The Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation is seeking exemplary professionals, and/or persons
experiencing disability and/or family members of persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities who are currently working or volunteering in the field of inclusive services and supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities for an intensive one-year Public Policy Fellowship in Washington, D.C. The purpose of the Fellowship is to prepare both early career and more seasoned leaders to assume leadership in the public policy arena in their home state and/or nationally. During this one year Fellowship, the successful applicant will learn how federal legislation is initiated, developed, and passed by the Congress, as well as how programs are administered and regulations promulgated by federal agencies.
Each year the Foundation brings talented and accomplished professionals, family members
(many of whom are both professionals and family members) and persons experiencing
disability to Washington, D.C. for a full year where they actively participate in public policy
development in the offices of Members of Congress, Congressional committees, or federal
agencies. Former Public Policy Fellows describe the Fellowship as a major turning point in
their professional and personal lives; the experience is a unique chance to understand the
intersection of public policy, disability advocacy, and the political process.
The coming year promises to be an exceptional opportunity to participate in the policy
development process as it following an election year, and there will be a new Congress in
January, 2015. There will be multiple issues before the new Congress and the
Administration that impact people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their
families, communities and supportive organizations doing work with, and on behalf of,
people with disabilities. Key legislation may include The ABLE Act, SSI reallocation and
Work Incentives reform, Keeping All Students Safe Act, and many briefings and hearings, all related to improving the quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
For more information, and to apply, go here.
The application deadline is October 30, 2014 at 5pm EST.
