Anna Przednowek
My research examines the intersections of gender-based violence, disability, and social inequity, with a focus on adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including work with Indigenous communities, particularly in rural, northern, and remote contexts.
Grounded in feminist ethics of care, feminist political economy, and social reproduction theory, I explore care, labour, family, and support systems across policy and practice contexts, with particular emphasis on care and direct support work, as well as gender-based violence prevention and support.
I am committed to inclusive, participatory, and community-engaged research, and to advancing equitable working conditions and more accessible services, while integrating this work into social work education and practice.
Research Interests
1. Gender-Based Violence and Justice
- Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Support among Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, including Indigenous Communities and in Rural, Northern, and Remote Contexts
- Peer Support and Community-Based Responses to Gender-Based Violence
2. Care, Disability, and Political Economy
- Care and Direct Support Work in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, including in Rural, Northern, and Remote Contexts
- Care, Ageing, and Transnational Contexts
- Social Reproduction and Feminist Political Economy
3. Disability, Inequity, and Social Policy
- Gender, Disability, and Social Policy
- Poverty and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, particularly in Rural, Northern, and Remote Communities
- Social Work Education and Practice in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
4. Community Engagement and Research Practice
- Inclusive, Participatory and Practice Based Research Methods
- Community–Campus Engagement in Local and International Contexts
Przednowek, A. (2025). Mapping Social Supports in the Lives of People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Using Ecomaps: Connecting Practice to Research. Current Developmental Disorders Reports 12(18). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40474-025-00329-y
Klostermann, J., Bunting, S., Maki, K., & Przednowek, A. (2025). Care containers: the multilayered politics of boundless work in Canada’s victim services sector. Studies in Political Economy / Recherches En Économie Politique, 106(1), 40–57. https://doi.org/10.1080/07078552.2025.2475666
Braedley, S., Côté-Boucher, K., & Przednowek, A. (2019). Old and Dangerous: Bordering Older Migrants’ Mobilities, Rejuvenating the Post-Welfare State. Social Politics: International Studies in Gender, State & Society. https://doi.org/10.1093/sp/jxz028
Braedley, S., Owusu, P., Przednowek, A., & Armstrong, P. (2018). We’re told, ‘suck it up’: Long-term care workers’ psychological health and safety. Ageing International, 43(1), 91-109. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12126-017-9288-4
Przednowek, A., Goemans, M., & Wilson, A. (2018). “I had a big revelation”: Student Experiences in Community-First Community-Campus Engagement. Engaged Scholar Journal: Community-Engaged Research, Teaching, and Learning, 4(2), 21-41. https://doi.org/10.15402/esj.v4i2.61746
Book Chapters:
Przednowek, A., Desormeau, S., & Ederer, S. (2025). “It Is What It Is”: Mothers Caring for Adult Children with an Intellectual and Developmental Disability in Rural Ontario during the COVID-19 Pandemic. In G. Currie & K. Pozniak (Eds.), From Mother to Caregiver: Mothering Children with Lifelong Care Needs Across the Lifespan (pp.190-212). Demeter Press
Research Networks:
Participatory Advocacy Research Network
Awards & Honours
2024- Violence Against Women Coordinating Committee Dedication Award for Exceptional Service
2022- Ontario Association of Social Work Community Contribution Award
2022-Nominee, Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching, Nipissing University
Teaching Material:
With the financial support from the Ontario Association on Developmental Disabilities (OADD-NADD Participation Award ) and Carleton OPRIG, Anna produced an educational video with self-advocate and inclusion rights activist Mr. Peter Park (Respecting Rights) and Sue Hutton, MSW (Arch Disability Law) on inclusive research practices with persons with intellectual & developmental disabilities titled “Nothing About Us without Us: That Means Research”.
See recent interview about the video project here.
In the news:
McGinn, S. (December, 2017). Social Workers Devote their Lives to Helping Others Why Aren’t They Receiving Help themselves? This, November-December.