Fellowship in Disability Public Policy (Spring 2025)

Who Are We?

The Arc is the nation's leading advocacy organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. The Arc's national public policy office works to advance the interests of people with I/DD and their families on the federal level through our legislative, regulatory, and legal advocacy. Our more than 600 state and local chapters provide a voice at the local and state legislative levels for people with I/DD and their families.

For 38 years, Paul Marchand was a dedicated disability policy advocate and recognized leader working on behalf of people with I/DD and the entire disability community. Upon his retirement in 2011, The Arc and other organizations and individuals with whom Paul worked during his decades in Washington, established an internship to honor Paul and to continue to cultivate policy advocates for people with I/DD.

Fellowship Description for Summer 2025

The Paul Marchand Fellowship Fund will provide up to $6,000 per semester or summer session, which can assist those pursuing careers in public policy advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Students who seek an internship for college or graduate school credit may be able to use the funds to offset travel, remote work expenses, or other cost-of-living expenses. Students pursuing degrees in public policy, law, disability studies, social work or public administration would be good candidates for this internship. People with disabilities, or people with family members with disabilities, are encouraged to apply.

Desired Qualifications

• Interest in and/or experience with disability policy issues
• Knowledge of government programs, such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid
• Strong organizational and writing skills
• Familiarity with the political and government system
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel
• Undergraduate or graduate student, recent post-graduate, and/or self-advocate
• Law students are strongly encouraged to apply

Core Responsibilities

• Assist with policy advocacy related to Social Security, Medicaid, and protecting key federal programs for people with I/DD
• Conduct legal research and legislative and policy analysis
• Write advocacy materials such as coalition letters, fact sheets, and issue briefs
• Attend hearings, briefings, training events, and coalition meetings
• Complete special projects as determined by policy staff

Compensation, Work Environment and Other Details

• Through the Paul Marchand Internship Fund, Fellows will receive a stipend.
• For students receiving credit from schools which do not allow students to receive payment, The Arc will work with the student and the school to determine whether an equivalent stipend can be provided for transportation, remote work expenses, and other work-related expenses.
• The Paul Marchand Fellowship is also available to pay matching share for students with work study grant who are seeking an off-campus placement.
• Fellowships will generally be for the duration of one academic semester or summer term.
• Flexible work environment that can be fully remote or a combination of in-person and remote.
• Majority of work is completed on a computer and in meetings (in-person and virtual).

Application Process

Applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and writing sample. The cover letter should be no more than 1 page and address why the applicant wants this internship, and the knowledge, skills, and experience the applicant would bring to the organization.

Applications are due: November 30 for the Spring term

Applications are accepted online only at https://thearc.org/about-us/careers-at-the-arc/

For More Information: Contact Robyn Linscott, linscott@thearc.org

The Arc is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, age, or other legally protected characteristics.

When an applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an equal opportunity to compete for a job, they may request it orally or in writing (please visit the contact us page on the web; www.thearc.org).