iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Bonus: Many of these perspectives come from authors we featured in last year’s back-to-school round up. Find our recommendations on @TheStoryGraph.com. Double bonus: In the audiobook version, many of the stories are read by the authors themselves!

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

"... even if the disability itself wouldn’t be diagnosed until later in life. I liked that they talked about difficult topics in ways that were authentic to the author, but also potentially helpful to youth who might read this book.”

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

"... I liked that there was a good combination of folks who acquired their disability in childhood as well as folks who were born with their disabilities. There were also stories told about experiences that were, in retrospect, connected to disability and ableism ...

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

This month’s #StudioPacificaBookClub recommendation comes from our marketing coordinator, K Wheeler. “I loved that there was a diverse group of disabled authors, representing not just diversity of experience, but also diversity of geographic backgrounds. ..."

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

In honor of back-to-school season, we're reading "Owning It: Our Disabled Childhoods in Our Own Words,” which collects the childhood accounts of 22 disabled authors. Though the intended audience is readers age 9 and up, there are insights to be gleaned for readers of any age.

The book cover for "Owning It: Our disabled childhoods in our own words," edited by Jen Campbell, James and Lucy Catchpole, depicts children of all different abilities enjoying different experiences.

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Dramaturgical material specifically highlighted changes in language and the historical use, meanings, and ultimately, reclamation of the word “freak.” The show runs through September 6! Click here to learn more about the show and purchase tickets: www.seattlerep.org/plays/202627...

seattlerep.org

Freak The Mighty | Seattle Rep

Promo Code is active.

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

We loved hearing about the production team's commitment to accessibility and education, by way of hiring accessibility theater consultants as well as contextualizing the book on which the play was based within the time it was written.

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Our team benefitted from accessibility features such as: clear booking practices ahead of the show, the theatre’s hearing loop, accessible seating with good sightlines and generous circulation space, and, of course, the accessible restrooms.

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

The story, written and set in 1993 by Rodman Philbrick, portrays a genuine friendship between two disabled teens that celebrates the whole range of human experience. The production’s casting of disabled folks—both in the lead cast as well as the ensemble cast—added a layer of authenticity.

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Our team had the pleasure of seeing the new musical “Freak the Mighty” at Seattle Rep earlier this week.

Smiling Studio Pacifica team members, two standing and two seated in power wheelchairs, pose in front of a Seattle Rep step-and-repeat. One team member holds a program up, featuring the show's title "Freak the Mighty" on the cover.

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Are you in Philadelphia for this year's Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability (LEAD®) Conference? Be sure to say hello to our senior accessibility specialist, Andrea Kovich!

Yellow text on a green background reads, "LEAD 2026, August 11-14, 2026, Philadelphia, PA." A graphic of a campfire sits above the text.

Text reads, "What is Radical Accessibility? How might we as arts and cultural organizations, patrons, and disabled professionals go beyond minimum code requirements to consider the full experience? Prompted by a common client request for innovative ideas that enhance accessibility, this session is intended to be a group brainstorm exploring the question: What is radical accessibility? Using our collective brain power, we'll explore ideas that push the envelope and advance accessibility within the arts. Andrea Kovich, Senior Accessibility Specialist, Studio Pacifica."

Text over a photo of the Philadelphia skyline reads, "Access. Inclusion. Culture. It's a Philly thing. Join us this summer for the 2026 LEAD Conference, August 11-14, Philadelphia, PA"

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

"ILLUMINATE 2026: Disability Performance in the Spotlight is a four-evening festival that celebrates the artistry, perspectives, and lived experiences of Disabled communities while fostering conversations around access, dignity, and social justice."

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

"This Disability Pride Month, Sound Theatre Company invites you to discover an extraordinary lineup of Disabled playwrights whose work is funny, poignant, imaginative, and deeply human."

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

We share this invitation on behalf of Senior Accessibility Specialist, Andrea Kovich, who formerly served on Sound Theatre Company's Board of Directors and is serving as guest curator for part of this series. For more information, visit: soundtheatrecompany.org/2026-season/...

White text on a faded black background reads, "Sound Theatre Company presents Illuminate 2026: Disability Performance in the Spotlight."

White text on faded black background reads, "2026 Illuminate, Seattle Center Theatre Black Box. Monday, July 13, Screening of documentary 'Imperfect' by Regan Linton (with discussion to follow). Monday, July 20, Full-length Play Reading. Tuesday, July 21, Short Play Readings. Monday, July 27, Panel Discussion: Producing Disabled Artists, Rob Urbinati (Queens Theatre), Teresa Thuman (Sound Theatre), and guests."

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

If you have accessibility concerns please reach out to KCADA@kingcounty.gov or call 206-604-6479.

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

There will be an alternative route using King County tunnels to accommodate people with mobility needs with clear signage. There will be clear signs at the Accessible entrances located at: Chinook Building, the King County Courthouse, and the Administration Building entrance on 4th Ave.

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Accessibility Details: The public entrance to the courtyard off James Street is on a very steep hill. The accessible courtyard entrance can be accessed through the 2nd floor of the Administration Building.

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Details: Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at 2 p.m. King County Administration Building Plaza

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

The event will include light refreshments and remarks from employees and community members honoring the resilience, leadership, advocacy, and contributions of people with disabilities as we celebrate Disability Pride Month and commemorate the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Join King County in celebrating Disability Pride Month at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7! You are invited to join King County Executive Zahilay (@executive.zahilay), the King County Disability Equity Network, and community members for King County's Disability Pride Flag Raising Ceremony.

White text on a grey overlay appears over the disability pride flag and reads "Celebrating Disability Pride Month, Disability Pride Flag Raising Ceremony, Tuesday, July 7."

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

"It’s insightful, honest, and deeply human—a powerful read for anyone interested in disability, identity, or how we see the world.” Request the book from your local library or purchase from your local bookstore. This title is also available as an audiobook, read by the author. (3/3)

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

“Andrew Leland’s The Country of the Blind is a thoughtful, often funny memoir about his transition into blindness due to retinitis pigmentosa. Blending personal story with history, culture, and philosophy, Leland explores what it means to live between sight and blindness." (2/3)

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

This month’s #StudioPacificaBookClub recommendation comes from Karen. We're reading "The Country of the Blind" by Andrew Leland (@Quailty). (1/3)

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

There will be four opportunities to see them, alongside dear colleagues (and some of our favorite people). Come say hi! Visit the conference website to learn more about each session (and the conference at large). conferenceonarchitecture.com

Black text on a light cyan background reads, "Nothing About Us Without Us: Empowering Inclusive Design. This session will feature a successful, highly effective, and nationally recognized accessibility and inclusion team that uses legislation as a baseline but goes beyond to explore new possibilities for a more accessible built environment. Join us to discover how you can strengthen your creative and inclusive design muscles.
Learning Objectives. 1. Evaluate the lens through which you see the world and how you can learn from and understand the differing experiences of others. 2.
Learn how to build project input and feedback networks/loops that widen designers' perspectives, gather meaningful community feedback, and minimize inherent biases."

Black text on light cyan background reads, "Access in Education: K-12 Schools that are Welcoming to All. Through the lens of professional expertise and personal experience, four panelists will discuss best practices for access and inclusion to create K-12 educational environments that welcome all students, staff, and visitors. Perspectives represent accessibility consultants and K-12 educators as well as the disabled community as educators, former students, and parents of disabled students. Speakers will review most common barriers in schools, low cost solutions for barrier removal in existing environments, as well as considerations for early planning of new educational facilities. Attendees will come away with valuable insights and actionable ways to improve their projects."

Black text on light cyan background reads, "Accessibility as an Act of Empowerment. Since 1990, Karen L. Braitmayer, FAIA, founder and managing principal of Studio Pacifica, has deftly combined her lived experience as a member of the disabled community and her professional expertise in architecture to support project partners in the design, development, and construction community in creating beautiful, barrier-free spaces. In this keynote, Karen will reflect on how perceptions towards accessibility have evolved in her lifetime, how the work we collectively do influences that change, and the impact of environments that strive to truly welcome all. Through a wealth of experiences, some favorite examples, and her wry sense of humor, Karen will open your eyes to life at a different line of sight and encourage attendees to consider how we might better serve our communities."

Black text on light cyan background reads, "Lived Experience: Lessons from Above the Standard. This panel discussion features accessibility experts who will share their lived experiences (including mobility, blindness, d/Deafness, and neurodivergency) to offer unique insights. The informal format aims to go beyond minimum standards by exploring the rationale and design provisions that truly improve accessibility. Learning Objectives: 1. Discover how the lived experiences of marginalized communities are a valuable resource for inclusive design. 2. Understand that the inclusion of persons with lived experience is critical for inclusive design."

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

Will we see you at the #AIA26 Conference on Architecture & Design next week? Karen L. Braitmayer, FAIA, our founder and managing principal, and Joyce Wheeler, ADAC, the co-lead of our construction observation team, will be speaking at this year's conference in San Diego.

Black text over a colorized photo of palm trees reads, "AIA26, San Diego, June 10-13, Register now"

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

...to discuss their professional and personal experiences as architects and designers with disabilities. To register for the event happening at 6pm ET / 3 pm PT this Monday, June 1st, visit this link: calendar.aiany.org/2026/06/01/c... In-person and hybrid options are available.

calendar.aiany.org

Challenging Barriers: Architects with Disabilities Share Their Lived Experience - Calendar - AIA New York / Center for Architecture

In this panel discussion, architects with disabilities will speak about their life experience. Some have been disabled since a young age; others have developed disabilities as professionals in the…

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

AIANY will be hosting a panel next week entitled "Challenging Barriers: Architects with Disabilities Share Their Lived Experience." Karen is excited to join this panel of esteemed colleagues, including Chris Downey, David Gissen, Rachel Updegrove, and Richard Dougherty...

Black text on white background reads, "Challenging Barriers: Architects with Disabilities Share Their Lived Experience,
Jun 01, 2026."

Black text on white background, "In this panel discussion, architects with disabilities will speak about their life experience. Some have been disabled since a young age; others have developed disabilities as professionals in the discipline. In addition to discussing lived experience in the profession, the panelists will also discuss the education and training of architects. When does the selection process of architecture school—and the assumptions about the mandatory abilities required in practice—start to determine who we see in practice?

This event will be in-person and online. If you need specific accommodations to join this program, please contact us so we may prepare – skaba@aiany.org."

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

Today, we're sharing this mid-week nugget of wisdom from Hagen Tilp, a senior exhibit prototyper at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

White text on an orange background. "You can't solve for accessibility. You have to solve for inclusion and accessibility will be the outcome." –Hagen Tilp, Senior Exhibit Prototyper, Monterey Bay Aquarium.

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

Clear zoning also benefits neurodivergent travelers, offering clarity for use of space. Bonus points for incorporating clear space for wheelchair users or larger items like strollers and luggage!

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

While traveling on @WAStateFerries to Bremerton, one of our team members spotted this #AccessibilityInTheWild moment. High contrast patterns in the flooring and tactile borders delineate zones for seating and circulation, which benefits travelers who are blind or low vision.

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

Request the book from your local library or purchase from your local bookstore. This title is also available as an audiobook, read by disabled actor Ali Stroker.

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

In our view, the student should never have to choose, and we love working with educational institutions to make campus life barrier-free for students, staff, and visitors alike. Wishing the best of luck to all the students who are in the midst of their decision-making process!

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

A disabled student might ask themselves, “Do I want to be the one of the first disabled people at an institution that hasn’t had to think deeply about accessibility yet or do I choose an institution where my accessibility needs have been considered but may not be as academically prestigious?”

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

For many students with disabilities, the decision of which institution to attend involves more than just academic merit. To comfortably navigate, participate, and fully engage in campus life requires a certain level of consideration for accessibility.

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

Forrest based this novel on her experiences as a wheelchair user with cerebral palsy. High school senior Effie Galanos has to navigate the college application process while trying to juggle familial expectations, friendships, romance, and facing everyday accessibility barriers.

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

For May’s #StudioPacificaBookClub, we want to highlight the YA novel, “Where You See Yourself” by Claire Forrest, in honor of college selection season.

The book cover for "Where You See Yourself" by Claire Forrest depicts a young woman using a manual wheelchair at home, looking in a mirror. The mirror reflects different surroundings than her current environment, suggesting she is considering a university setting.

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

We are so excited to share that our very own Morgan Tweed has been appointed by the governor's office to the Washington State Building Code Council. Please join us in congratulating Morgan! We are so proud to have you represent Studio Pacifica and the disabled community as a council member.

White words on teal background read, "Congratulations! Our very own Morgan Tweed has been appointed by the governor's office to the Washington State Building Code Council."

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

Last month, Karen had the absolute pleasure of joining Natasha Trotman (@Trottykins) to speak with Jos Boys, Aimi Hamraie, and Scar Barclay about 'access washing' as part of the 6-part podcast series, Disability Meets Architecture (DMA).

Text reads, "Disability Meets Architecture: 6-part podcast series exploring productive frictions by The DisOrdinary Architecture Project and Critical Design Lab."

White words by Karen Braitmayer on teal background read, "That word 'accessible' has so many different meanings. There is a code compliance meaning, but there's also a colloquial meaning. Is it available? Is it usable? Does it include everybody?"

The DisOrdinary Architecture Project presents the Disability Meets Architecture Podcast. A 12-square grid features headshots of the participants as well as a title slide for the podcast.

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

We're curious—What TED talks do you return to? What would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments. To watch these talks, visit studiopacificaseattle.com/links and look under "Community Highlights."

studiopacificaseattle.com

Links

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

The theme of TED2026 is "All of Us," noting that it will take every voice, every human, and immense collective effort to build the future we want to see. We're here for this sentiment. In honor of the conference happening this week, we're revisiting some of our favorite TED Talks.

White text on an orange background reads "I'm not your inspiration, thank you very much, Stella Young" with a photo of Stella appearing below.

White text on an orange background reads "When we design for disability, we all benefit, Elise Roy" with a photo of Elise appearing below.

White text on an orange background reads "Why design should include everyone, Sinéad Burke" with a photo of Sinéad appearing below.

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

We're excited to share that accessibility specialist Morgan Tweed, CPACC will be presenting at the 6th Annual International Neurodiversity and the Built Environment Symposium, hosted by Thomas Jefferson University.

White text on a blue background reads, "6th Annual International Neurodiversity and the Built Environment Symposium: Building Empathy." Details include how to join as well as sponsors and presenting organizations.

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

Request the book from your local library or purchase from your local bookstore. Click the link in bio to see more reading recommendations or find us on @TheStoryGraph.com. Learn more about the events that inspired this book at the link in bio.

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

The book depicts the story of lifelong activist Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins, who at eight years old climbed the 83 steps of the U.S. Capitol as part of the iconic protest led by grassroots disability rights organization ADAPT.

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

In honor of the anniversary of the Capitol Crawl, we're sharing one of our favorite children's books, "All the Way to the Top: How One Girl's Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything," written by Annette Bay Pimentel and illustrated by Nabi H Ali.

Book cover of "All the Way to the Top: How One Girl's Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything."

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

"Bill’s practical nature helped me see the value of providing data for clients in a way they can easily digest and use. I hope I helped him see the advocacy side of our work. His legacy is the strong team he founded at Endelman & Associates, one of our favorite firms to collaborate with."

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

A few words from Karen: "I am mourning the passing of my friend and colleague in accessibility consulting, Bill Endelman. Bill and I started our adventures in the field, both collaborating and in good natured competition, at about the same time."

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

Studio Pacifica remembers William E. Endelman, AIA, founder and former principal of Endelman & Associates, and sends our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones.

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Studio Pacifica @studiopacifica.bsky.social · 07/03/2026

Request the book from your local library or if purchasing, consider supporting your local bookstore. Find us on @TheStoryGraph.com for more recommendations.

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