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The Global Heumann Fellowship
The WID 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 Roles and Responsibilities
Fellows’ roles and responsibilities include the following:
- Promoting WID’s mission and core values within the Fellow’s region and global presence
- Ensuring reflection of WID’s mission and core values throughout the application process, fellow’s program development, relevant work, and future action plans
- Establishing and strengthening alliances to advance change with WID and for the fellow’s future professional development
- Conducting relevant research that will promote applicable findings and build the power of people with disabilities
- Creating a sustainable, research-based project plan to guide regional and global implementation throughout and upon completion of the fellowship
- Conducting comprehensive research that results in a WID-published white paper
- Producing multi-media assets that demonstrate fellow’s research findings and organizational objectives
- Maintaining consistent communication and proactive interest in connections with mentors, WID staff, and others involved in the fellow’s research, projects, and responsibilities
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 proficiency in sign language or the English language in verbal form AND a high level of comfort using the English language in written form
- 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 lived 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
Fellow Application and Timeline
- January 1, 2025: Application period opens for the 2025–2026 Global Heumann Fellowship (GHF) cohort.
- February 28, 2025: Application period closes. All applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM Pacific Time (UTC-8).
- March 2025: Applicant review process begins.
- June 2025: Applicant review process concludes. All applicants are notified via email about their selection status.
- July 1, 2025: The 2025–2026 GHF cohort officially begins their fellowship term.
- June 30, 2026: The 2025–2026 fellowship term concludes.
How to Apply to be a Fellow
The application for the Global Heumann Fellowship is linked below for your use and convenience.
The questions in the application request information on demographics, current organizational affiliations, personal motivation, and the scope of the proposed research project. Detailed instructions for the written components are provided, and a downloadable preview of the application is available to help applicants prepare. While we encourage drafting responses in advance, the application platform allows you to save your progress and return later if needed.
Note: Only applications submitted through the designated survey platform will be accepted. Submissions must be completed by February 28, 2025, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time (UTC-8). All responses and materials must be submitted in English.
A PDF version of the full application is available for reference and preparation here.
Important Information Regarding Research Project Proposal Focus Areas
Fellows will be tasked with conducting relevant research that will promote applicable findings to advance the disability rights and justice field and/or further empower people with disabilities.
Fellowship applicants will need to align their research project with one of the following three focus areas for the 2025-2026 Global Heumann Fellowship cohort application process:
- (Accessible & Inclusive) Early Warnings for All: research on inclusive early warning systems that prioritize accessibility, ensuring timely and equitable disaster response.
- (Accessible & Inclusive) AI & Technology: research on AI and technology solutions designed with and for people with disabilities or fostering innovation that incorporates universal accessibility.
- Disability-Led Systemic Change: research on systemic change driven by the leadership and expertise of people with disabilities to create a more equitable and inclusive society.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
If your question is not answered here, please contact us at fellowship@wid.org with the subject line "Global Heumann Fellowship". While we cannot respond to individual emails, we are updating the FAQs section regularly.
If you have technical issues while applying or your question is not answered here, please contact us at fellowship@wid.org with the subject line "Global Heumann Fellowship"!
How do I apply to be a Global Heumann Fellow?
WID only accepts applications that are submitted through a survey platform between January 1, 2025, and February 28, 2025. We will not accept applications or any parts of the application sent to us via email. Please visit Fellowship Application to submit your application.
Can I save my application if I need more time to complete it?
Yes, you can save your application to complete and submit it later by using the “save and continue option” on the survey platform.
Does the fellowship pay a stipend?
Yes, the fellowship will provide a stipend of $20,000 USD to support participation in the program and $10,000 for reimbursements around research expenses. The stipend will be paid in four installments upon receipt of agreed-upon deliverables for each quarter of the fellowship timeline.
Does the fellowship accept applicants from all over the world?
Yes, the Global Heumann Fellowship welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and locations worldwide. It is a part-time, remote opportunity that allows for collaboration regardless of physical location. We encourage you to apply. Please visit the Fellowship Application to submit your application.
What if I don’t have a disability, can I apply for the fellowship?
Yes, you are welcome to apply for the fellowship as a non-disabled individual. However, you must have relevant experience working within the field of disability.
Do I need to submit certifications or diplomas to apply?
Yes, you need to submit information about your educational history. However, all application components must be submitted through the survey platform. The online application has a section where you can enter your education details. No attachments will be accepted as part of the Fellowship application, and any emailed documents will not be considered with your application. Please visit Fellowship Application for more information and to submit your application.
Do I need to submit my resume?
Yes, you need to submit information from your resume. However, all application components must be submitted through the survey platform. The application has a section where you can enter your work and education history. No attachments will be accepted as part of the Fellowship application, and any emailed documents will not be considered with your application. Please visit Fellowship Application to submit your application.
Do I need to submit letters of recommendation?
No, you do not need to submit letters of recommendation; they are not required for the application process. WID will not accept or consider any emailed documents with your application. Please visit Fellowship Application to submit your application.
Can I apply for the fellowship as a team with two or more participants?
No, the fellowship is for one individual working independently.
Does my research project have to align with the specified topic areas?
Yes, your research project has to align with the current cohort years specified topic areas.
What should I do if I'm uncertain whether my project aligns with the specified topic areas?
Please review the topic areas thoroughly. If you're still unsure, the application's executive summary gives you the opportunity to explain why and how your project topic fits within the project areas.
When will notifications arrive to applicants?
All applicants will be notified by email of their advancement or non-selection in or by June 2025.
Is it possible for my fellowship stipend to be paid through an organization?
WID is open to collaborating with fellows on how their stipends are disbursed. Please submit your proposal, and if you are selected as a fellow, we will work with you to determine the specifics of your payment.