The American Association for People with Disabilities (AAPD) is pleased to share that the 2024 Fall Internship Program application is now open. AAPD is a national cross-disability civil rights organization that aims to increase the political and economic power of 60+ million people with disabilities. We know that young people with disabilities often face barriers accessing meaningful employment opportunities. Since 2002, AAPD established the Summer Internship Program to provide students and recent graduates with disabilities meaningful employment opportunities, a supportive cohort, and leadership development.

The Fall Internship Program places college students, graduate students, law students, and recent graduates with all types of disabilities in a 14-week, fully remote, and paid internships with Congressional offices, federal agencies, nonprofit and for-profit organizations.

For 2024, the AAPD Fall Internship Program will be a 14-week program, with interns remotely from across the country. In addition to their internship, interns also receive individual mentorship, participate in bi-weekly classes in the Disability Advocacy Certificate Program, and have opportunities to connect with the broader disability community through networking and community events.

We are linking a Communications Toolkit that includes email templates, social media messaging, and a graphic that may be helpful to you in spreading the word. If you have any questions, please reach out to Katie Johnson, Program Manager at internships@aapd.com.

Click HERE to join the Neuro-Inclusive Candidate Network!

What does "neurodiversity" mean, actually?

Neurodiversity commonly refers to (but is not limited to) autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, dyslexia, dysgraphia, OCD, dyscalculia, and Tourette's. Neurodivergent (ND) minds perceive, communicate, and behave differently than so-called "neurotypical" brains.

How is my neurodiversity related to my employment

Neurodivergent people bring unique ways of thinking to the world. Companies actively seek those different perspectives in employees, and are focused on creating more neurodiverse workplaces that are supportive of your differences!

What is the Neuro-Inclusive Candidate Network (NCN)?

The NCN connects ND students and recent alumni with employers who understand and value their differences. The NCN is an initiative of the University Council for Neurodiversity Employment - a coalition of over 60 schools led by UConn.

How does the NCN work?

1. Click this link to join
2. Complete your Candidate Profile
3. Receive neurodiversity-related employment opportunities and information
4. Get access to the NCN career resources website

How do I know if the NCN is right for me?

The NCN is right for you if you are a current or recent college-level student ( who identifies as neurodiverse and would like to join a community of peers who get connected to neurodiversity-related employment opportunities.