The Disability Rights Storytellers Fellowship provides the opportunity for an individual with a disability to learn and apply skills in digital media storytelling and disability advocacy.

Apply for the 2017 Disability Rights Storytellers Fellowship
Applications for the 2017 Disability Rights Storytellers Fellowship are due on March 15, 2017.

The Disability Rights Storytellers Fellowship managed by Rooted in Rights and AAPD provides the opportunity for an individual with a disability to learn and apply skills in digital media storytelling, and to connect with media professionals to prepare participants for advanced careers in media production, journalism, online advocacy, or digital design. The project combines hands-on training on cutting edge technologies with a strong foundation in developing the individual’s voice and using story-driven videos in advocacy.

Examples of past Storytellers

Upon admission to the project, Rooted in Rights will send a pre-tested, pre-assembled video production kit to the Fellow. The project kicks off with orientation sessions in which  Rooted in Rights creative professionals and AAPD staff lead workshops on the history of the disability rights movement, current policy issues, and the media’s role in the disability rights movement as well as technical workshops focused on video technique, script writing, digital storytelling, basic camera composition, and video editing.

The Fellow will begin using their kit and gain valuable hands-on experience right away. During the 6-month long process, the Fellow is expected to write and film two 3-4 minute videos. At every step of the process, the Fellow is a part of the Rooted in Rights production team – receiving feedback and guidance, and challenged creatively to make the videos as engaging as possible while also meeting the standards for quality and universal accessibility that all of our video projects demand. The Fellow will have the opportunity to ask questions and Rooted in Rights professionals will be available for one on one mentoring. At the beginning of the project, Rooted in Rights will work with the Fellow to arrange a schedule for choosing a topic, developing a production plan, filming, and editing to ensure timely completion of both videos.

In addition to hands-on workshops, the Fellow will participate in video chats and Q&As with media professionals, including people with disabilities, to receive advice on how to break into the media industry. AAPD will also work to connect the Fellow to internships and employment opportunities. Because work in the Storytellers Fellowship is not a full time commitment and can be completed from anywhere, the Fellow would have the opportunity to begin work or internships simultaneously.

The 2017 Disability Rights Storytellers Fellowship Program is supported by Time Warner, Inc.

Eligibility
Hold a strong interest in disability rights advocacy and pursuing that work through digital media storytelling.
NOTE: Applicants are not required to have prior experience in producing digital media.

Be able to commit to fully participate in the fellowship and meet all deadlines. Time commitments include orientation sessions.

Identify as a person with a disability. You will not be required to disclose your specific disability; however, your application for this program will signify that you consider yourself a person with a disability.
NOTE: This is a program run specifically for people with disabilities by the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and Rooted in Rights. Those selected for this program will be involved in various disability-focused activities and associated with AAPD and Rooted in Rights as a Disability Rights Storytellers Fellow.

College students with disabilities are encouraged to apply. However, this fellowship is not restricted to college students. All individuals with disabilities who hold a strong interest in disability rights advocacy and who can commit to the time requirements are eligible to apply. This can serve as a professional development opportunity for individuals who are already employed.

Application Guidelines and Procedures
Candidates for the Disability Rights Storytellers Fellowship must submit the following materials:

Applicant Information (Section 1)
Resume (Section 2)
Responses to the three (3) essay questions (Section 3)
Letter of recommendation (Section 4)
Demographic information, optional but encouraged (Section 5)

Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered. We will not consider any materials in excess of the stated requirements. Applicants chosen for the Disability Rights Storytellers Fellowship release all information contained in their application for use on the AAPD and Rooted in Rights websites and in public press releases, including releases to the program funders and potential funders.

Selection Process
Applications will be collected and reviewed by an intern Review Team from AAPD and Rooted in Rights. Finalists will be contacted for formal telephone interviews. The 2017 Fellow will be selected for the program and notified in May 2017.

Program Requirements and Policies
This Fellowship is conducted remotely using video conferencing and other means of communication. As such, Fellows can be located anywhere within the United States, but must have access to a reliable internet connection.

The Fellow must participate in orientation sessions (held June 5-9, 2017).
The Fellow must participate in recurring sessions and digital meetings with media professionals.
The Fellow must commit to completing two 3-4 minute videos.
The $600 stipend is disbursed in two (2) installments throughout the fellowship, one after each of the videos is completed.

Contact Information
If you have any questions or would like to request reasonable accommodations, please contact AAPD at programs@aapd.com or (202) 521-4316.