Over the past several weeks, the participants of the 2026 Fall Internship Program have been actively engaged at their respective internship placement sites. Throughout these placements, the interns have been deeply immersed in professional environments, developing new technical and interpersonal skills, forming lasting career connections, and gaining invaluable insight from prominent leaders within the broader disability community. A cornerstone of this experience has been the weekly Friday community events, which provide a dedicated space for reflection, collective learning, and direct mentorship from seasoned advocates and professionals.
The AAPD Fall Internship Program was meticulously designed to build upon the proven success of the organization’s broader internship model. At its core, the program focuses on cultivating strong disability identities among students and graduates with disabilities. By empowering participants to embrace their lived experiences and perspectives, AAPD equips these emerging leaders with the confidence and competence needed to influence workplace policies, drive social change, and advocate for accessibility and inclusion in their respective career fields.
Recognizing the diverse needs and geographical distribution of young professionals with disabilities, the fall internship model features a fully virtual and part-time structure. This thoughtful format ensures that the program remains accessible and flexible, allowing interns to successfully balance their professional development with academic commitments or other personal responsibilities. Through this virtual framework, the program provides meaningful employment opportunities, comprehensive leadership training, and seamless pathways to connect with the wider disability community without the barriers often associated with traditional, rigid employment structures.
The 2026 fall program officially commenced in late August, marking the beginning of an intensive period of professional growth and community building that is scheduled to conclude in early December. To ensure that every participant can fully engage without financial or logistical strain, AAPD provides its interns with competitive wages and robust technology support. Furthermore, the program offers dedicated mentorship and extensive access to a wide array of networking and educational opportunities designed to bridge the gap between academic achievement and long-term career success.
A vital component of the AAPD internship experience takes place long before the official fall start date. In late July, during the momentous week marking the anniversary of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the incoming fall interns gathered together in person in Washington, DC. This pre-internship gathering served as a powerful catalyst for community building, giving the participants an invaluable opportunity to meet one another face-to-face, establish strong interpersonal connections, and interact directly with AAPD staff members, as well as peers from the organization’s summer internship cohort.
During their impactful visit to the nation’s capital in July, the future fall AAPD interns participated in a robust schedule filled with diverse events, educational activities, and civic engagements. These immersive experiences in Washington, DC allowed the participants to witness firsthand the legislative and advocacy processes that shape disability policy in the United States, further deepening their commitment to social justice and civil rights advocacy.
The continuation and ongoing success of the AAPD Fall Internship Program are made possible through the generous support and dedication of the Arconic Foundation. Their steadfast commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workforce ensures that programs like AAPD’s can continue to break down barriers and open doors for the next generation of leaders with disabilities.
As the 2026 Fall Internship Program cohort continues its journey toward its December conclusion, AAPD invites the public, employers, and community allies to learn more about this exceptional group of emerging leaders. Comprehensive biographies and additional information regarding the members of the 2026 Fall Internship Class can be found by visiting the official AAPD website.
