Hidden Disabilities Support & Inclusive Instruction Specialist (Volunteer)

Hidden Disabilities Support & Inclusive Instruction Specialist (Volunteer)

PromiseLearning | Student Support, Accessibility & Academic Equity

Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Location: Remote with NYC-based collaboration as needed

Type: Volunteer

Reports To: Director of SEL & Youth Development

Works Closely With: Accessible Educator Advisor, Accommodation Manager, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Program Leadership

About Mentor A Promise

Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a New York City–based nonprofit serving children and youth ages 5–18 experiencing housing instability through mentorship, literacy, social-emotional learning (SEL), and creative expression.

We believe that no student should struggle academically or socially due to unrecognized or unsupported learning differences. Many students navigating housing instability also experience hidden disabilities such as ADHD, anxiety disorders, dyslexia, executive functioning challenges, or processing differences. When provided with appropriate accommodations and explicit, structured instruction, these students thrive.

Accessibility at MAP is foundational — not reactive.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Hidden Disabilities Support & Inclusive Instruction Specialist to strengthen MAP’s instructional responsiveness for students with non-visible disabilities.

This role ensures that students are not mislabeled as disengaged, unmotivated, or behaviorally problematic when what is needed are targeted accommodations, structured supports, and explicit instructional strategies.

The Specialist will help design, guide, and implement evidence-informed supports aligned with Universal Design for Learning (UDL), trauma-informed practice, and disability rights frameworks (including ADA and Section 504 alignment where applicable).

This is a consultative and systems-level role — not a diagnostic or clinical treatment position.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of instructional strategies that support students with ADHD, anxiety, dyslexia, and executive functioning challenges
• Strengthen explicit instruction frameworks across literacy and SEL programming
• Provide guidance to mentors and educators on behavioral regulation, executive functioning supports, and differentiated instruction
• Collaborate with Accessibility and Accommodation leadership to ensure reasonable supports are implemented effectively
• Identify systemic instructional gaps that may unintentionally disadvantage students with hidden disabilities
• Develop tools, templates, and guidance documents for inclusive instructional practice
• Support prevention of academic misidentification, exclusionary discipline, or unnecessary disengagement
• Contribute to training materials for mentors and facilitators
• Maintain timely, professional responsiveness via email and chat in Google Workspace

Qualifications

• Background in special education, psychology, educational therapy, social work, or related field
• Strong knowledge of ADHD, anxiety disorders, dyslexia, executive functioning challenges, and learning differences
• Experience with explicit instruction, differentiated instruction, and scaffolding models
• Understanding of ADA and Section 504 educational implications
• Strong systems-thinking and collaborative problem-solving skills
• Alignment with MAP’s dignity-centered and equity-driven mission

Preferred Skills

• Experience working with IEPs or 504 Plans
• Familiarity with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) frameworks
• Experience supporting youth experiencing housing instability or trauma
• Experience training educators or mentors
• Knowledge of strengths-based and neurodiversity-affirming practices

Commitment

• Volunteer role
• Approximately 5–10 hours per week
• Minimum 6-month commitment preferred
• Fully remote with optional NYC-based collaboration

What You’ll Gain

• Meaningful impact preventing unnecessary academic struggle
• Opportunity to strengthen inclusive instructional systems
• Collaboration with education, accessibility, and SEL leadership
• Professional references and letters of recommendation
• Experience contributing to equity-centered program design

How to Apply

Interested candidates must apply directly through Idealist and submit:

• Resume (required)
• Cover letter (required) describing relevant experience supporting students with hidden disabilities and interest in MAP’s mission

Every student deserves instruction that meets them where they are.

Help ensure that hidden disabilities never become invisible barriers to opportunity.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with our organization. At this time, volunteer opportunities are limited to individuals based in the United States due to legal, safeguarding, data-privacy, and programmatic requirements. We appreciate your interest in our mission and your understanding of these constraints.