The World Institute on Disability Global Heumann Fellowship Program honors WID co-founder Judy Heumann’s enduring legacy by empowering disability leaders and advocates worldwide to advance disability rights and justice within their regional communities. Through this program, fellows will work on impactful projects aimed at fostering equity, inclusion, and justice globally. Their responsibilities include conducting research, drafting a white paper, cultivating relationships, driving collaborative opportunities, and contributing to program development aligned with WID’s mission and strategic focus areas.
During this twelve-month fellowship term, each fellow will engage in a unique combination of opportunities for thought leadership on national and global policy, research strategies, advocacy, program development, and contributions to initiatives aimed at advancing the rights of persons with disabilities globally. Fellows will focus on identifying and leading research with the support of WID, as it regards the fellow’s respective region, expertise, and collaboration with WID.
Fellow Requirements and Eligibility
The Global Heumann Fellowship seeks disabled, visionary leaders with a demonstrated history in advocacy, communications, and influential collaboration. Interested applicants must:
- Have the ability to be effective while working remotely Maintain flexibility working with a diverse, global team
- Have at least three years of relevant work experience within the disability rights movement
- Have experience in advocacy on global disability rights issues Demonstrate flexibility and capacity to work independently with limited supervision and adapt quickly to new or unexpected assignments
- Possess English proficiency and a high level of comfort using the English language in both spoken and written forms
- Commit part-time (~ 20 hours/week) to the proposed research project and fellowship program throughout the fellowship year
- Currently have a professional career within the disability rights field or plan to upon completion of the Fellowship Ideal
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will:
- Have living experience as a person with a disability
- Hold an academic degree (earned in the U.S. or abroad) equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree completed by the application deadline
- Possess a strong foundation of knowledge of disability and human rights advocacy
- Have daily access to the internet, a personal computer, and a suitable work environment The ability to work occasionally at non-standard hours, accommodating different time zones Be available on instant communication modes such as WhatsApp or Signal
- Have significant experience in writing or are a published writer on disability rights issues
- Commit to excellence and be a reliable, responsive, and accountable team member throughout the fellowship
Fellow Time Commitment and Location: This is a part-time, twelve-month fellowship, with a term from July 2025 to June 2026. Individuals who have lived disability experience, are active in the disability community, and have extensive experience or leadership within the disability rights and disability justice fields are encouraged to apply. At this time, all members of WID are working remotely throughout the United States and the fellowship is completely virtual. Fellows, WID, and collaborators will establish meeting frequencies mindful of multiple time zones. The successful fellow must possess the right to work in the location where they will be based. WID is unable to sponsor visas or relocation for this fellowship.
Location: Remote
Time Commitment: Part Time ( 20 hours/week)
Term: July 2025 to June 2026
Application Deadline – 28th February, 2025
