The World Institute on Disability (WID) invites global leaders and advocates passionate about advancing disability rights to apply for the WID Global Heumann Fellowship. This fellowship honors Judy Heumann’s legacy by empowering disability rights leaders to promote equity, inclusion, and justice. Fellows will embark on research, collaboration, and advocacy initiatives aligned with WID’s mission, focusing on impactful disability rights work.

The fellowship lasts 12 months and offers the chance to contribute to global policy, research, and program development. Fellows will engage in regional studies, collaborate with WID, and create deliverables like a white paper and multimedia content.

Key Details and Dates

• Application Deadline: February 28, 2025 (11:59 PM Pacific Time, UTC-8)
• Applicant Review: March 2025
• Result Announcement: June 2025
• Fellowship Start Date: July 1, 2025
• Fellowship End Date: June 30, 2026
• Funding Type: Fully funded
• Host Institution: World Institute on Disability (WID)
• Eligible Countries: All
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Disability rights leaders and advocates
• Fields: Disability rights, advocacy, research
• Duration: 12 months (July 2025–June 2026)
• Program Language: English or sign language
• Host Country: Online

Benefits

• Stipend of USD 20,000, paid in four installments based on deliverables
• USD 10,000 for research-related expenses
• Leadership development opportunities in global disability rights
• Platform to publish research, including a white paper published by WID
• Networking with global disability advocates and professionals
• Mentorship and support from WID staff and collaborators
• Flexibility to work remotely

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be visionary, disabled leaders with experience in advocacy, communications, and collaboration
• Have a minimum of three years of relevant experience in the disability rights movement
• Have experience advocating for global disability rights
• Be able to work independently, meet deadlines, and adapt to new tasks
• Be proficient in sign language or English (spoken) and have strong written English skills
• Commit approximately 20 hours per week to the research project and fellowship
• Have an active career in disability rights or plan to enter the field after the fellowship

Ideal Qualifications:

• Experience as a person with a disability
• Academic degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree
• Knowledge of disability and human rights advocacy
• Reliable internet access and a personal computer
• Flexibility to work non-standard hours and communicate across time zones
• Published work on disability rights or strong writing experience

Research Focus Areas:

• Accessible and Inclusive Early Warnings for All: Research inclusive, accessible early warning systems for equitable disaster response
• AI and Technology: Explore AI and tech solutions for people with disabilities, promoting universal accessibility
• Disability-Led Systemic Change: Investigate systemic changes led by people with disabilities to foster equity and inclusion

Fellow Roles and Responsibilities:

• Promote WID’s mission globally and regionally
• Develop sustainable research projects aligned with WID’s goals
• Publish a WID-endorsed white paper
• Create multimedia assets based on research findings
• Maintain regular communication with WID mentors and collaborators

How to Apply

• Access the application form via the provided link
• Provide details on demographics, organizational affiliations, motivation, and proposed research
• Download a PDF preview of the application to prepare responses in advance
• Submit your application by February 28, 2025, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time (UTC-8)

Apply Now

Further details and information regarding the Global Heumann Fellowship are available on WID’s official website.