Summer Internship Archives - AAPD

Disability Economic Power & AAPD Internships

AAPD Press Team — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 18:52:34 +0000

Disability Economic Power & AAPD Internships

For more than two decades, the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) has run an internship program that opens doors to access meaningful and accessible employment opportunities. The AAPD Summer Internship Program develops stronger disability identities for students and recent graduates so they can shape the future of our workplaces and communities.

AAPD conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the program’s first 20 years, and the results are incredible. Our new report, Building Disability Economic Power Through AAPD’s Internship Program, shares the practices and insights about what truly moves the needle on disability employment and economic power.

This report shows not only what our alumni have achieved, but why those outcomes are possible — and what it takes for institutions, employers, and leaders to replicate this success. In early 2026, we will be sharing opportunities for people to put the findings we’ve learned into practice in their own workplaces so that we can all collaborate to strengthen and expand our disability career and leadership efforts.

Read the 2025 report

Introduction

At the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), we want to see disabled people thrive in decision-making roles, earn competitive wages, take pride in their disability identity, and find a sense of belonging at work.

Despite significant federal and state legislation that has improved the lives and employment prospects of people with disabilities over the last 20 years, inaccessible and inequitable workplaces remain commonplace. Workplace discrimination complaints filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) may be made in cases of discrimination because of an employee or applicants’ race, color, religion, sex (including transgender status, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), and disability or genetic information. Out of all of those categories, in 2023, the EEOC reported that discrimination on the basis of disability was the largest category of new EEOC employment discrimination complaint filings. Disability-based discrimination complaints also saw the most significant percentage increase of any EEOC employment discrimination category, at 77% in 2023 (“EEOC’s Final FY 2023 Enforcement Statistics Show 10% Increase in Charges Filed,” 2024).

In addition, adults with disabilities are employed at less than half the rate of people without disabilities, and twice as likely to live in poverty. Benefit programs like Medicaid or Social Security force recipients to live in poverty in order because of income and asset limit policies (National Council on Disability, 2023). This impacts the ability of people with disabilities to become financially secure and achieve economic independence.

The 2020 Census reported that people with disabilities are less likely to complete their high school education, enter and complete college, find jobs paying competitive wages, or earn as much as their contemporaries without disabilities. Many organizations that design career development opportunities like internship programs do not recognize the inequities that disabled people face leading up to when they enter the workforce.

Nondisabled students report that work experience gained during internships is critical to forming professional networks that lead to positive employment outcomes post-college (Briel & Getzel, 2001). Many internships or fellowships require a transcript or a certain grade point average to be eligible. Many disabled students’ grades or class records may not accurately reflect their learning, but rather their lack of access or discrimination experienced in the classroom.

Furthermore, if disabled students are isolated in education, this impacts their number of opportunities to network with others in their field who could offer learning and employment opportunities. Disabled people of color face further barriers to obtaining education and employment opportunities (Losen et al., 2021, 2021; Shaw, et al., 2012). Studies show that the majority of students with disabilities in the United States are students of color (Musu-Gillette et al., 2017).

There have also been extensive studies that share how higher socioeconomic status correlates with a higher quality of life and improves access to housing and medical care (Nutakor, et al., 2023). These studies also show that having social capital is positively correlated with a high quality of life. It is currently legal to pay people with disabilities less than minimum wage. In addition, people with disabilities experience a higher degree of loneliness and social isolation compared to people without disabilities. Studies have found that low social connectedness was associated with lower well-being (Emerson, et al., 2021).

For more than two decades, AAPD has run its Summer Internship Program to address the significant gaps that remain for people with disabilities. The program has provided hundreds of disabled students and recent graduates with career opportunities, along with resources and community support to make sure they obtain meaningful skills and knowledge to create change. Our goal for the Summer Internship Program is to ensure that students and recent graduates can develop stronger disability identities and develop the skills to shape the future of our workplaces and our communities.

To understand our progress towards this goal, AAPD hired an external evaluator to assess the impact of our program on the participants’ career growth, as well as the impact on placement sites and mentors. Interns, supervisors, mentors, and community members, including AAPD staff, board members, and key stakeholders, provided feedback to guide program improvement and impact for future years.

This report is an overview of the external evaluator’s findings and future recommendations. We share some changes that we have already implemented from 2019 to 2023, as well as reflections on challenges and future changes. We also plan to use the findings as a way to assess how accessibility and equity are embedded into our program. By sharing our proven methods and successes in strategy, activities, and impact, our program model can serve as a resource for other organizations on how to implement inclusive programming with a focus on community building to increase impact on the participants’ career opportunities and leadership development.

Organization Overview

Founded in 1995, the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is a convener, connector, and catalyst for change, working to increase the political and economic power of people with disabilities. As one of the leading national cross-disability civil rights organizations, AAPD advocates for full civil rights for the over 70 million Americans with disabilities by promoting equal opportunity, economic power, independent living, and political participation. One of the ways AAPD achieves our mission is through our Summer Internship Program.

AAPD Summer Internship Program Overview

Established in 2002, the AAPD Summer Internship Program strives to develop stronger disability identities within students and recent graduates to better equip them to shape the future of our workplaces and communities. The comprehensive program provides participants with an opportunity to advance their career goals, gain leadership and advocacy skills, and connect with the broader disability community. To minimize barriers to participation, AAPD offers the internship program in either a hybrid or fully remote format. AAPD provides interns with a competitive wage, technology support, and accessible housing or a housing stipend. For in-person interns and remote interns who come to Washington, D.C. for orientation, AAPD covers travel to and from D.C. After interns get accepted to the AAPD internship, AAPD matches interns with a placement site based on career goals, pairs them with a one-on-one mentor based on their interests, and provides weekly programming.

Career Development

AAPD’s internship program provides an opportunity for disabled students and recent graduates to feel more confident as a person with a disability in their field of work. While placement site opportunities were initially focused on Capitol Hill internships in 2002, AAPD now provides high-level paid internships across all sectors, including government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit companies. The internship program may be the first time AAPD interns experience disclosing their disability in a workplace and going through the formal accommodations process with their supervisor. Throughout the program, interns have many opportunities to network and connect with a variety of people with disabilities in different career sectors and fields of interest.

Leadership Development

Throughout the internship program, AAPD provides several opportunities for interns to learn and explore different leadership styles through meeting disability community leaders and participating in a variety of advocacy opportunities. Opportunities include the National Council on Independent Living Annual Conference, participating in AAPD partner organizations’ rallies and vigils, workshops, webinars, and more. Interns also have opportunities to lead presentations on disability topics, write a blog post or a policy memo, and meet with their legislators. In 2018, AAPD established the Disability Advocacy Certificate Program to further develop interns’ leadership and advocacy skills. The Certificate Program prepares participants to be knowledgeable and effective advocates in the disability community on the local, state, and national levels. The course focuses on using one’s story to impact change in their community and workplace. They also learn about different tactics of advocacy (e.g., digital, art, campaigns, coalition building, etc). After the program, interns receive a Certificate in Disability Advocacy from AAPD.

Community Building

For many interns, being a part of the program is their first introduction to the disability community and disability pride. AAPD kicks off the program with a book club for the book Disability Visibility by Alice Wong to introduce interns to different disability experiences and facilitate discussion among the cohort. AAPD hosts several informal weekly events for only the interns and also provides opportunities for the interns to meet other disabled people by inviting AAPD alumni and disability community members to participate in our gatherings virtually and in-person, providing support to attend conferences or networking events, and more.

In addition to participating in the internship and Certificate Program, each intern is matched with a mentor. The matching is determined by the mentee’s personal and professional goals and other demographic preferences such as identity and location.

Formal Evaluation

In 2022, AAPD celebrated two decades of the Summer Internship Program. After 20 years and one formal external evaluation in 2007, AAPD decided to contract an external evaluator, Third Sight, LLC. Third Sight assessed the program’s effectiveness and provided recommendations for continued program improvement for the future, including program expansion. Their goals were:

Examining the program and its evolution over two decades.
Collecting information from alumni to determine if and how the program might have affected their employment and life goals.
Learning about the value of the program for internship placement sites and mentors.
Identifying strengths of the program and recommendations for further improvements.

Third Sight developed a report with their findings after gathering feedback from various key community members (i.e., alums, supervisors, mentors, AAPD Board members and staff, and partners) through surveys and interviews. The report discussed implications and shared a list of recommendations.

A brief infographic with high-level results of their findings is also available.

Download the one pager

Key Findings

These are key findings from people who participated in surveys and interviews conducted in 2022. Not all who engaged with the Summer Internship Program responded.

Alumni

The majority of alums strongly agreed or agreed that the internship program contributed to greater awareness of their disability identity, their experience in the world of work, their understanding of public policy, and their ability to network.
Most alumni reported that the program strengthened their identity as a person with a disability by providing the opportunity for them to be around other people with disabilities in general, people with similar disabilities, and those with disabilities in their age group.
All the alumni interviewed reported that the internship program positively impacted their self-confidence at work or in their community.
More than 68% of alum respondents are employed full-time. In comparison, 14.9% of the general disability population and 55% of the nondisabled population are employed full time (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023).
Nearly 85% of alum respondents are employed. In comparison, 21.3% of the general disability population and 65.4% of the nondisabled population are employed (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023).
Alumni reported their average hourly wage is $34.59. The national hourly wage of people with disabilities is $13.74, compared to $17.73 for people without disabilities (Third Sight LLC authors’ calculation, U.S. Census, 2020).
Alumni are more likely to be in the workforce and employed than the national average for people with disabilities. Alumni also have a higher attainment of a bachelor’s degree than the average for people with and without disabilities.

Mentors

The majority of mentors enjoyed the opportunity to share their knowledge and connections with interns, learn from the interns, and build lasting relationships while contributing to the expansion of leaders with disabilities.
Mentors benefited from “giving back” by helping interns build their networks and have successful, positive job experiences. Mentors could share their disability experiences with their mentees and broaden their understanding of the disability community through learning from the new perspectives and life experiences of the interns.

Supervisors and Internship Placement Sites

The majority of supervisors were satisfied or very satisfied with their experiences with the internship program. They gave high ratings to AAPD across the board, including on communication from AAPD staff, clarity about the supervisory role, matching of the interns to the position, professionalism of the intern, quality of communication about participation in AAPD-sponsored events, and AAPD staff’s support during the internship.
About a third of supervisors agreed or strongly agreed that the internship led them to hire more people with disabilities, and more than half responded that working with AAPD interns led their organizations to make their workplace more inclusive.
Eighty percent of supervisor survey respondents are still in touch with the interns, and a majority continue to have a professional relationship with the interns.

Recommendations

Third Sight also provided several recommendations for AAPD. Their recommendations centered on improving program structure, providing additional supports for interns, increasing alumni engagement, diversifying intern recruitment, expanding internship programming, and strengthening mentorship activities.

Program Structure

Increase stipends.
Consider adding professional development components, including:
- Leadership development,
- Guidance on how to network,
- Orientation to DC, including how to get around,
- Guidance on how to address interpersonal conflicts,
- Team building,
- Diversity and equity training
- Practice advocating, including self-advocacy skills.
Provide practical tools and tips for advocacy.
Implement a pre- and post-evaluation of interns’ knowledge, skills, and engagement to measure impact.

Greater Intern Interest Alignment and Support

Ensure that selected interns receive all supports and accommodations needed for their full participation. This may require additional training or orientation for some interns, and an early review of their housing and transportation to ensure they have adequate services.
Continue to ensure that interns are well-matched with the job placement.

Alumni Engagement

Increase the number of alumni events offered.
Ensure that interns across cohorts have the opportunity to engage with each other.
Identify alumni experts for speaking engagements and events. Leverage key alumni with successful careers.

Diversity in Recruitment

Expand outreach to different schools and locations across the country to increase the diversity of cohorts.
Highlight alumni who are women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and from different regions of the country to support diversity in recruitment.

Internship Expansion

Create a year-round internship program with summer, spring, and fall cohorts.

Mentorship Component

Review the process for matching interns to mentors. Consider sharing professional interests and the opportunity for interns to engage with mentors who have similar disabilities.
Create more opportunities to bring together mentors and interns through planned activities. Include virtual opportunities for greater flexibility and engagement.
Clarify expectations of the mentoring program with mentors. Ensure mentors are prepared to dedicate the time required to participate in the program.
Provide interns with structured guidance on how to engage with mentors.

AAPD Summer Internship Program Changes

Approximately 85% of alumni who responded to the survey were from the Summer of 2019 and prior. Since the leadership changes described below were implemented, there have been notable changes throughout the internship program that respond to most of the recommendations identified by Third Sight’s evaluation report.

Staff and Personnel

In Summer 2018 and 2019, the internship program was led by the AAPD Programs Manager with the support of the President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The Programs Manager was responsible for developing and executing all aspects of the Summer Internship Program and Disability Advocacy Certificate Program in addition to several other of AAPD’s national programming initiatives, including the Disability Rights Storyteller Fellowship, Disability Mentoring Day, Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Award, and the NBCUniversal Tony Coelho Media Scholarship. In 2019, AAPD contracted a part-time Summer Internship Program Assistant who worked full-time during the summer internship program and part-time hours leading up to and following the completion of the internship program.

In Fall 2019, AAPD welcomed a new President & CEO to the organization and a new Programs Manager to lead the Summer Internship Program. Similar to in 2018, the Programs Manager continued to manage multiple programs in addition to the internship program focused on emerging leaders, such as awards and scholarships. AAPD also added a part-time Program Coordinator to focus on Disability Mentoring Day and Alumni Network to support staff sustainability in the organization. This allowed the Programs Manager to have more capacity to implement changes to the internship program. In 2022, the Programs Manager became the Programs Director to manage the growing internship program team, along with the Programs team.

In Summer 2021, AAPD expanded the Internship Program Team by hiring a Summer Internship Program Coordinator. The Program Coordinator was solely dedicated to the internship program to increase capacity. In fall 2023, AAPD promoted the Internship Program Coordinator role to Manager to recognize the full scope of responsibilities of managing all of AAPD’s internship programs. This also recognizes the increased responsibilities of the internship expansion to include a fall cohort. Due to the expansion of the internship program, AAPD hired a year-round part-time Program Assistant working 10-20 hours a week to support the Program Manager.

In Summer 2023, AAPD hired an Events & Logistics Coordinator to provide additional support to the Internship Program team. The Events & Logistics Coordinator provides support with travel, supplies, inventory, technology, speaker honorariums, on-site support, and more. AAPD also hired a full-time Programs Coordinator to focus on the Alumni Network, to continue supporting the professional development of former AAPD interns and other program participants, and to help manage Disability Mentoring Day each October. With the Programs Team comprised of a team of four people, and three of the four Programs Team members supporting the internship program, this further increased the Internship Program team’s capacity to implement more meaningful changes.

The last significant change in 2023 was that AAPD hired a Chief Operating Officer (COO). The COO helps develop additional structure and policies, and streamlines processes to strengthen the internship programs. The COO also works closely with the Internship Program team to work on evaluation and impact.

By the end of 2023, the AAPD Leadership Team supported the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of the internship program:

President & CEO
Chief Operating Officer
Programs Director

The Internship Program Team supported the day-to-day execution:

Internship Program Manager
Programs Coordinator (Alumni Network focus)
Events & Logistics Coordinator
Program Assistant

Budget

Throughout this report, AAPD will detail many changes that have impacted our budget. To the right is a table that summarizes how the expenses have changed each year.

We chose Summer 2019 as a reference point, as it was the last summer before the COVID-19 pandemic and before new leadership joined the organization. Some notes:

Summer 2019 was fully in-person.
Summer 2020 was not included due to only offering the Disability Advocacy Certificate Program.
Summer 2021 reflected our first fully virtual internship. We had two classes, since interns from 2020 were invited to return in 2021.
Summer 2022 was our first hybrid program (i.e., interns participated in DC or remotely).
Summer 2023 was the first time we offered a remote housing stipend.

* The total direct expenses do not include everything listed in the table. Travel line items may fluctuate depending on sponsorship available. Other expenses may include subscriptions or contractors.

Program Format

From 2002 – 2017, AAPD hosted the Summer Internship Program entirely in-person with internship placements requiring 40 hours of work a week over ten weeks. The program components, including mentors, placement sites, and activities, were all based in Washington, DC. In 2018, AAPD added the Disability Advocacy Certificate Program, which reduced the weekly placement site hours to 32 hours, from Monday to Thursday.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, AAPD pivoted to offer only the Disability Advocacy Certificate Program remotely that summer. Many placement site partners needed more time to be ready to host entirely virtual interns by the summer. While we could not place participants in internships at this point, we continued to pay the interns for their time due to a lack of financial opportunities amid the pandemic. We also paired our interns one-on-one with a virtual mentor for the first time. The 2020 cohort was offered an opportunity to return in summer 2021 to gain internship experience.

Due to a virtual format and wanting to create similar opportunities to an in-person environment, AAPD strengthened our community engagement by providing weekly virtual informal events for interns to meet and get to know each other. Some examples include a monthly book club, with topics determined by the interns, such as disability and dating, disability and abolition, LGBTQIA+ pride, and more. We received significant positive feedback surrounding the creation of intentional spaces for engagement of our internship cohort, and we have continued providing spaces for our interns to informally connect with each other and the broader community in multiple formats. Many interns also took the initiative to plan their own virtual gatherings, such as co-working spaces.

In 2021, since the COVID-19 vaccines and tests were not yet widely available, AAPD hosted the entire internship program remotely. This ensured the safety of the AAPD interns while providing high-level quality access to career opportunities, leadership development, and connections with the disability community. AAPD’s first-ever remote internship program was built on the success of the remote Disability Advocacy Certificate Program in 2020. By providing remote opportunities, AAPD created more opportunities for internship placement and participation across the country in a modality that is more accessible to many.

At the conclusion of the 2021 program, AAPD surveyed our interns to ensure the remote format was an accessible and meaningful experience. Ninety-two percent of the respondents recommended that AAPD continue to provide a remote option. In addition, 92% of the interns who responded to the survey reported that they strongly agreed or agreed that their virtual internship placement site was a meaningful experience. Lastly, 40% of the interns who responded to the survey shared that the virtual format was more accessible for them than an in-person format. However, 16% of the interns reported that an in-person environment would have been more accessible for them.

As a result of the responses, AAPD decided to continue offering both in-person and remote internship opportunities. In 2022, AAPD hosted our first-ever hybrid program successfully, with an opportunity to join in-person in Washington, DC, or participate fully remotely. The in-person interns also experienced a true hybrid environment (going to the office a few times a week). All remote interns have the opportunity to attend in person for the weeklong orientation in Washington, DC, during which AAPD covers their travel and lodging. A hybrid internship program allows remote interns to access meaningful internship opportunities without worrying about their access to healthcare in their home state or leaving their place of safety (e.g., COVID-19 protocols, support systems, etc.). Based on the continued success of a hybrid model in Summer 2022, AAPD will offer a hybrid summer internship program going forward.

Based on feedback from the Summer Internship Program evaluation and with the support of a challenge grant from Arconic Foundation, AAPD launched our Fall Internship Program in September 2023. The Fall Internship Program is entirely virtual and part-time. This is an opportunity to offer part-time internships to provide more opportunities for students who may be managing school or work obligations. Additionally, part-time opportunities allow flexibility for income limits that may impact people with disabilities who receive public benefits. We do not want prospective interns to choose between impactful career development and the benefits they need to survive.

Recruitment and Outreach

Beginning in the Summer 2021 cycle, AAPD diversified our recruitment efforts by intentionally reaching out to several organizations or institutions that primarily serve people who experience intersecting oppression or are historically excluded. Some examples include, but are not limited to: Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal Colleges, Minority Serving Institutions, community colleges, and postsecondary education programs specifically for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In addition, we contacted different organizations outside of university Disability Resource Offices, such as student-led organizations on campus, Offices of Diversity & Inclusion on campuses, youth-led organizations, and vocational rehabilitation services.

We see the impact of our intentional recruitment among disabled people of color. The following spread showcases the percentages across cohorts for interns’ racial and ethnic identities, gender identities, and those identifying as LGBTQIA+. The number of people identifying as a specific race may exceed the number of interns due to interns identifying with more than one race.

The year 2020 was excluded because numerous interns opted to defer their participation to 2021 due to no internship component being offered or wanting to focus on their well-being during the summer.

In 2021, AAPD staff began hosting a virtual information session on the Summer Internship Program, which features a panel of intern alumni. This is an opportunity to access information about the program in real-time beyond written materials and it also allows prospective interns to engage with AAPD staff and alumni.

Interview Process

During the interview stage, we have continued the practice implemented in 2018 of engaging alumni in the interviews. We provide alumni opportunities to share feedback on the interview questions and format. Alumni’s perspectives significantly impact how we consider applicants who will benefit the most from the program.

We also changed our interview process to be more accessible in 2020. We reduced the length of the interview from 60 minutes to 30 minutes (unless an accommodation has been requested that asks for more time), and we reduced the number of questions asked. We also conducted our interviews on the Zoom platform instead of Google Meet to allow integration with real-time captioning.

Intern Onboarding Materials

In 2021, AAPD drafted and developed several onboarding documents to formalize the internship program and establish a shared understanding between AAPD staff and interns.

When an intern was officially matched with a placement site, AAPD required more formal agreements for shared understanding. First, the placement site had to fill out a form to agree and adhere to all the placement site responsibilities. The placement site would also share more information upfront about the intern’s activities and tasks for the summer. After the form was completed, AAPD prepared an offer letter for the intern to agree to and accept.

AAPD developed a Code of Conduct and Community Guidelines. The Code of Conduct outlined expectations of intern engagement and behavior, such as communication expectations between interns and supervisors, staff, and mentors. It was included as part of the intern’s offer letter to the program. The Community Guidelines were co-developed with each cohort of interns during their first day of orientation and revisited throughout the summer. It included items such as checking in with people about their accommodation and access needs before planning a restaurant outing, speaking based on their own experience instead of generalizing it to the entire community, confidentiality, and so forth.

From 2022 onwards, AAPD included COVID-19 protocols as part of our Code of Conduct.

Program Supports

Before 2020, AAPD provided interns with a living stipend equal to $8.75/hr for 32 hours a week over a 10-week period, accessible housing, and transportation to and from Washington, DC. AAPD also budgeted in personal care attendants to travel with and support the interns during the summer, and meal stipends of $200 for the entire summer. Since then, the hourly wage, housing stipends, meal stipends, and other program supports have all increased.

Hourly Wage

Our interns with disabilities come from diverse backgrounds that add value and expertise to their placement sites. However, people with disabilities frequently go unpaid or are often paid subminimum wage. While this contributes to the pay gap between nondisabled and disabled people, many people with disabilities cannot accept unpaid work due to paying for additional support or resources to live independently in their community.

In the summer of 2020, AAPD provided a stipend of $20/hour for our interns during their time in the Certificate Program, as they may have planned on relying on the internship program as a source of income. The Certificate Program was six hours a week over a 10-week period.

In 2021, AAPD increased the living stipend per hour to match at least the District of Columbia’s (DC) minimum wage or higher. For 2021, it was $15/hour. The hourly wage increased again in 2023 to $18/hour.

Due to the increase in stipend, AAPD works on a case-by-case basis with interns who may need a different payment schedule due to their public benefits. If interns are concerned about the hourly wages impacting their benefits, AAPD will split up the payments over a longer period of time to minimize the impact. AAPD will also work on a case-by-case basis to figure out alternative payment methods to ensure interns are compensated for their time and expertise.

Housing

For the majority of the internship program, AAPD has provided in-person interns with accessible housing at George Washington (GW) University. In 2022, AAPD started to provide remote interns with hotel lodging during orientation week. In 2023, AAPD began offering remote interns a monthly housing stipend of up to $2,000. This rate is comparable to the monthly rate AAPD pays to cover in-person interns in Washington, DC. Because the Internal Revenue Services (IRS) considers housing stipends as income since we pay the interns directly, AAPD informs interns that the housing stipend may impact their benefits before they officially accept their spot as an AAPD intern. Like with the hourly wages, AAPD will work with interns individually to figure out an alternative if this stipend threatens their benefits.

Meal Stipends

In 2018 and 2019, AAPD provided a meal stipend of $200 over 10 weeks through American Express gift cards as part of Friday’s Disability Advocacy Certificate Program lunches. When the full internship program resumed virtually in 2021, AAPD continued providing meal stipends. In 2021 and 2022, AAPD increased the amount to $400 over 10 weeks through grocery or food delivery gift cards to factor in fees and tips. Instead of adding the meal stipend to their living wages, AAPD provides gift cards to minimize potential impacts on interns’ taxes or benefits.

In 2023, GW University offered meal plans for its summer residents, including AAPD interns. The meal plan was $550 for the summer, which included 50 meal swipes (prices vary based on meal) and $50 declining debit balance on their GW card.

Due to this change, AAPD allowed all interns to choose one of the three options:

Participate in GW’s Meal Plan
Receive a $550 Visa gift card or food delivery service gift card*
Receive $550 as part of their stipend.

*On a case-by-case basis, AAPD provided a grocery gift card of the intern’s choosing if food delivery is not accessible in their area or does not meet their dietary accommodations.

Similar to the housing stipend, AAPD informed interns that if they opt out of a meal stipend and choose to combine it with their living wages, this may impact their taxes and/or benefits.

Technology and Equipment

Starting in 2020, AAPD provided internet stipends for remote interns and developed a budget for technology support. The internet stipend provides additional support for interns who may not have access to high-speed internet. Technology supports include, but are not limited to, laptops, monitors, accessible software, and accessories (e.g., headphones, ergonomic mouse, monitor, etc). Since many placement sites’ organizational policies provide limited technology offerings for interns (especially remote interns), AAPD purchases equipment for interns to use during their internship experience.

Sustained Engagement

In 2020, AAPD launched the Alumni Network to continue investing in our program participants. Alumni can obtain professional development support related to their career goals, make new community connections, and sustain existing connections. As part of the Alumni Network, AAPD established the Ambassadors Council. They are alumni who help guide AAPD’s planning for future initiatives. Due to AAPD implementing more structure to keep in contact with alumni, we are able to execute a more intentional effort to uplift and continue building relationships with them. They are frequently invited to participate in the internship program as guest speakers and mentors and attend community events. Because of our continued relationships with alumni, we can also recommend them for other professional development opportunities, such as a guest speaker on a Hill briefing, subject matter expert webinars, blog posts, and so forth.

Information and Preparation

In 2022, AAPD developed a more comprehensive resource guide to support interns during the summer. This includes information on national resources and mental health services. For in-person interns, this includes access to healthcare, including COVID-19 testing and treatment, and transportation.

We also provided pre-orientation sessions, which share information with interns before they arrive in Washington, DC. Sessions included how to navigate transportation in DC, such as how to use the Metro, and discussing accommodations while flying.

Placement Site Matching

AAPD completes a thorough vetting process with every placement site before officially pairing them with an intern. As part of our vetting process, we ask about the supervisor’s comfort level with providing and implementing accommodations and the organization’s disability inclusion policies or beliefs. We also ensure interns will be assigned meaningful tasks and activities. Historically, AAPD has required that administrative duties not take up more than 25% of the interns’ time.

In 2021, AAPD began a more formal process with our placement partners. All placement site supervisors must sign an agreement that outlines each intern’s responsibilities and confirms the interns’ scope of work. This gives AAPD an opportunity to review the activities and enforce our requirement of limited allocation to administrative duties. This information is also included in the interns’ offer letters before they agree, so interns have a chance to ask questions about their responsibilities and expectations. This creates greater transparency and sets expectations for the summer. This process also mirrors what an intern may experience when applying for jobs and finalizing an offer. AAPD references this information during the check-ins throughout the summer between supervisors and interns.

In 2022, AAPD started collecting more information from placement sites to share with interns ahead of time before starting the formal process. Since AAPD does not do a background check on our interns or require U.S. citizenship, many of our placement sites have an independent process. Some placement sites may require U.S. citizenship, current enrollment in a university or college, and background checks, including fingerprinting, paperwork, and/or reference checks. The information from the placement site allows interns to determine whether they want to proceed with a specific placement site’s selection process. This information is also available to applicants as part of our recruitment efforts.

In 2023, AAPD continued to work with placement site supervisors to streamline the matching process and ensure the interns are set up for success. We began collecting more information on what resources (e.g., technology equipment) or existing skills are required to ensure a meaningful experience for the interns.

AAPD also made intentional efforts to diversify our placement partners for two reasons: to ensure the placement site was tailored to the intern’s career goals and to increase AAPD’s impact on different organizations. From 2021 to 2023, AAPD averaged nine new placement site partnerships each year.

Mentors

Beginning in 2020 , AAPD offered the option of virtual mentors in addition to in-person mentors. The virtual format allowed us to find mentors more aligned with the interns’ interests and advocacy development, if desired. AAPD also developed mentorship guidance with prompted questions to better support facilitation between the mentor and mentee.

AAPD also asked more questions about interns’ preferences for their mentors. We asked if they prefer their mentor to have a specific background or expertise and shared identity (disability, race, gender, etc). As a result of recruiting a more diverse intern cohort, we end up matching more interns with mentors with a disability, particularly mentors with a disability who are also people of color.

In 2021, AAPD shifted our traditional “How to Network in DC” orientation workshop to focus on how to build and sustain meaningful relationships with their mentors, supervisors, peers, and community members.

Disability Advocacy Certificate Program

AAPD offers the Disability Advocacy Certificate Program to complement the Summer Internship Program experience. Created in 2018, it was initially designed for interns to learn more about the electoral and legislative process in Washington, DC. This included learning about different legislation that impacts the disability community. In 2018, this was established in partnership with a DC-based university (American University and George Washington University both served as partners). As a result of the university partnership, interns could opt to pay to take the course for credits that can be transferred to their home university.

In 2022, due to the low interest in interns taking the course for credit and feedback on the Certificate Program, AAPD decided not to continue a partnership with the university. The program was redesigned to focus on preparing interns to be knowledgeable and effective advocates in the disability community through storytelling. This also includes understanding their individual, local, state, and national audience.

By the end of the course, interns learn how to:

Communicate their story to different audiences across multiple mediums (e.g. social media, blog posts, policy memos, Hill visits, presentations, etc.)
Identify a variety of advocacy strategies and tactics to address issues the disability community faces.
Describe approaches to developing relationships and coalitions.
Apply an intersectional lens to their advocacy.
Understand their role and responsibility in the collective disability movement.

They receive a certificate from AAPD upon completion of the program.

In 2020, AAPD started offering honorariums to Certificate Program speakers. We also prioritized guest speakers who identify as a person with a disability. This is an opportunity to not only pay disability experts for their work and knowledge, but also uplift community members and provide professional development opportunities for them. As of 2023, we offered the following honorariums:

$300 for a single speaker on a topic between 1 – 2 hours, including breaks
$150 each for co-speakers on a topic between 1 – 2 hours, including breaks
$75 for each panelist on a topic up to 1.5 hours, including breaks

In 2023, AAPD started collecting the other identities of speakers in addition to disability identity. Guest speakers can opt in to share this information, and only demographics are shared publicly. This allows AAPD to better understand how we are engaging disabled people with intersecting identities.

COVID-19 Protocols

The pandemic continues to impact the lives of people with disabilities. Despite the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency ending in May 2023, AAPD continued to implement COVID-19 protocols for all in-person components of our internship programs.

In 2022 and 2023, AAPD had COVID-19 protocols and contingency plans to ensure in-person interns could safely participate. For both years, any in-person intern could change their preference to work remotely (up until a reasonable “drop date” of March, to allow time for coordination). Reasonable accommodations were provided upon request.

AAPD asked questions about individuals’ COVID-19 safety precautions as part of the roommate match process for DC-based interns.

The 2022 and 2023 protocols applied to all of the in-person internship program participants, including remote interns who participated in-person for Orientation week, personal care attendants, and AAPD staff.

Requirements included:

Most recent COVID-19 booster vaccine as of the time of the internship program
Weekly COVID-19 rapid antigen test, provided by AAPD
Wearing masks provided by AAPD during weekly Friday programming
In-person interns have their own private bathrooms in their dormitories
HyperHEPA air purifier in the room during Orientation week and Friday classes

Interns could request a private suite instead of a shared suite. A shared suite is defined as having multiple private bedrooms with private bathrooms, but shared living spaces, such as a kitchen and living room.

For remote interns who opted to visit Washington, DC, they had their own hotel room.

If an intern tested positive for COVID-19, they were required to immediately notify both AAPD and GW University Housing in 2021 and just AAPD in 2022. From there, interns were expected to isolate themselves in their room for at least five days or until a negative test, whichever was longer. In both 2022 and 2023, AAPD provided additional rapid tests as needed, thermometers, and pulse oximeters. GW University Housing provided support to interns on a case-by-case basis, including supporting delivery services related to food and/or essential items.

If an intern tested positive and their suitemate did not, the suitemate took daily rapid tests for up to 1 week. AAPD provided daily test kits.

AAPD also reserved the right to shift the Friday Certificate Program class to a fully virtual format if the following occurred:

Five (5) interns and/or one AAPD Summer Internship Program staff member tests positive
When fewer than five (5) in-person interns attend due to concerns about COVID-19 or due to accommodation needs

Guest speakers and access vendors (e.g., ASL interpreters) participating in-person during community events or the Disability Advocacy Certificate Program were required to have a negative COVID-19 rapid antigen test and wear a mask. AAPD provided masks and tests.

What Comes Next: Challenges, Opportunities, and Our Goals for Future Improvement

Systemic Challenges

Even with numerous changes to our program, there remain significant national systemic changes needed to ensure students and recent graduates with disabilities have access to meaningful career and leadership opportunities. This impacts people with disabilities’ future employment opportunities. Some existing barriers include, but are not limited to:

Interns have concerns about risking their benefits due to asset limits. AAPD has to consider how much financial support to give interns without impacting their benefits long-term.
While many remote opportunities increased during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, many workplaces are reversing their policies.
Interns may lose their access to home and community-based services if they are away from their homes for too long.
Interns are only eligible for home and community-based services in their home state, not when they travel or temporarily relocate.
Interns are concerned about the accessibility of travel, such as how airlines may damage their mobility aids, or whether they will receive the accommodations they need for travel.
Placement sites may not have the budget for accommodations due to limited funds. If the placement site is a small organization under 15 employees, they may be less willing to provide accommodations because the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not require workplaces of this size to provide reasonable accommodations.
If interns are not local to the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia area, then they may not have access to their healthcare providers for the summer.
Due to the lack of access to vaccines and public health guidance, interns may not feel comfortable risking their health to accept a hybrid position.
Lack of enforcement of the ADA may affect whether placement sites and transportation are accessible for interns.

It is important to note that the systemic barriers listed above are existing challenges at the point when interns are connected with AAPD. There are several challenges that happen long before they are accepted in the program, such as accommodations in primary and secondary education or access to inclusive volunteer or after-school activities that impact their opportunities to enter post-secondary education. There are also numerous challenges to accessing employment after they complete the program.

To address some of the systemic barriers and propose long-term solutions, AAPD works with our community to bring awareness and solutions. AAPD collaborates with our Policy Team to educate policymakers on the impact of their policies. We continue to engage and educate our federal partners on the impact of our program. We also share contextual information with our placement sites and mentors to help them understand the challenges that people with disabilities have entering the workforce. AAPD also aims to partner with other internship programs or workforce coalitions, even if they do not have a focus on disability, to share inclusive practices.

Future Improvements

For AAPD, advancing access and equity is a continuous commitment and practice. The AAPD Internship Program team continues to improve the program annually, incorporating feedback from Third Sight, conducting internship program evaluations, and responding to policies impacting people with disabilities.

Looking ahead, AAPD has begun planning some next steps to ensure the internship program continues to be reflective of the diverse disability community, as well as continuing to measure the program’s impact. Below are some of our priorities.

Internship Goals and Objectives

Assess our program activities to ensure they align with the program goals and objectives.
Develop pre- and post-evaluation surveys for interns and alumni to better understand the impact of the AAPD Internship Program.
AAPD has received feedback that interns often feel like they have competing priorities regarding the internship component and the Disability Advocacy Certificate Program. Despite AAPD staff reducing the number of assignments and classes, interns continue to report challenges balancing their workload. AAPD will revisit the Certificate Program model to ensure interns maximize their career opportunities, leadership development, and community building.

Processes and Support for Interns

Research best practices for the application and interview processes, such as submitting application information in alternative formats, sharing interview questions ahead of time, etc.
Identify additional supports for the internship program, such as access to mental health and healthcare, job coaching accommodations, and more.
Explore options for providing a housing stipend without impacting interns’ income.
Strengthen the mentorship component based on alumni’s feedback.
Create more materials in plain language.
Continue to build intentional relationships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Serving Institutions, college programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and community and technical colleges for recruitment efforts.

Alumni Network

Continue building out the Alumni Network to increase and sustain engagement.
Provide a transition period when interns complete the program and get involved in the Alumni Network.

Processes and Support for Supervisors and Mentors

Gather more resources to provide support for supervisors who may not have experience with an intern or employee with disabilities.
Build in capacity to support supervisors and mentors during the internship program.

Throughout the development and implementation of new initiatives or practices, AAPD plans to engage intern alumni and community members to ensure our approach is accessible and equitable.

Conclusion

Since the inception of the AAPD Summer Internship Program in 2002, the program has played a vital part in preparing disabled people to be in decision-making roles that impact our future workplaces and communities. AAPD cultivates an environment to strengthen disability identities for students and recent graduates during their internship experience. Many alumni have reported that the internship program positively impacted their self-confidence in the work environment. As the evaluation found, many alumni who go through our program are more likely to graduate from college, obtain full-time employment, and earn higher wages than the national average of people with and without disabilities.

The Summer Internship Program not only increases the power of people with disabilities through career and leadership opportunities, but it is also a program that prioritizes and values community connection by instilling and embracing disability identity. AAPD builds in many opportunities for interns to connect with the broader disability community by exposing them to leaders with disabilities across all sectors and participating in a cohort of all people with disabilities to support building their social capital. As their disability identity strengthens throughout the internship program, interns become more engaged in the disability community. When we have more people who are aware and proud of their disability identity, we believe they will positively shape and impact our collective future.

The AAPD Summer Internship Program has gone through significant changes since new leadership joined the team in 2019. AAPD has increased the number of and strengthened the quality of our resources to support disabled people looking for career opportunities, leadership development, and connection to the broader community. While the AAPD Summer Internship program has changed significantly since its inception, the model of the program remains a flexible yet strong foundation for continued program improvement.

This allows AAPD to:

Implement changes to address the inequities and inaccessibility that impact how people with disabilities access meaningful employment.
Broaden our understanding of what meaningful employment, leadership, and community looks like for people with disabilities.
Provide a variety of experiences for interns to learn more about themselves as individuals, and their experience as a person with a disability in a broader community of disabled people and in their workplaces.
Adapt and respond to society’s changing conditions (e.g. COVID-19 pandemic).

Due to our program’s flexibility, AAPD has implemented incremental and systemic changes to improve our program between 2019 and 2023. The incorporated changes have been guided by feedback and input from program participants and alumni, placement site supervisors, mentors, supporters of the program, and the broader disability community. AAPD will continue to engage with them to guide future program improvement and expansion efforts.

AAPD is committed to building a future where all people with disabilities can live and thrive in our communities by providing opportunities and resources for them to influence our future. The Summer Internship Program is more than just a program that provides career and leadership opportunities. The program recognizes the power of disability pride and having access to inclusive communities. This has a ripple effect, since mentors and supervisors who participate in the program also feel the impact of people with disabilities in the workplace.

Yet, significant challenges and barriers remain for people with disabilities to access meaningful employment opportunities, which impacts many other aspects in their life, such as education, housing, healthcare, transportation, and more. AAPD shares our strategies, findings, and impacts in the hopes of increasing disability awareness and demonstrating best practices of how to plan inclusive programming. In order to truly have a more inclusive society, it takes all of us to advocate for policies and implement equitable practices to ensure all disabled people have equal access and opportunities.

Works Cited

Briel, L., & Getzel, E. (2001). Internships in Higher Education: Promoting Success for Students with Disabilities. Disability Studies Quarterly, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.18061/dsq.v21i1.254

EEOC’s Final FY 2023 Enforcement Statistics Show 10% Increase in Charges Filed. (2024, May 20). Center for Workplace Compliance. https://cwc.org/CWC/CWC/Updates/2024/EEOCs-Final-FY-2023-Enforcement-Statistics-Show-10-Increase-in-Charges-Filed.aspx

Emerson, E., Fortune, N., Llewellyn, G., & Stancliffe, R. (2021). Loneliness, Social Support, Social Isolation and Wellbeing Among Working Age Adults With and Without Disability: Cross-Sectional Study. Disability and Health Journal, 14(1), 100965. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dhjo.2020.100965

Losen, D. J., Martinez, P., & Shin, G. H. R. (2021). Disabling Inequity: The Urgent Need for Race-Conscious Resource Remedies. The Center for Civil Rights Remedies at the Civil Rights Project, UCLA. https://civilrightsproject.ucla.edu/reports/disabling-inequity-the-urgent-need-for-race-conscious-resource-remedies/

Musu-Gillette, L., de Brey, C., McFarland, J., Hussar, W., Sonnenberg, W., & Wilkinson-Flicker, S. (2017). Status and Trends in the Education of Racial and Ethnic Groups 2017. National Center for Education Statistics.

National Council on Disability. (2023). 2023 Progress Report: Toward Economic Security: The Impact of Income and Asset Limits on People with Disabilities. https://www.ncd.gov/report/2023-progress-report-toward-economic-security-the-impact-of-income-and-asset-limits-on-people-with-disabilities/

Nutakor, J. A., Zhou, L., Larnyo, E., Addai-Danso, S., & Tripura, D. (2023). Socioeconomic Status and Quality of Life: An Assessment of the Mediating Effect of Social Capital. Healthcare, 11(5), 749. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11050749

Shaw, L. R., Chan, F., & McMahon, B. T. (2012). Intersectionality and Disability Harassment: The Interactive Effects of Disability, Race, Age, and Gender. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 55(2), 82–91. https://doi.org/10.1177/0034355211431167

Third Sight LLC authors’ calculation, U.S. Census, American Community Survey (2020).

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023). Persons With a Disability: Labor Force Characteristics — 2022. https://www.bls.gov/news.release/archives/disabl_02232023.pdf

Announcing the Summer 2025 Internship Cohort

Jess Davidson — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 23:25:03 +0000

2025 Summer Interns

The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is pleased to announce the Summer Internship Program Cohort of 2025.

Over 20 years ago, AAPD launched the Summer Internship Program to develop the next generation of leaders with disabilities. AAPD has placed college students, graduate students, law students, and recent graduates with all types of disabilities in paid summer internships with Congressional offices, federal agencies, nonprofit and for-profit organizations within the Washington, DC area. The AAPD Summer Internship Program advances participants’ career opportunities, deepens their leadership skills, and meaningfully connects them to the broader disability community.

The 2025 AAPD Summer Internship Program would not be possible without the generous support of our partners. Thank you to Arconic Foundation, Microsoft, and United Airlines for supporting our Summer Internship Program.

Photos by Jeevan Portraits.

Meet the 2025 Class

Adriana DeMercurio - Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law

Adriana DeMercurio (she/her) is a law student at Elon University School of Law. She is the inaugural Bobby Silverstein Fellow for the 2025 AAPD Summer Internship Program.

Adriana is a passionate female voice ready to continue to lead others. She has just completed an internship with SAMHSA’s Office of Recovery to continue working on mental health and recovery policies. In May of 2024, Adriana graduated from Methodist University with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in psychology with a certificate in healthcare management and a minor in legal studies. She has been a Coelho Legal Fellow, which inspired her to learn more about disability law, and she worked as a fellow for the National Domestic Workers Alliance, working on policy change in North Carolina. She has been a mentor with SAFE US, which gave her the chance to work on policy changes related to the substance use epidemic. Adriana’s various experiences have helped her develop her strong work ethic and approach to teamwork. She is passionate about advocacy and creating a voice for everyone.

Image Description: A selfie of Adriana, a white woman in her 20s with long brown wavy hair and black glasses, is smiling at the camera. She is wearing a purple shirt and black blazer, and is in front of a brick wall

Alyssa Wilson - dozanü innovations

Alyssa Wilson (she/they) is a 21-year-old junior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is a passionate advocate for disability inclusion and accessibility in technology. As a computer science major with a focus in front-end development, Alyssa channels her experiences into meaningful work that bridges the gap between technology and user experience.

In addition to her studies, Alyssa worked as a caregiver through CareYaya, supporting elderly and disabled individuals, and served as a resident advisor, fostering inclusive communities. Alyssa also earned an associate degree in General Math and Sciences at Prairie State College, while completing high school, demonstrating her dedication and drive.

Alyssa plans to use her skills to advance accessibility in digital design, working to ensure that technology is inclusive and empowering for all users. She is excited to bring her passion for advocacy and innovation to the AAPD Summer Internship Program.

Image Description: Alyssa, an African American woman in her 20s with long, straight reddish-brown hair and rectangular glasses, is smiling warmly at the camera and standing against a light gray background. They are wearing a light lavender dress shirt paired with a black vest and a black tie. They have long, straight reddish-brown hair and her hands are clasped in front of herself.

Brianna Arce - Washington Performing Arts

Brianna “Bri” Arce (she/her) is a disabled, neurodivergent, Latina first-year student at the Community College of Philadelphia with intersecting interests in education, the arts, accessibility, and youth empowerment.

Growing up, Bri spent much of her time exploring her interest in the visual and performing arts and was deeply impacted by the teaching artists she learned from, seeing her abilities shine through as they taught her to be brave and bold. This led to her passion for arts education and creative expression as tools for youth empowerment and change-making within marginalized communities. She presently works as an intern for Philadelphia Young Playwrights, an arts education nonprofit empowering youth across the Greater Philadelphia area through the power of playwriting and performance opportunities. She also works as a Teaching Artist for Yes! And… Collaborative Arts where she enjoys teaching children performing and visual arts skills. In the recent past, Bri has also taught for Arden Theatre Company, ASAP Drama, and Ensemble Arts Philly. Introducing young creatives to the world of theater brings her immense joy and has led her to be passionate about ensuring young people have access to quality, accessible arts education and performing arts venues.

At CCP, she is the president of the Disability Student Club – a new but ever-growing community that aims to provide a safe space for disabled students as well as help them to make their voices heard. She aspires to be a voice for the Autistic community and an advocate for all people with disabilities across the globe which is why she is excited to take part in the Disability Advocacy Certificate Program while in D.C. for her internship. In her spare time, Bri enjoys drawing, reading, writing (plays and poetry,) listening to music, and being a curious cat.

Image Description: Brianna, a Latina woman in her 20s with long, dark brown hair is standing in front of a grey background, wearing a black blazer and grey dress. Her head is slightly tilted to the side, and she is smiling.

Brynn Patterson - Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network

Brynn Patterson (she/her) is a rising junior at the illustrious Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. As a History and English Double Major on a Pre-Law track, she is an aspiring human rights, civil rights, or disability law lawyer with a lifetime aspiration of being a Supreme Court Justice.

As a Disabled, Neurodivergent, Black Woman, Brynn is a lifelong advocate for justice. She is passionate about Disability Rights, Racial Justice, Reproductive Justice and so much more. All of her identities and lived experiences have shaped her perspective to learn perseverance, grit, and resilience and made her truly want to do her part to make the world a better place.

At her core, she is an advocate and ambassador for her peers. She always strives to amplify and uplift the voices in her community. She hopes her current skills and qualities will only further be improved with all she will learn as an AAPD intern.

Brynn chose AAPD because she is dedicated, community-minded, enthusiastic about empowerment, and a positive agent for change. She strives to do her best as a Leader, Dreamer, Innovator, Visionary, and hopefully: Revolutionary!

Image description: Brynn, a Black woman in her 20s with long, curly hair styled in box braids, stands in front of a grey background, smiling brightly at the camera with one hand on her hip. She is wearing a black top with a white collar and sleeves, with delicate pearl earrings, gold bracelet, and decorative necklace.

Charlotte Chung - New America

Charlotte Chung (she/her) is a rising junior at Wellesley College, studying Education with a minor in Mathematics. Her personal experience navigating the accommodation process from elementary school to college sparked a deep interest in advocating for necessary accommodations for students with disabilities. This passion drives her goal of working in the field of disability rights within education after graduation. Charlotte is dedicated to making educational spaces more accessible and inclusive, which she actively pursues as the Academic Chair of Students for Accessible Wellesley. In this role, she works to connect students and faculty, fostering conversations about the challenges and needs of the disability community at Wellesley.

Outside of Wellesley College, Charlotte is an instructional designer for the Scheller Teacher Education Program at MIT, where she helps develop curricula and tutorials for a block-based coding program. She is also a member of the Wellesley College Mock Trial, serving as the First-Year Chair. In this position, she organizes tryouts and trains new members. Charlotte was also part of the team that qualified for the American Mock Trial Association Nationals last year, where the top 48 college mock trial teams from across the country gathered to compete.

Image Description: Charlotte, an East Asian woman in her 20s with long black hair and bangs, is smiling at the camera in front of a grey background. She is wearing a dark grey blazer and a black shirt with silver jewelry.

Christol Wright - National Low Income Housing Coalition

Christol Wright (she/her) is a senior graduate student at Empire State University College, pursuing a master’s degree in Social and Public Policy. With a strong passion for public health and health policy, she aims to contribute to a government agency addressing these critical areas.

Christol brings a wealth of experience from her background in human services, where she provided both direct and indirect support to individuals and communities. She is also an alumna of the AmeriCorps National and VISTA program, underscoring her commitment to service and community development.

In addition to her academic pursuits, Christol is deeply involved in promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives at her college and serves as a dedicated member of the Student Government Association. She is a proud recipient of the prestigious Graduate Diversity Fellowship Scholarship, further highlighting her leadership and commitment to social impact. With her academic foundation, professional experience, and dedication to equity and inclusion, Christol is poised to make significant contributions to the field of public health and health policy.

Image Description: Christol, a Black woman with brownish-blonde long curly braids, and fashionable black cat-eye glasses, crosses her arms and smiles at the camera underneath her black N-95 mask. She is wearing a black and white striped button-up shirt and small gold hoop earrings.

Dylan Bunyak - Disability Culture Lab

Dylan Bunyak (she/they) is a rising Junior at Wellesley College studying Philosophy and Art History with an interest in education, cultural work, and intersectional social justice. As a COVID-conscious writer and advocate, she is passionate about creating intentional, accessible community spaces and amplifying marginal narratives through multimedia storytelling. Since moving to Massachusetts for school, they have worked with the Disability Justice Youth Center as a workshop facilitator and was named one of the 2024 Emerging Boston Art Writing Fellows for the Boston Art Review. In the past, they have also written for All Existing Magazine, Blunt Force Journal, the La Jolla Playhouse, and The Old Globe. Dylan currently works as the student manager for Wellesley’s Art Library and as an organizer for Students for an Accessible Wellesley. She is excited to join the AAPD cohort this summer with an eye toward further work in Disability Studies post-graduation.

Image Description: Dylan, a white femme person in their 20s with medium length curly red hair and freckles is smiling at the camera with her hands in her pockets in front of a solid gray background. They are wearing a dark green v-neck dress that is dotted with small orange flowers.

Ela’jah Dixon - Center for Racial and Disability Justice

Ela’jah Dixon (she/her) is a student at Marquette University pursuing a double major in cognitive science and criminology. With a passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Ela’jah has dedicated their academic and professional career to empowering communities and advocating for systemic change.

Ela’jah’s leadership roles include chairing the Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice Committee in student government, where they focus on creating meaningful connections with the student body and driving initiatives that foster inclusivity. Additionally, Ela’jah is the founder of Faithful Flow, a campus organization that uses dance to express faith and build community within the Christian population at Marquette.

Professionally, Ela’jah has gained valuable experience through internships with Milwaukee County Adult Protective Services and the Milwaukee Justice Center, where they provided legal and social support to individuals facing barriers. They also worked in the Office of Mayor Cavalier Johnson, where they deepened their understanding of government operations and policy-making.

An advocate for mental health awareness, Ela’jah has led workshops and events aimed at supporting survivors of trauma, including their THRIVE project, which promotes healthy coping mechanisms. Outside of academics and advocacy, Ela’jah enjoys playing the violin, praise dancing, and writing, with the goal of publishing their book Big Girls Don’t Cry.

Ela’jah’s dedication to service and social justice reflects their vision of creating a more equitable world where everyone has access to the resources and support they need to thrive.

Image Description: Ela’jah, a Black woman with short cropped brownish-red hair is standing in front of a gray wall and smiling with her mouth closed, with her arms crossed in front of her. She is wearing a black shirt and a tan blazer vest.

Esmeralda Cazarez - Office of Representative Lateefah Simon

Esmeralda Cazarez (she/her) is a 22-year-old Mexican-American political science graduate from California State University, Long Beach. She is deeply committed to creating a future where all individuals, regardless of their physical abilities, can lead fulfilling lives.

As someone who is visually impaired, Esmeralda has firsthand experience navigating a society that often lacks accessibility. This personal perspective inspired her to champion policies that address the diverse needs of all constituents during her time as a community college board member and legislative fellow in Long Beach, CA.

Esmeralda recognizes that achieving lasting societal change requires a deep understanding of the systems that shape our world. She aspires to become an attorney, driven by her belief that legal knowledge is a powerful tool to dismantle barriers and build a more inclusive and equitable society.

Image Description: Esmerelda, a blonde light-skinned woman in her 20s, with long, wavy, platinum blonde hair is smiling at the camera with one arm crossed over her body, and one hand resting under her chin. She is wearing a white top and light brown blazer with her sleeves rolled stylishly up, in front of a grey background.

Huá Huī Samuel Vogel - Center for American Progress, Disability Justice Initiative

Huá Huī Vogel (He/They) is an ambulatory wheelchair user who is LGBTQ, a Chinese
adoptee, and Disabled. Huá Huī is a graduating Honors student at Florida International
University (FIU), double majoring in B.A. in Liberal Studies in Law, Business, and
Society & Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in Business. Afterward, he plans to
attend law school. He is a passionate intersectional advocate focused on
information-sharing, coalition-building, community-building, and sustainability and
long-term planning. Their main philosophy is that to be a well-rounded individual then
one must diversify their knowledge, experience, and cognitive style. Besides academics and intersectional advocacy, he is a professional photographer, plant lover, fitness enthusiast, and a philomath.

From his personal experience and upbringing, Huá Huī has always had to advocate for himself to be seen and heard. Whether it’d be from personal, professional, or academic spaces, he has always challenged himself to the best of his ability to break down barriers. In all of this, he empowers others to do the same by lending a helping hand — there is no “I” in the word “team”.

The establishment of organizations like the Disabled + Abled United Honor Society in
high school and the Disabled Student Union Bureau in college created avenues of community building, furthering a cause by empowering, educating, spreading, and
experiencing a varied set of issues. Within a team, there is collaboration inter-translating itself to better understand other roles, as he has done, having held countless leadership positions. While he had prior experience to rely on for some of these positions, for some he had to develop within adjacent roles to better understand the in/outs of the operation.

Leadership roles include, but are not limited to, Pride Student Union Bureau [Vice
President, Treasurer], Student Government Association (SGA) [College of Engineering
and Computing Senator, University Sustainability and Innovation Chair, Rules and Administration Vice Chair, Appropriations Member], Engineering Student Council [Founder, Treasurer], Sustainable Panther Network [Founder, Internal Vice President].

Within the bounds of these roles, Huá Huī has accumulated a myriad of expertise.
Beyond leadership roles, he is an intern for the FIU’s Office of University Sustainability
and the Asian Americans with Disabilities Initiative (AADI) and works for the National
LGBTQ Task Force as an Events Consultant.

In whatever shape or form, Huá Huī’s mission in life is to be an advocate for those around him. He will continue to push barriers and create spaces for the marginalized to be seen and heard. He will continue to empower and strengthen the next generation to continue the fight for a more equitable society.

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” – Lao Tzu

Image Description: Huá Huī, a Chinese person in their 20s with black hair, is sitting in their wheelchair with their arms crossed and has a big smile on their face. They are wearing a black suit with a button-down shirt with yellow flowers on it. They have gold, geometric shaped glasses, and small gold-colored earrings.

Janna Wang - UnlockedMaps

Janna Wang (she/her) is a rising junior at Duke University from Flushing, New York studying Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, and Visual Media Studies. Growing up in a diverse and close-knit community, she was shaped by experiences of mutual aid and collective care, which continue to guide her work.

At Duke, Janna researches sound-based microfluidic systems in the Acoustofluidics Lab, focusing on practical applications for small-scale engineering challenges. Her commitment to accessibility drives her work beyond the lab, where she modifies toys to better serve the needs of children with disabilities. Janna was also involved in the development of a modular, reusable lunch tray system for Durham Public Schools, aiming to improve efficiency while reducing waste. She is driven by a passion for creating innovative solutions that make a real, lasting impact while prioritizing sustainability and the needs of the community.

In her free time, Janna loves painting and photography; as someone with a strong passion for the arts and creative thinking, she is always seeking ways to blend artistic expression with technical work. She recently co-created EDGE Magazine, a platform that explores human experiences, diverse voices, and culture through thought-provoking thinkpieces.

Image Description: Janna, an Asian woman with long brown hair with auburn tones, is smiling and standing, turning to look over her shoulder toward the camera. She is wearing a pale pink blazer and a dark navy skirt. She is standing in front of a mint green background.

Kadesha Treco - New Disabled South

Kadesha Treco (she/her) is a fourth-year Public Policy Ph.D. student at the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, pursuing the Social Justice track with a focus on Disability Studies. Originally from Nassau, Bahamas, she moved to the United States in 2014 to further her education. Her experiences navigating higher education as a disabled student and working in her institution’s disability student services office during the pandemic inspired her interest in policy studies.

Kadesha’s research applies critical disability studies theory to examine the experiences of students with disabilities regarding access and accommodations in higher education. As an international student, she is also deeply interested in global disability studies and innovative approaches, such as podcasting, to amplify marginalized voices in traditionally exclusionary spaces.

Kadesha’s career goals include collaborating with nonprofit organizations and think tanks to create accessible and participatory strategies that engage individuals with disabilities and other marginalized groups in the policymaking process. She aims to empower these communities, fostering active citizenry and addressing critical social justice issues.

Image Description: Kadesha, a medium Black woman with a short-textured pixie haircut is sitting in a black manual wheelchair leaning back on her arm, which is propped up on the push handle. She has a big smile and is wearing a cream-colored knitted turtleneck long sleeve and long pants.

Lazy Levin - Science History Institute

Lazy Levin (they/them) is a rising senior at the University of New Orleans studying Psychology. In addition, Levin is an artist and activist who has volunteered across the U.S. and Mexico in mutual aid settings supporting children and adults. Levin is thrilled to join the AAPD community and share their passion for social justice, accessible education, and disability rights.

Image Description: Lazy, a white person with green hair is posing in front of a light grey background with a serious, powerful expression and their arms. They have a nose septum piercing and are wearing a black short-sleeved turtleneck and two layered necklaces. Several of their arm tattoos are visible.

Lauryn Huffman - Office of Representative Jasmine Crockett

Lauryn Huffman (she/her) is a recent graduate from Vast Academy at Houston Community College Central Campus where she received an Occupational Skills/Career Readiness Certificate. In the fall, she will be a rising freshman at St. Thomas University studying business. Since she was 16, Lauryn has run her own business. She is currently the owner of a small business called Events by Alexandria, and she hopes to use her Business education to expand her business. Outside of school and work, Lauryn is passionate about family, leadership and helping others.

Image Description: Lauryn Huffman, a Black woman with braids with red curled ends and tortiseshell glasses is wearing a pink top with ruffle sleeves and smiling at the camera in front of a grey background.

Malcolm Miller - Project LETS

Malcolm Miller (he/him) is a Black, queer, trans, mentally ill rising senior at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) where he studies Sociology and Psychology with a minor in Social Justice. In 2022, Malcolm was selected to be a part of the President’s Leadership Development Program, a 4-year cohort-based leadership program for social change for which he received a full cost of attendance scholarship. At CWRU, he serves as president of PERIOD@CWRU – a menstrual equity organization, Vice President of Service for the CWRU’s chapter of the National Residence Hall Honorary, and a Peer Educator for violence prevention at the Flora Stone Mather Center for Women. His research interests include alternatives to policing for marginalized survivors of abuse and suicide trends among Black youth. Malcolm is originally from Philadelphia, PA and is a lover of coffee ice cream, public transit, and word games.

Image Description: Malcolm, a Black person with dark hair and round wire-rimmed glasses is smiling and crossing his arms in an ornate green button-down and black suit jacket.

Marcy Hannah Waring - Autistic Self-Advocacy Network

Marcy Hannah Waring (she/her) is a rising senior at Brandeis University, majoring in Health: Science, Society, and Policy (HSSP). While she values the strong foundation in public health that her major provides, her work extends far beyond the classroom. She is deeply committed to making a tangible impact on her community and studies aspects of disability policy to accomplish this goal. Her primary areas of focus include architectural accessibility, carceral justice, and disability research using qualitative methods.

As an active member of her University’s Accessibility Committee, Marcy works to address physical accessibility concerns and drafts grant proposals to bring solutions to life. Her latest initiative will introduce high-visibility stair strips on campus, enhancing edge contrast to reduce slip risks for low-vision and blind students.

Marcy is also interested in further studying the disproportionate impacts of carceral practices on disabled and neurodivergent individuals who interact with any part of the U.S. criminal justice system. Through her research, she aims to uplift the needs of people with disabilities at every stage, including policing, court proceedings, sentencing, and incarceration.

As a research fellow at the Lurie Institute for Disability Policy, Marcy is involved in an NIH-funded study that uses interviews to identify the unmet needs of disabled mothers during pregnancy. Her role involves compiling existing literature on the topic and coding the interview transcripts.

Relevant skills from her work experience include efficient project management, knowledge of standards for accessible design, intersectional advocacy, experience conducting background literature searches, and proficient qualitative coding.

Image Description: Marcy Waring, a light skinned, mixed Latina and Asian woman is looking straight at the camera. She has shoulder length blonde hair, wears brown glasses, and has red lipstick on. She is wearing a beige blazer over a white shirt. A white and black keffiyeh is over her shoulders.

Mercy Botchway - Office of Representative Ayanna Pressley

Mercy Botchway (she/her) is a college student who permanently resides in Massachusetts. She fights for disability justice through an intersectional lens, displaying her knowledge of different types and levels of discrimination. In 2021, Mercy received the Heumann-Armstrong Award, which acknowledges rising disability rights activists. She has published in Forbes, discussing the power of mentoring. She immigrated from Ghana to Massachusetts in 2012 and was diagnosed with severe bilateral hearing loss in 2013. Mercy wants to work in the education leadership field to build schools that serve disabled students in Ghana and other impoverished nations.

Image Description: Mercy, a young Black woman with braids pulled back, smiles at the camera. She is wearing a lavender-pink dress and small gold hoop earrings.

Rohit Sen - Bocoup

Rohit Sen (he/him) is a junior at Seattle University majoring in Computer Science, where he combines his passion for technology with a dedication to personal and professional growth. Rohit is the Microsoft STEM intern for the 2025 AAPD Summer Internship Program.

Having personally experienced the challenges of living with a disability, Rohit is driven to research and understand unique issues that individuals with specific disabilities encounter and is committed to building a career focused on technology to create inclusive solutions that empower individuals with disabilities.

Previously, Rohit served as a Digital Accessibility Intern at the American Foundation for the Blind, where he gained hands-on experience with various technologies on accessibility, which further fueled his interest in assistive technologies and solidified his ambition to champion accessibility in his professional journey.

Rohit has developed two impactful Android applications that address challenges faced by disabled individuals. VocalText offers audio summaries of web content, reducing reliance on screen readers and enabling quicker access to essential information. VisiAide, powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4, allows visually impaired users to capture and analyze images, providing conversational insights into product details like ingredients and expiration dates. These projects reflect his dedication to leveraging AI to improve accessibility and solve real-world problems.

Outside his academic and professional pursuits, Rohit enjoys exploring the inner workings of computers, playing video games with his friends, and immersing himself in car culture. With a passion for innovation and inclusivity, Rohit aims to create technologies that break barriers and ensure equal access for all.’

Image Description: Rohit, a South-Asian Indian man with short curly black hair and eyeglasses without frames, smiles at the camera indoors against a grey background. He wears a black blazer with a black button-down shirt.

Timothy John Jackson II - Caring Across Generations

Timothy Jackson (he/him) is a rising junior from Nashville, TN, studying Political Science & Public Health at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Originally hailing from Atlanta, GA, Timothy is a politically and advocacy-engaged individual who is merely in the beginning stages of his academic, professional, and advocacy pursuits. Currently he is engaged in academic research on the intersection of healthcare availability and loss of economic opportunity in rural Appalachia.

Currently a reigning member of the Disability Advisory Board and College Democrats at the University of Tennessee, Timothy has been an impassioned advocate and observer from early in his life. Timothy has a loss of fine motor function caused by Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP). Rather than letting his condition obtained at 13 stop him, it has merely filled him with a new desire to advocate on behalf of those who can’t advocate for themselves. He accomplishes this through policy analysis, public engagement, and research.

In his free time Timothy is a fanatical sports fan, rooting for the Tennessee Titans, Tennessee Volunteers, Nashville SC, and Memphis Grizzlies. He loves to watch movies, cook, garden, and loves dogs! In the future Timothy hopes to work for the US State Department as a Foreign Service Officer.

Image Description: Timothy Jackson, a young Black man with locs tied up on his head, is looking with a serious expression at the camera and posing with both hands in his pockets. He is wearing a navy blazer, jeans, and a white turtleneck.

Tooba Ishaq - Elevance Health

Tooba Ishaq (she/her) is a Master of Social Work student dedicated to disability rights, human rights advocacy, and empowering marginalized communities. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Workwith a minor in Child Development from Sacramento State University. With extensive experience supporting diverse populations, Tooba has worked with refugees, low-income families, and individuals with disabilities. She has interned with the International Rescue Committee and Mutual Housing California and served as a youth advocate with MAS-SSF. Currently, she is a graduate research assistant and is completing her field practicum working with children. Through the AAPD internship, Tooba aims to advance inclusive policies and strengthen her advocacy efforts.

Image Description: Tooba, a South Asian woman with light tan skin and long, wavy brown hair, smiles at the camera. She was one arm crossed across her body and the other resting under her chinm and is wearing a floral top and a black blazer.

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Introducing the Summer Internship Program Cohort of 2025

Jess Davidson — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 21:53:23 +0000

The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is pleased to announce the Summer Internship Program Cohort of 2025.

The 2025 Summer Internship Class is:

Adriana DeMercurio | Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law

Alyssa Wilson | dozanü innovations

Brianna Arce | Washington Performing Arts

Brynn Patterson | Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network

Charlotte Chung | New America

Christol Wright | National Low Income Housing Coalition

Dylan Bunyak | Disability Culture Lab

Ela’jah Dixon | Center for Racial and Disability Justice

Esmeralda Cazarez | Office of Representative Lateefah Simon

Huá Huī Samuel Vogel | Center for American Progress, Disability Justice Initiative

Janna Wang | UnlockedMaps

Kadesha Treco | New Disabled South

Lazy Levin | Science History Institute

Lauryn Huffman | Office of Representative Jasmine Crockett

Malcolm Miller | Project LETS

Marcy Waring | Autistic Self-Advocacy Network

Mercy Botchway | Office of Representative Ayanna Pressley

Rohit Sen | Bocoup

Timothy John Jackson II | Caring Across Generations

Tooba Ishaq | Elevance Health

You can read the Summer 2025 Interns’ full bios and learn more about them here.

Image Description: A group of AAPD interns smiles at the camera, gathered outside on a rooftop balcony. The group is a diversity of races and genders, and has a diversity of disabilities. Some members of the group are sitting in wheelchairs, others are standing, others are using canes. Some are wearing masks.

The post Introducing the Summer Internship Program Cohort of 2025 appeared first on AAPD.

Announcing the Summer Internship Cohort of 2024

Jess Davidson — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 17:18:12 +0000

The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is pleased to announce the Summer Internship Program Cohort of 2024.

The 2024 Summer Internship Class is:

Katie Sullivan | Institute for Human Centered Design
Leland J. Pan | Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law
Jakeel Darius Abdullah | United States International Council on Disabilities
Cristina | The Aspen Institute
Chloe Marbell Davidson | National Center for College Students with Disabilities
Emmett Lockwood | LINK Houston
Aaliyah Booker | Open Style Lab
Maria G. Sandoval Medina | Unlock Access, LLC
Nila Morton | U.S. Department of Transportation
Lu Ming | Dozanu Innovations
Alyssa Christopher| Project LETS
Mira Gaitanis | The Harkin Institute
Ozioma Collins Oguine | Center for Democracy and Technology
Seth E Canada | Autistic Women and Nonbinary Network
Emily Gonzalez | National Disability Rights Network
Ann Johnston | U.S. Department of Energy
Vanessa L. Sanders | Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs
Zofia Trexler | Center for Racial and Disability Justice

You can read the Summer 2024 Interns’ full bios on the AAPD Summer Internship page.

The 2024 AAPD Summer Internship Program would not be possible without the generous support of our partners. Thank you to Aid Association for the Blind, District of Columbia, Arconic Foundation, Coca-Cola Foundation, Microsoft, and United Airlines for supporting our Summer Internship Program.

The 2024 AAPD Summer Interns

The post Announcing the Summer Internship Cohort of 2024 appeared first on AAPD.

2023 Summer Interns

AAPD Press Team — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 20:36:14 +0000

The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is pleased to announce the Summer Internship Program Class of 2023.

The 2023 AAPD Summer Internship Program would not be possible without the generous support of our partners. Thank you to Aid Association for the Blind, District of Columbia, Arconic Foundation, Microsoft, and United Airlines for supporting our Summer Internship Program. Project N95’s Masks for Communities Coalition has generously donated N95 masks or equivalent for our AAPD summer interns, staff, and guest speakers.

Meet the 2023 Class

Audrey Agbefe – National Black Justice Coalition

Audrey Agbefe (she/her) is an undergraduate at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Audrey is a rising senior majoring in Criminology Law and Justice with a minor in Disability and Human Development. Audrey has always had a strong interest in helping people and promoting social justice. Understanding laws and policies will help her achieve her goal in working with underrepresented groups of people through the use of the legal system. This program will be her first chance to really explore the different paths of advocacy work. She plans on learning and hopefully applying her new skills to further promote social justice back home.

Christina Stafford – Center for American Progress, Disability Justice Initative

Christina Stafford (she/her) is a sophomore at Elon University where she majors in English and Political Science and minors in Philosophy, with plans to pursue a degree in law. Her interest in both literature and politics originated in high school, where she discovered how writing could change the world. In high school, Christina was enthralled with creative writing, taking inspiration from Octavia Butler, Jhumpa Lahiri, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. After having her senior year shaped by the events of 2020, Christina became focused on a career that centered on advocacy and progress.

In college, Christina works to transform those goals into a reality, as she serves as the Civic Engagement Chair for the Elon NAACP college chapter. She also works as the Honors Fellows’ Director of Inclusion and Diversity, desiring to make a difference in every space she is in. Christina is currently conducting research on the media’s influence on U.S. perceptions of prison abolition, hoping to add to our understanding of this complex issue.

Jada Thompson – Office of Senator Tammy Duckworth

Jada Thompson (she/they) is a rising junior at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she will get her Certificate in Co-Operative Experience. They are passionate about disability rights, social justice, and social media. Growing up as an autistic black girl on the Southside of Chicago in a low-income neighborhood, she faced a lot of discrimination, ableism, and a lack of educational support. Her passion for change led them to work with Best Buddies International, where she is currently a Global Ambassador. In addition, to being a Global Ambassador, she serves on their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee. Jada is very excited to bring her unique experience to the program.

Jessica Lopez – U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy

Jessica Lopez (she/her) is a disability advocate and full-time student who is triple-majoring in Business, Economics, and Communications at Coastline College. Born without hands and feet, Jessica’s lived experience as a disabled student informs her advocacy for more inclusive and accessible education and workforces. In addition to her academic pursuits, she is a student leader who actively collaborates with college leadership, constituency committees, and work groups to develop student equity strategies.

As Vice President of Coastline Associated Student Government, Jessica authored and championed a disability inclusion resolution that has advanced to the state level. Partnering with multiple student body organizations across the state to adopt the resolution, her disability inclusion resolution advocates for increased disability cultural initiatives, equity and accessibility training, and institutional support for students with disabilities. Jessica formerly served as the Treasurer of Region VIII of the Student Senate for California Community Colleges (SSCCC), a non-profit student organization recognized by California law to represent 2 million students in state-level legislative advocacy. Through her work with the SSCCC, Jessica advocated for marginalized students in the education system and independently led student efforts to campaign for disability rights. She has also taken her passion for advocacy to the California state capitol, where she met with legislators to advocate for more accessible education.

Alongside her academic and advocacy work, Jessica is active in the corporate world, developing training modules on disability inclusion and consulting on accessibility and disability-inclusive DEI strategy. With experiences spanning social enterprises, B2B tech, nonprofits, and public institutions, Jessica works to interrupt the narratives we are often led to believe about people with disabilities in order to make the world more equitable.

JS Shokrian – Northwestern Law School's Center for Racial and Disability Justice

JS Shokrian (no pronouns) is an artist and learner committed to the intersectional proliferation of disability and its potential impact on political and social economies. San Francisco State University alum with an MFA in Photography from Milton Avery School of the Arts, Bard College, Shokrian is an inaugural fellow and artist at Beall Institute for Art and Technology with Leonardo/ISAST. Recent projects include constructing a talking book library of disability literature at Wendy’s Subway, New York, and scenic designing for the disability arts dance company Kinetic Light’s Wired.

Keisheona Wilkins – CareSource

Keisheona Wilkins (she/her) is a 2007 graduate from Highland Park High School in Topeka, KS. After graduating high school, she pursued a career in nursing and worked in the field for 10 years. In 2018 Keisheona was a survivor of gun violence and in result of that she became disabled and now depends on an electric wheelchair for mobility. Three years later Keisheona decided to reenter the workforce which led her to enroll in the Graphics Technology program at Washburn Institute of Technology. During her time as a student, Keisheona has been involved with organizations that support others in need and participated in different extracurricular activities such as the Washburn Business Pitch Competitions, which in 2022 she won 5th place out of 53 competing teams. As a result of her success, Keisheona was inducted as a member of the National Technical Honor Society. After Graduating Keisheona decided to use her skills to support her vision of becoming a small business owner and founder of a nonprofit organizations that supports people with disabilities. Keisheona’s motivations comes from her kids, as it brings her joy to show her kids that anything is possible despite challenges that are faced in life.

Kinshuk Tella – U.S. Office of Management and Budget, Environment Branch

Kinshuk Tella (he/him) is a recent graduate from Miami University with bachelors in both Geology and Environmental Science. He is also a current second year graduate student in the Masters of Environmental Science program at Miami University with a concentration in Water Resources. His specific interests in environmental issues stems from his deep passion for the natural sciences, with a desire to holistically understand and interdisciplinarily approach modern day environmental issues with science-based policy solutions. In previous years, Kinshuk has spent his summers working in environmental regulatory compliance in the private sector for U.S technology and manufacturing companies such as Tesla Motors. This summer, Kinshuk looks forward to diving into the federal public sector side of environmental policy in Washington DC.

Outside of Kinshuk’s academic and career interests, he has a strong love for community building and student empowerment. He is heavily involved within the organized blind movement, where he serves on the board for the National Association of Blind Students, a proud division of the National Federation of the Blind, mentoring and guiding blind students towards living the lives they want. On campus, Kinshuk serves his university community as a resident assistant and student leader in DEI spaces at Miami University, specifically promoting positive disability philosophy and exploring the intersectionalities of diverse identities.

Lauren Proby – National Disability Rights Network

Lauren Proby (she/her) is a disability justice and self advocate passionate about the intersections of disability, law, and policy. She is a current student at Spelman College studying English on the pre-law track with a minor in Sociology.

At present, Lauren works as a Policy Fellow at the Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network. She is a newly added researcher participating in the development of the Self Assessment of Autistic Traits (SAAT), a clinical survey focusing on the inner experiences of autism from the Autistic perspective. Lauren is also a current research fellow with Justice for Black Girls, furthering her work centered in exploring the rich, intersectional lives of Black disabled girls.

Lauren represents students with disabilities on the Illinois State Advisory Council on the Education of Children with Disabilities, where she serves as Chair of the Council’s Nominating Committee. Additionally, she is a member of the Center on Youth Voice, Youth Choice Alternatives to Guardianship Advisory Board, promoting independent living for youth and young adults with disabilities.

Previously, Lauren worked as the Disability Justice Lead for Youth Activism Project, where she co-led the organization’s Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities policy group. She is a proud alum of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network’s 2022 Autism Campus Inclusion Leadership Academy.

From testifying to her high school’s Board of Education about the ableism she experienced in their institution to advocating against natural hair discrimination to members of Congress, Lauren is a strong advocate for herself and others. Her advocacy has earned her recognition as a White House HBCU Scholar and a Heumann-Armstrong recipient, a national award for students with disabilities advocating against ableism in the education system.

In her free time, Lauren enjoys writing, dancing, listening to music, and crocheting.

Logan Jalil – The Kelsey

Originally from Atlanta, GA, Logan Jalil (he/she/they) is a recent Political Science & Asian Studies graduate of Belmont University in Nashville, TN. During his time there, he developed leadership experience in several organizations that promoted civil engagement, diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI), and advocacy. He is very passionate about extending DEI conversations to accessibility, as well as the intersections of disability and racial marginalization. In addition, he has an interest towards urban development and public transportation through an accessible lens. Through the internship, Logan hopes to keep promoting these conversations both on a larger platform and in a professional setting. After college, he intends to go graduate school, work in the field of public policy, and eventually become a professor.

Melissa Shang – The Judge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law

Melissa Shang (she/her) is a rising junior at Harvard University. She has been a disability activist since she was ten years old, when she started a viral petition for American Girl to release a doll with a disability. Since then, she’s written for the New York Times and Teen Vogue, and she wrote and published the book “Mia Lee is Wheeling Through Middle School.” Melissa has spoken at the United Nations and done a TEDx talk. She is also the co-founder and co-president of Harvard’s Undergraduate Disability Justice Club.

After college, she plans to either attend law school and become a disability rights attorney or pursue a PhD in clinical psychology and become a psychologist with a specialty in disability.

Neil Purohit – The Century Foundation, Disability and Economic Justice Collaborative

Neil Purohit (he/him) is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work degree at the Columbia University School of Social Work with a specialization in Leadership, Management, and Entrepreneurship for Social Justice. Neil is passionate about utilizing qualitative and quantitative data to improve access for people with disabilities in higher education and in the workplace. Prior to pursuing graduate studies he was a program coordinator for INCLUDEnyc, where he supported young people with disabilities as they planned for the future, delivered trainings to school staff, and where he led a skill building curriculum for transition aged youth. Before that, Neil was a community organizer for Brooklyn Community Services, where he worked to strengthen community ties and implement a pilot public health initiative funded by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. In his free time, Neil can be found journaling, reading, and spending time in nature.

Rachel Litchman – National Disability Rights Network

Rachel Litchman (she/her) is an artist, writer, advocate, and community organizer in Madison, Wisconsin. She has lived experience surviving youth homelessness and institutionalization as a teenager, as well as navigating several disabling chronic illnesses diagnosed as a teenager and young adult. These experiences have led her to become an advocate for disabled and housing insecure youth in her community. She currently works as a consultant for several organizations tackling youth homelessness and its intersection with a number of complex systems. These organizations include Youth Collaboratory, True Colors United, the Madison/Dane County Continuum of Care, and the National Runaway Safeline. Rachel also served on the board of Disability Pride Madison for four years, where she organized the Disability Pride festival and a disabled speaker and performance series. She uses this experience in disability organizing to help advocate for a greater analysis of ableism in the youth homelessness response system. Outside of her work on youth homelessness and disability advocacy, Rachel is a passionate writer and artist. Her comics and writing on disability-related issues have appeared or will appear in The Washington Post, Disability Visibility, The Nib, and other places. She believes art and personal storytelling are essential to creating change, and she’s at work on a graphic novel about navigating the healthcare system as a survivor of sexual violence.

Rudy Karthick – Toivoa

Rudy Karthick (he/they) is an insightful computer science student and a rising sophomore who excels in C++ and Python and is a committed advocate for neurodiversity. Passionate about Math and Computer Science and wish to marry my knowledge of Computing, Math and Data Science and my experiences as a differently abled young adult to create technology enabled solutions to address the issues faced by others in the community. Maintained a 3.9 average in core CS subjects. As an ardent advocate of acceptance of people with invisible disabilities into mainstream society, I intend to continue to spread awareness and encourage social empathy to make a difference to every individual.

Saphire Murphy – Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs

Saphire Murphy (she/her) is a bi-racial woman who uses a reverse kaye walker and a power wheelchair. Saphire is a graduating master’s student from the University of Toledo with two degrees in Sociology and Liberal Studies. She focuses on the impact of the representation of disabled people in social movements and institutions. Saphire got her bachelor’s degree from Kent State University with a major in Sociology and a double minor in Disability Studies and Women’s Studies. Saphire’s passion for sociology comes from wanting to understand the idea of minorities being considered and treated like second and third-class citizens and the stereotypes and stigmas against disabled people. As she got more into her studies, she became interested in community work which moved her to work with local nonprofits in Cleveland, OH. Saphire has seen the impact disabled voice have firsthand in her community as she worked with the Northeast Ohio Coalition of Disability Organizations. Saphire serves on many committees, allowing her to learn about different disability-based nonprofits.

Saphire plans to gain her doctorate in Sociology and teach Disabilities in society to help people understand the challenges facing people with disabilities and how intersectionality affects them. She has always been interested in how other people, organizations, and companies interact with people with disabilities.

In her free time, Saphire loves to learn, which she does through traveling, visiting museums, and reading memoirs.

Sarah Smith – National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities

Sarah Smith (she/her) is originally from Victorville, California but moved to Delaware, Ohio to finish her undergraduate education. She is Latina and a first-generation student who recently graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University where she majored in Social Justice and minored in Sociology and Anthropology. Throughout her time at OWU, she has focused on advocating in the University’s student government for disability issues around campus and within the classroom. Sarah was able to form and create a student organization at her University focusing on providing education, support, and awareness to students with disabilities and who are allies to the disabled community. Through her own on-campus advocacy journey, this led her to find her own passion and drive for work and advocacy in disability.

Shariese Katrell – U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs

Shariese Katrell (she/her) is an intelligent neurodivergent scholar, educational leader, artist, and current doctoral candidate in the Educational Leadership Doctorate Program at Rowan University. In 2016 Shariese founded Rowan’s Hidden dis/Ability Alliance student organization. She continues to be an active dis/Ability rights advocate and educational awareness leader at the postsecondary level for students with learning, developmental, and neurodivergent dis/Abilities. She was awarded Rowan’s 2021 Excellence in Diversity Award for her community and public service. Shariese Katrell was appointed as a student board member in 2023 to the Association of Higher Education and Disabilities (AHEAD). She strives for equal accessibility and fairness in our American postsecondary educational system. Shariese is a guest lecturer on the following topics: Black Feminism, Intersectionality, DisCrit Awareness, Universal Design, Educational Accountability & Ethical Leadership, and Understanding Your Disability Rights. Shariese was the student board representative for the Society of Disability Studies from 2020 until 2023 and still is a current member. Shariese uses her creative talents in the Music Business and Production from her undergraduate degree from William Paterson University to create music as a source of transformative holistic therapy and inspiration for all diverse learners. She currently volunteers and assists students at Mercer County Community College in West Windsor, NJ, mentoring students with developmental and learning dis/Abilities in the DREAM Program and helping students like herself transition into the community successfully.

Shawn Abraham – U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

Shawn Abraham (he/him) is a fourth year at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, majoring in political science with a focus on international relations. Shawn is a strong advocate for issues in the blindness community. He is most proud of regularly volunteering with the National Federation of the Blind in its lobbying efforts of state and national legislatures, hosting and serving on multiple panels regarding disability awareness, and having spent many summers teaching Blind children and youth skills such as braille and cane travel.. He was selected in 2022 for the National Federation of the Blind scholarship, an $8,000 award given to the highest achieving blind students in the country. In addition, Shawn has been heavily involved on his campus, having served as a resident assistant and being active in cultural organizations. He has a love of writing, a passion for fashion, And a Strong connection to his South Asian-American identity.. Outside of these interests, you can typically find Shawn spending time with friends, or curled up with a good book or podcast.

Shreya Singh – Office of Congresswoman Barbara Lee

Shreya Singh (she/her) grew up and currently resides in the Bay Area in California. She graduated with honors and recieved a B.A. in Psychology at the University of California, Davis.

During her time at UC Davis, Shreya was heavily involved in a dance team on campus called “Unbound Progression Dance Company.” Dance has always been a part of her life, however, it hasn’t been an easy journey given her chronic illness that has affected her since birth.

Shreya hopes to become a disability rights attorney in the future. She aims to specifically work with students who have disabilities with their rights throughout their educational career. This entails help with IEP/504 plans and other accommodations in the public school system specifically. Shreya strongly believes in creating more visibility for disabled individuals as well as encouraging them from a young age to advocate for themselves and their rights. Shreya also has great interest in learning and researching more about how she can deepen her understanding of what disability involves. Instead of only relying on her own personal experiences with disability and chronic illness, she hopes to hear more voices on other varying disabilities and in turn, how to foster a more accommodating and understanding world.

Stephanie Picazo – U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living

Stephanie Picazo (she/her/ella) is a proud Hispanic woman and first-generation college graduate. She is pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling with a focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). When she was a child, she had the aspiration to make a difference in the world. Through her development and experiences, she recognized a reoccurring yearning to connect with others to empower people, foster belonging, and advocate for the rights and inclusion of people facing social barriers. Her educational background in rehabilitation studies equipped her with the tools to support individuals with disabilities to achieve their desired quality of life. She wants to take knowledge to a level that makes a systemic change in society. She participated in a study abroad program in the Summer of 2017, where she learned about Disability Policy in UK Edinburgh & London, England. Through this experience, her passion and interest grew in disability rights and social justice; she desires to develop innovative best practices that advance DEI and is passionate about raising awareness and understanding of intersectionality and strategizing solutions for social barriers and adversity. She has held various leadership positions in various employment and civic organizations. She is the Program Coordinator for Advocates Searching for Independence LLC. She is the founding President of the first Community/Caused-based Rotaract Club in District 5930; she is the Rotary DEI Committee Chair and President of the Graduate Rehabilitation Counseling Association at UTRGV. Stephanie aspires to pursue a Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Counseling & Administration, specializing in Disability Policy. She aspires to have a career in Disability International Affairs, advocating for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Trisha Kulkarni – U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Office of the Chair

Trisha Kulkarni (she/her) is currently pursuing her Bachelors and Masters of Science in Computer Science at Stanford University, where she is concentrating in the field of Human Computer Interaction. Her personal experiences pushing through inequitable systems as a disabled woman fuels her dedication to increasing access and representation across the board. Trisha has brought her perspective to leading technology companies as a software engineering intern, most recently at Microsoft and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative , while also devoting her time to mentorship and advocacy efforts as the President of the National Association of Blind Students, the student division of the National Federation of the Blind. On her campus, Trisha focuses on empowering people of all backgrounds to realize their technical potential—serving as a committed teacher’s assistant to the introductory computer science series and researching how to change the narrative for blind students interested in electrical engineering and hands-on maker spaces. She is thrilled to be exploring the public sector this summer, along with all that Washington, D.C. has to offer.

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2021 Summer Internship Program Annual Report

AAPD Press Team — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 20:20:50 +0000

2021 Summer Internship Program Annual Report

“I am and always will be grateful for the opportunity to participate in AAPD’s internship program! The people and experiences, despite it being virtual, were essential to my development as a leader. I’m so appreciative of the opportunities we were given and I’m excited to apply my knowledge in the real world.” — Kristin Kumagawa

“AAPD has helped me gain a deeper understanding of disability advocacy skills and be able to use my skills from my internship towards future opportunities in my industry of focus.” — Justin Tsang

“One of my favorite parts of the internship was connecting with my fellow interns. They were all so committed to this space, and it was so nice to be amongst people that truly understood disability, as I do not have many opportunities to enter disability-specific spaces.” — Monica Mesecar

Read the 2021 report

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2020 Disability Advocacy Certificate Program Annual Report

AAPD Press Team — Sat, 21 Nov 2020 20:36:00 +0000

2020 Disability Advocacy Certificate Program Annual Report

“I have learned about the importance of collaboration in advocacy. I now have a group of friends who also believe in disability justice and we can rely on each other as a support system. I also know now that I am capable of causing real change and changing legislators’ opinions and actions.”

“I believe that through the program I have learned to look at the different circumstances for people with disabilities aside from my own. I think previously I was only looking at the circumstances that impacted me and I looking at things like Medicaid or the ADA that wasn’t in effect 30 years ago I’ve been able to look outside my own experiences.”

“Disability issues truly intersect with every policy issue. We must be purposeful in intersectionality to make sure all voices in the disability community are heard. Disability issues are essential to the success and wellbeing of individuals, but also the country as a whole.”

Read the 2020 report

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2019 Summer Internship Program Annual Report

AAPD Press Team — Thu, 21 Nov 2019 20:41:00 +0000

2019 Summer Internship Program Annual Report

“Through my internship placement, I had the opportunity to strengthen my future goals, broaden my knowledge, and engage in discussion impacting the disability community. From sitting in the Supreme Court for a decision, to learning about the importance of disability participation in the 2020 Census, to meeting with the Assistant Secretary of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, there was something new to look forward to every week!” — Jordyn Zimmerman

“My academic courses provided me a framework to analyze political issues through a social justice oriented lens, but my internship with the Information Technology Industry Council has translated this knowledge into the workplace and the community at large. I delved into real-world issues such as the ethical inquiries posed by artificial intelligence and the security implications of supply chain management…” — Danny Vang

Read the 2019 report

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Summer Internship Archives - AAPD

Disability Economic Power & AAPD Internships

Disability Economic Power & AAPD Internships

Introduction

Organization Overview

AAPD Summer Internship Program Overview

Career Development

Leadership Development

Community Building

Formal Evaluation

Key Findings

Alumni

Mentors

Supervisors and Internship Placement Sites

Recommendations

Program Structure

Greater Intern Interest Alignment and Support

Alumni Engagement

Diversity in Recruitment

Internship Expansion

Mentorship Component

AAPD Summer Internship Program Changes

Staff and Personnel

Budget

Program Format

Recruitment and Outreach

Interview Process

Intern Onboarding Materials

Program Supports

Hourly Wage

Housing

Meal Stipends

Technology and Equipment

Sustained Engagement

Information and Preparation

Placement Site Matching

Mentors

Disability Advocacy Certificate Program

COVID-19 Protocols

What Comes Next: Challenges, Opportunities, and Our Goals for Future Improvement

Systemic Challenges

Future Improvements

Internship Goals and Objectives

Processes and Support for Interns

Alumni Network

Processes and Support for Supervisors and Mentors

Conclusion

Works Cited

Sponsors

Announcing the Summer 2025 Internship Cohort

2025 Summer Interns

Meet the 2025 Class

Adriana DeMercurio - Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law

Alyssa Wilson - dozanü innovations

Brianna Arce - Washington Performing Arts

Brynn Patterson - Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network

Charlotte Chung - New America

Christol Wright - National Low Income Housing Coalition

Dylan Bunyak - Disability Culture Lab

Ela’jah Dixon - Center for Racial and Disability Justice

Esmeralda Cazarez - Office of Representative Lateefah Simon

Huá Huī Samuel Vogel - Center for American Progress, Disability Justice Initiative

Janna Wang - UnlockedMaps

Kadesha Treco - New Disabled South

Lazy Levin - Science History Institute

Lauryn Huffman - Office of Representative Jasmine Crockett

Malcolm Miller - Project LETS

Marcy Hannah Waring - Autistic Self-Advocacy Network

Mercy Botchway - Office of Representative Ayanna Pressley

Rohit Sen - Bocoup

Timothy John Jackson II - Caring Across Generations

Tooba Ishaq - Elevance Health

Introducing the Summer Internship Program Cohort of 2025

Announcing the Summer Internship Cohort of 2024

2023 Summer Interns

Meet the 2023 Class

Audrey Agbefe – National Black Justice Coalition

Christina Stafford – Center for American Progress, Disability Justice Initative

Jada Thompson – Office of Senator Tammy Duckworth

Jessica Lopez – U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy