours of online learning over 15 weeks, consisting of: a) 15 asynchronous (or learn on your own time) 60-to-90-minute sessions; b) 15 synchronous (or learn with the instructors and up to 15 other learners) 30-minute sessions; and c) a microcredential granted upon completion. Registration is now open until Monday February 24th at 5 pm with live-sessions starting Friday February 28th. Sessions run through June 13th, 2025. Registration into the course costs $975 per person. Group contract rates are also available. You can register for ISLEA at bit.ly/ISLEARegistration. You can learn about ISLEA and other training programs in detail at bit.ly/AJDAITrainingPrograms or email sctl@drexel.edu (sctl at drexel dot edu).

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agadarancia.bsky.social @agadarancia.bsky.social · 04/02/2025

📢 CALL FOR PAPERS & ROUNDTABLES Join us in Montreal, where waters and people have long met, for the 2025 Conference of the Canadian Anthropology Society (CASCA) on the theme of “Confluences” (May 7-10, 2025). Please, submit your proposals by FEB 7 by visiting event.fourwaves.com/casca2025/pa...

event.fourwaves.com

CASCA 2025 – McGill, Montreal

Fourwaves - CASCA 2025 – McGill, Montreal

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Krisjon Olson @krisjonolson.bsky.social · 29/01/2025

Gutted to hear of the loss of Devva Kasnitz, a gem of a person who is a giant in our disability community and among anthropologists. Share memories and get updates on opportunities to honor her lnk.to/kasnitz

lnk.to

Devva Kasnitz (1950-2025)

Go to Devva Kasnitz (1950-2025).

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Ruby Goodley @rubygoodley.bsky.social · 27/01/2025

RIP Devva Kasnitz - a truly inspirational, kind, fiery disability scholar and activist! The DS community has lost a kindred spirit, but she will never be forgotten. An infrastructural activist whose influence knows no bounds. Thank you for all you’ve taught me 💛 portrait by Mallory Kay Nelson

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Melody Miller @ydolemmiller.bsky.social · 27/01/2025

Just learned Devva Kasnitz, a well-known figure in Disability Studies and a previous prof of mine, passed over the weekend. The class I took with her during my first semester in my MA in Disability Studies opened a lot of doors for me and is the reason my thesis will be autoethnographic in nature

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Sumi Colligan @sumicol.bsky.social · 28/01/2025

It is with great sadness that I learned that Devva Kasnitz has past away. She was a disability champion and anthropologist extraordinaire. Devva, you were the first disabled anthropologist I had ever met (aside from myself) and a true friend and role model. I will miss you more than you can know.

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Jen Mankoff @jcmankoff.bsky.social · 28/01/2025

Devva Kasnitz empowered an entire generation of new technologists to prioritize disability studies, disability justice, and related concepts in their work. Folks in the accessibility community- please share her impact on you make4all.org/2025/01/27/d... More here: iloveyou-leadon.com/2025/01/25/d...

make4all.org

Devva Kasnitz 1950-2025

This post is to share that Devva Kasntiz passed on Jan 26 2025 with the accessibility community. There is further information about her passing and impact written by her close friend and collaborat…

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Doron Dorfman @dorfmandoron.bsky.social · 27/01/2025

Heartbroken by the passing of Devva Kasnitz, a trailblazing disability studies scholar, one of the founders of Society for Disability Studies, and a generous & beloved mentor. The world is certainly a worse place without her. May her memory be a blessing. iloveyou-leadon.com/2025/01/25/d...

iloveyou-leadon.com

Devva Kasnitz 1950-1925

It is with great sadness that I share the passing of Devva on January 26. She had been ill throughout the fall, and last week, liver cancer was discovered. She entered hospice care almost immediate…

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erin l. durban @erindurban.bsky.social · 27/01/2025

Rest in Power, Devva Kasnitz ❤️ (Portrait by Mallory Kay Nelson)

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CommunicationFIRST @communicationfirst.bsky.social · 27/01/2025

Our hearts grieve the passing of Devva Kasnitz (z”l), a monumental contributor to the #DisabilityCommunity and CommunicationFIRST's long-time Advisory Council Member. At this link, share memories and get updates on opportunities to honor her loving soul. lnk.to/kasnitz

With her back to the camera, Devva Kasnitz sits by a table at the Future of AAC Research Summit. She watches herself on-screen during the film premiere of “13 AAC Users: Priorities for Future Research.”

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Pamela Block @pblock8.bsky.social · 27/01/2025

Portrait by Mallory K. Nelson who writes in the caption “I just don’t have words” : walnut ink portrait of Devva wearing a crown and fairy wings. Water color back grown of a rainbow palette of overlapping circle.⭕️

This caption was written by Deborah Addington, Devva’s sister. Our beloved sister, daughter, mother, wife, scholar, friend, colleague, teacher, spinner, weaver, dancer, and all-around brilliant being took off her body at 12:20 pm PST, Sunday, January 26, 2025.

Baruch Ata Adonai, Eloheinu Melech HaOlam, Dayan HaEmet.

May she rush to the arms of The Beloved, at peace and free of pain.

May we who remain feel fully our grief, and fully feel yhe joy she brought to the world. We remeber her so that she lives forever, as she should. 🕯💔🕯

Portrait by Mallory K. Nelson who writes in the caption “I just don’t have words” : walnut ink portrait of Devva wearing a crown and fairy wings. Water color back grown of a rainbow palette of overlapping circle.⭕️

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Pamela Block @pblock8.bsky.social · 25/01/2025

For updates on Devva’s status in her final days check her Facebook page.

Two tired looking women wearing glasses lean their heads together

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adrienne maree brown @adriennemareebrown.bsky.social · 25/01/2025

we will keep track of all the changes, fight in every way we can, and deepen into our visions. but find your grief practice. so many people are going to suffer and die in so many unnecessary ways in the short term because of the decisions and moves being made. learn to feel your grief as we go.

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Pamela Block @pblock8.bsky.social · 24/01/2025

Yes managed but far more flexible and less controlling than the typical agency and the new agency run by an old friend and former work colleague who is wonderful.

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Pamela Block @pblock8.bsky.social · 23/01/2025

My sister just moved from a traditional agency to a home share. It is a relief to not be part of a medicalized liability-based system with a constantly shifting staff.

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Rae Martens ♿️ @coffeeandresearch.bsky.social · 16/11/2024

There is no word for “disabled” in the Inuit language. Instead, in Nunavut people contribute according to their abilities, says a new study sponsored by the Canadian Centre of Caregiving Excellence (CCCE). www.aptnnews.ca/national-new...

aptnnews.ca

Study says disability care mostly handled by family members

A new report looks at disabilities and caregiving in the Arctic territory of Nunavut and makes recommendations for improvement

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Pamela Block @pblock8.bsky.social · 23/01/2025

@helenries.bsky.social Siblings Canada and the Centre for Caregiving excellence new podcast #disabilityjustice #disability #mutualcare

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