The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is proud to announce the official launch and ongoing progress of its 2026 Fall Internship Program Cohort. For the past several weeks, the members of this year’s fall internship class have been deeply immersed in their respective placement sites, developing vital professional skills, forming lasting networks, and gaining invaluable insights from established leaders across the broader disability community. These engagements are further enriched by weekly Friday community events, which provide a dedicated space for reflection, learning, and solidarity among the participants.
Now entering its fourth year, the AAPD Fall Internship Program continues to build upon the proven success of the organization’s overarching internship model. This comprehensive framework is specifically designed to help students and recent graduates with disabilities cultivate stronger disability identities. By fostering a deep sense of self-advocacy and community connection, the program equips these emerging professionals with the confidence and competence needed to actively shape the future of modern workplaces and civic life.
Recognizing the diverse needs and accessibility requirements of individuals with disabilities, the program is structured as a fully virtual and part-time opportunity. This intentional format provides flexible pathways for interns to access meaningful employment, build advanced leadership skills, and maintain close connections to the wider disability community without the logistical barriers often associated with traditional, in-person office schedules. The 2026 fall program officially commenced in late August and is scheduled to conclude in early December, offering a comprehensive semester-long professional development experience.
Throughout the duration of the program, AAPD ensures that its interns are fully supported by providing competitive wages, necessary technology support, and dedicated mentorship. Additionally, participants gain exclusive access to a wide array of networking and educational opportunities tailored to their career aspirations. The weekly community events serve as a cornerstone of the experience, enabling interns to interact directly with disabled leaders, build a supportive peer community, and explore effective strategies for advocating around key policy issues impacting the disability community today.
Before officially beginning their remote placements, the 2026 fall interns gathered in person in Washington, D.C., at the end of July. This gathering coincided with the anniversary of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), providing a historic and inspiring backdrop for the cohort’s initial meetings. During this intensive week in the nation’s capital, the incoming fall interns had the unique opportunity to build interpersonal connections, get to know one another on a personal level, and meet directly with AAPD staff as well as members of the organization’s summer internship cohort.
During their memorable visit to Washington, D.C., the fall AAPD interns participated in a robust schedule of events and educational activities designed to immerse them in the heart of disability advocacy and policymaking. These experiences helped set the tone for the academic and professional journey that would follow in the subsequent weeks, grounding their virtual placements in a shared physical experience of community and national advocacy.
The individuals selected for the 2026 Fall Internship Class represent a diverse group of talented students and recent graduates who bring unique perspectives, academic achievements, and personal dedication to the disability rights movement. Each intern has been placed with a host organization where they contribute meaningfully to ongoing projects while receiving mentorship from experienced professionals in the field.
Those interested in learning more about the academic backgrounds, career goals, and personal stories of the participants can read the full biographies of the fall 2026 interns by visiting the official AAPD website at the designated online portal for the cohort.
The realization of the 2026 AAPD Fall Internship Program and its continued success would not be possible without the generous philanthropic support of the Arconic Foundation, whose ongoing commitment to inclusive workforce development helps empower the next generation of leaders with disabilities.
