The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is proud to announce its 2026 Fall Internship Program Cohort, marking another milestone in the organization’s ongoing mission to cultivate the next generation of leaders within the disability community. Over the past several weeks, the participants of this year’s fall cohort have been immersed in their respective internship placement sites, where they are actively developing new professional skills, forming meaningful career connections, and gaining invaluable insights from prominent leaders across the disability advocacy landscape during weekly community events.
Now in its fourth year, the AAPD Fall Internship Program continues to build upon the proven success of AAPD’s foundational internship model. The program is specifically structured to help students and recent graduates with disabilities develop stronger disability identities, empowering them to actively shape and transform the future of modern workplaces and local communities. By fostering personal growth alongside professional development, the initiative ensures that emerging professionals are equipped with the confidence and competence needed to advocate effectively for themselves and their peers.
Designed to accommodate the diverse needs of talented individuals, the program utilizes a fully virtual and part-time format. This flexible structure ensures that participants can access meaningful employment opportunities without barriers, gain vital leadership skills, and maintain active connections to the broader disability community. Launched in late August, the immersive program is scheduled to run through early December, providing interns with a comprehensive, multi-month professional experience that balances hands-on work placement with continuous learning and community engagement.
To ensure that every participant can fully engage with the program without financial or logistical strain, AAPD provides a comprehensive support structure. Interns receive competitive wages, necessary technology support to facilitate seamless remote work, dedicated mentorship from experienced professionals, and access to an extensive network of educational and professional development opportunities. Central to the fall internship experience are the weekly Friday community events, which serve as a vital gathering space for interns to connect with established disabled leaders, build a supportive peer network, and deepen their understanding of how to effectively advocate for key policy issues and social causes impacting the disability community.
The journey for the 2026 fall cohort actually began months before their official start dates. In late July, coinciding with the historic anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the fall interns traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet in person. This foundational gathering allowed the incoming cohort to forge early connections, get to know one another on a personal level, and interact directly with AAPD staff as well as members of the organization’s summer internship cohort. During their impactful visit to the nation’s capital, the interns participated in a wide array of educational events, advocacy workshops, and cultural activities designed to ground their upcoming professional placements in the rich history and ongoing movement of disability rights.
The establishment and ongoing success of initiatives like the AAPD Fall Internship Program rely heavily on dedicated philanthropic partnerships. The 2026 AAPD Fall Internship Program is made possible through the generous support of the Arconic Foundation, whose commitment to workforce development and inclusive employment helps create lasting pathways for individuals with disabilities to enter the professional world and assume leadership roles.
As the 2026 fall cohort continues their work through December, the organization encourages community members, employers, and advocates to learn more about the exceptional individuals participating in this year’s program. Detailed biographies and further information regarding the members of the 2026 Fall Internship Class can be found by visiting the official American Association of People with Disabilities website at aapd.com.
