WI Disability Policy Leadership Program

The Wisconsin Disability Policy Fellowship and Internship Program goal is to provide individuals with developmental disabilities and their families who are passionate about disability rights an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and build a career in the field of disability policy. Our program offers experiences in policy analysis, advocacy, and community engagement at state agencies, legislative offices and disability advocacy organizations.  The program is funded by a grant from the Inclusa Foundation.

Program Goals

• Empower Future Leaders: Give people the knowledge and skills to impact disability policy and advocate for change.
• Professional Development: Provide valuable work experience and mentoring to boost career options in the disability policy and advocacy field.
• Community Impact: Build a better statewide understanding of disability issues and ways to expand inclusive policies in Wisconsin.

Internship Program

Who Should Apply?

The Internship Program is open to individuals who live in Wisconsin with developmental disabilities and family members of people with developmental disabilities who are committed to disability rights advocacy.  Individuals with some experience with state or local advocacy, good communication skills, and the ability to work in a team, and has basic knowledge of state and local advocacy.

What do you need to know?

• The Internship will last 6 months, starting by January 15, 2026, until July 2026.

• Interns will work 24 hours a week, during regular business hours of 8-5, Monday-Friday

• Interns will be paid $20 an hour.  Additional funds will be available for travel.
• Interns will be placed at either a state agency, legislative office, or advocacy organization.
• Interns have access to training sessions and workshops that enhance their understanding of disability policy and advocacy.
• Interns will have opportunities to build connections with professionals in the disability policy field.
• Applications are due October 31, 2025, by 5pm.

How to Apply?

The application process in online.  You can find the application by using the buttons to the right to get more information and then use the links below to apply online.

English:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BPDDInternship2025

Spanish:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WIDisabilityPolicyInternship2025_Spanish

Hmong:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WIDisabilityPolicyInternship2025_Hmong

Join Our Information Session:

Please consider joining an information session on the Wisconsin Disability Policy Internship Program on October 8th from 12:00pm-1:30pm.

The session will provide the details about the program and the application process. In addition, we will provide information about writing a good application and interviews skills. You will have a chance to ask questions.

Register in advance for this meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/4ZNcrUNQTmmzkdquZuOTaA

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. I will be recording and anyone who is registered will receive the recording and the PowerPoint after the session.

If you have questions, Contact Sally Flaschberger at sally.flaschberger@wisconsin.gov or call at 608-266-5038