Access the Memory Workers Fellowship application form: 

https://forms.gle/e7F75XqxDA9D5f5u5

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About the Project: The Autistic Lived Experience: Community Curation and Memory Workers Fellowship, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), is part of the Autistic Voices Oral History Project (tAVOHP), an initiative launched in 2023 that is dedicated to recording, preserving, and sharing the stories of Autistic people, documenting their perspectives and culture, and aiming to contribute to a broader historical narrative. tAVOHP seeks to expand public understanding of neurodiversity and challenge conventional approaches to oral history.

 

This grant-funded fellowship program, in collaboration with the Association of Moving Image Archivists (AMIA), and the Association for Autism and Neurodiversity (AANE), aims to increase accessibility and inclusion in the field of oral history and memory work.

 

The project includes two fellowship programs:

 

1. The Autistic Community Fellowship seeks to build a more representative historical record by centering Autistic narratives and empowering Autistic people to play an active role in capturing and preserving their community’s memory.

2. The Memory Workers Fellowship will train non-Autistic (allistic) and Autistic professionals working in archives, libraries, and oral history, as well as students in LIS, on neuro-affirming practices, cross-neurotype communication, and Autistic culture.

 

Twelve people will be selected for each Fellowship Program, for a total of 24 fellows across both programs.

 

About the Memory Workers Fellowship: The Memory Workers Fellowship offers professionals in archives, libraries, and oral history (including LIS students) the opportunity to enhance their skills in working with neurodiverse communities. They will focus on developing an understanding of neuro-affirming frameworks, gain practical experience in cross-neurotype communication, and develop an understanding of Autistic culture. Fellows will learn oral history practices tailored to the unique communication styles and processing methods of people in the Autistic community. 

 

This fellowship aims to build bridges across neurotypes and provide memory workers with tools to more effectively preserve diverse Autistic narratives, and positively engage with Neurodivergent people in all aspects of their work.

The fellowship is open to both Autistic and non-Autistic (allistic) memory workers. Priority will be given to applicants who are part of marginalized or underrepresented communities, including people of color, LGBTQIA+ people, disabled people, unemployed or underemployed memory workers or others facing financial hardship, and those with a demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and accessibility in their professional work.

Please note: fellows must be at least 18 years old and must be a citizen of the United States or legally authorized to work in the U.S. with the intention of continuing work in the U.S.
 

Access the Memory Workers Fellowship application form: https://forms.gle/e7F75XqxDA9D5f5u5

 

Commitments of Fellows: 

• Participate in the remote Oral History with Autistics for Memory Workers Workshop in March 2025, which will focus on neuro-affirming oral history methodologies and inclusive practices for working with the Autistic community.

• Conduct two oral history interviews with other members of the Autistic community between March 2025 and July 2025, using the neuro-affirming techniques learned in the workshop.

• Submit completed interviews, biographical forms, and release forms to tAVOHP for archiving and dissemination by August 15, 2025.

• Engage with other fellows and tAVOHP staff through scheduled group meetings, office hours, and online forums to share experiences and seek support.

• Attend an online wrap-up event in September 2025 to discuss experiences, provide feedback, and connect with other participants.

 

Desired Qualifications: 

We are seeking fellows who:

 

• Have experience in or a commitment to archives, oral history, or other forms of memory work.

• Have an interest in improving cross-neurotype communication and preserving Autistic narratives.

• Are part of or have experience working with other marginalized or underrepresented communities.

• Are willing to learn and apply neuro-affirming practices in their professional work.

• Can commit to conducting two interviews and participating in group activities during the fellowship.

 

Application Evaluation: 

A total of 12 Memory Workers Fellows will be selected. Applications will be evaluated by a team of 7 project advisors.

 

How You Will Be Supported: 

As a fellow, you will receive training and ongoing support from tAVOHP staff and partners, including:
 

• Participation in the Oral History with Autistics for Memory Workers Workshop, which covers Autistically-informed interviewing techniques and best practices.

• Access to regular office hours, group meetings, and a dedicated Slack channel to seek guidance and share experiences with other fellows.

• Direct support from tAVOHP staff in recruiting interviewees and conducting interviews in a safe, comfortable, and neuro-affirming environment.

• Access to interview tools, templates, and resources to ensure successful completion of the project deliverables.

• Support and accommodations customized to your unique needs.

Compensation:

Each Memory Workers Fellow will receive a total compensation of $3,000 over 3 payments, including a first payment of $1,000 upon execution of your fellowship contract, a second payment of $1,000 upon completion of the workshop, and a third payment of $1,000 upon completion of the two required interviews and submission of all associated materials.

 

Each interviewee of the Memory Workers Fellows will receive $300 for their contribution to the project.

 

Questions?

If you have any questions about the fellowship or application process or would like to request accommodations, please email Casey Davis and Sam Fleishman at autisticvoicesproject@gmail.com.

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Applications are due by January 31, 2025.

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Access the Memory Workers Fellowship application form: https://forms.gle/e7F75XqxDA9D5f5u5