The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) has officially announced 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. For the past several weeks, the participants of this year’s fall cohort have been deeply engaged at their respective internship placement sites. Throughout this period, they have been actively developing critical professional skills, establishing meaningful career connections, and gaining invaluable insights from prominent leaders within the broader disability community during a series of weekly Friday community events.
Now in its fourth year, the AAPD Fall Internship Program builds upon the proven success of the organization’s foundational internship model. This comprehensive initiative is specifically designed to foster and strengthen disability identities among students and recent graduates with disabilities. By empowering these emerging professionals, the program aims to ensure they are well-equipped to shape the future of modern workplaces and civic communities. Because of the fully virtual and part-time format that defines this opportunity, the fall internship program provides uniquely flexible pathways for interns to access meaningful employment, cultivate essential leadership skills, and forge lasting connections within the broader disability community. The current program officially commenced in late August and is scheduled to conclude in early December.
Throughout the duration of the program, AAPD provides its interns with a comprehensive support structure designed to ensure equity, accessibility, and professional growth. This includes competitive wages, necessary technology support, dedicated mentorship, and extensive access to a wide array of networking and educational opportunities. A core component of the internship experience involves regular participation in weekly community events. During these gatherings, interns have the opportunity to connect directly with established disabled leaders, build a supportive peer community, and learn the practical intricacies of how to effectively advocate for key policy issues and social justice initiatives within the disability community.
To foster a strong sense of camaraderie and shared purpose prior to the official launch of their remote placements, the fall interns gathered in person late this past July. The timing of this gathering coincided with the anniversary week of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This introductory week allowed the participants to build personal connections, get to know one another, and interact directly with AAPD staff members as well as peers from the organization’s summer internship cohort. During their visit to Washington, DC, in July, the fall AAPD interns participated in a wide variety of events, educational activities, and cultural engagements designed to ground their upcoming professional work in the rich history of the disability rights movement.
The successful implementation and ongoing sustainability of the 2026 AAPD Fall Internship Program are made possible through the generous support of the Arconic Foundation. Through this collaborative partnership, AAPD continues to champion workforce inclusion and leadership development for individuals with disabilities, ensuring that future workplaces reflect the diverse talents and perspectives of the entire population. Individuals interested in learning more about the participants of the 2026 cohort and reading their complete biographical profiles can access further information directly through the official AAPD website.
