Printable Version

Dr. Block is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Occupational Therapy Program, teaching in the areas of disability studies, qualitative research design, human subjects research ethics and grant writing. Dr. Block received her PhD in cultural anthropology from Duke University in 1997. Her dissertation "Biology, Culture and Cognitive Disability: Twentieth Century Professional Discourse in Brazil and the United States" addressed the influence of cultural beliefs and professional theories on disability policy and treatment. She served as PI of a multi-year study funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) entitled "Project Shake It Up! Health Promotion and Capacity Building for persons with Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury and other Neuromuscular Disabilities," (2002-2005).

She has studied multiple marginalization and the intersections of gender, race, poverty, and disability. She currently studies capacity building and health promotion for people with disabilities through participatory intervention research with community non-profit organizations. Current research involves peer mentoring and overcoming barriers to physical and recreational activity for children and adults with Multiple Sclerosis. Recent publications discuss teaching disability studies in community health and rehabilitation programs.