Disability Advocacy Internships: A Comprehensive Guide
Disability advocacy internships offer invaluable opportunities for individuals passionate about civil rights and social justice to gain practical experience, develop crucial skills, and contribute to a more inclusive society. These internships provide exposure to the multifaceted world of disability advocacy, allowing participants to engage with pressing issues, contribute to meaningful projects, and learn from experienced professionals. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to disability advocacy internships, covering various aspects from placement sites and stipends to program structures and available opportunities.
Understanding Placement Sites
A placement site is the location where an intern will be working full-time during the internship period. The placement site provides the intern with a real-world environment to apply their knowledge and skills, contributing to the organization's mission while gaining practical experience.
AAPD and Congressional Placements
The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is a nonpartisan organization with strong relationships with various Congressional offices. While the AAPD strives to accommodate intern preferences, it cannot guarantee placement with a specific member of Congress or a member of a particular political party. This is due to the organization's commitment to nonpartisanship and the diverse range of relationships it maintains.
Skills-Based Programs
A skills-based program combines learning and job training to prepare participants for a specific career path. AAPD requires that the skills-based program be from an accredited institution or government agency. An accredited program undergoes a detailed review process to ensure its quality and adherence to high standards.
Stipends and Financial Support
Many disability advocacy internships offer stipends to help cover interns' living and meal expenses. For example, in the Summer of 2025, AAPD interns received a stipend equating to $20 an hour for 32 hours over 10 weeks. This financial support enables interns to focus on their work and fully participate in the program.
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Remote Internship Opportunities and Housing Stipends
Remote internship opportunities have become increasingly prevalent, allowing individuals to participate from anywhere. AAPD provides a housing stipend of up to $2,000 per month to interns who participate remotely. This stipend helps cover the costs associated with setting up a suitable workspace and maintaining a comfortable living environment.
In-Person Internships in Washington, D.C.
For those interested in an in-person experience, Washington, D.C., offers a vibrant hub for disability advocacy organizations. AAPD covers housing for interns to live in fully accessible dorm-style housing at George Washington University. Even if an intern lives in the D.C. area and wishes to stay in their own housing, they can still participate in classes and events in person by applying as a remote intern.
ACLU Internships: Championing Civil Liberties
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) offers internships for individuals passionate about expanding civil liberties and civil rights. ACLU internships provide:
- Exposure: Engagement with critical issues and key figures in civil liberties and civil rights battles.
- Experience: Contribution to meaningful work within ACLU departments, developing essential skills and professional experience.
- Mentorship: Learning from ACLU employees through training and on-the-job guidance.
ACLU internships are available year-round, with remote and hybrid options. The ACLU provides a stipend for both full-time (10-week) and part-time (12-week) internships.
AAPD Certificate Program: Advocacy Through Storytelling
During the AAPD Certificate Program, interns participate in assignments that emphasize advocacy through storytelling. They apply their understanding of policy advocacy by writing policy memos on issues or legislation of their choice. For their final project, interns collaborate on advocacy plans to address an issue impacting the disability community, including the history of the issue, action steps, and a launch plan.
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TASH Internships: Advancing Inclusive Communities
TASH is an organization dedicated to advancing inclusive communities through advocacy, research, professional development, policy initiatives, and resources for parents, families, and self-advocates. TASH offers internships at its national headquarters in Washington, DC. Intern start dates and hours are flexible and based on an individual’s needs. TASH will provide reasonable accommodations upon request.
Unpaid Internships and Academic Credit
Some internships, such as those offered by Michael J. Fox Foundation, are unpaid. However, interns may be able to receive academic credit for their work through their school.
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