Disability Rising Fellowship

A fellowship for disabled leaders shifting narratives and building power through media.

A diverse group of three women stand smiling and laughing while speaking to a person seated in a mobility device wearing a blue suit jacket and pants and a black t-shirt that reads "Protect Trans Kids."
A Black woman of short stature wearing a striped Blue dress and holding a black cane speaks into a microphone while gesturing with her left hand and looking at the audience.

About the Fellowship

The Disability Rising Fellowship is a year-long program that supports rising multi-marginalized disabled leaders who are ready to build their public voice and create cultural change.

Fellows receive hands-on training in media, storytelling, and narrative strategy to amplify their message and vision.

Through workshops, coaching, and mentorship, the fellowship helps leaders step into the spotlight and shift how disability is seen, heard, and valued in the world.

A young man of color sits in a wheelchair wearing a glasses, a khaki t-shirt, jeans and black boots. His right fist rests on his hip and he has a slight smile while looking at the camera.

Who Should Apply

We’re looking for disabled leaders who:

  • Are active in disability justice, social justice, or cultural organizing through work at an organization or as an individual

  • Want to grow their public profile and media presence

  • Have a big message or story they’re ready to share

  • Come from multi-marginalized backgrounds 

  • Live or work in the U.S. South (we aim for 1/3 of fellows to be Southern-based)

You do not need to be an influencer or media expert; we’re looking for potential, values-alignment, and a commitment to being a public voice for disability justice.

What Fellows Receive

  • An intensive virtual training focused on television, radio, op-ed’s, social media, and more

  • Mentorship and coaching from experienced disabled media professionals

  • Optional in-person media training in March 2026

  • A supportive cohort of disabled peers

  • An optional $5,000 stipend

Fellowship Timeline

  • Applications Open: July 25, 2025

  • Applications Close: August 22, 2025

  • Fellowship Period: Late-September 2025 – June 2026

  • Optional In-Person Convening: March 2026

Accessibility Statement

Access is at the core of this program. We encourage applicants to share detailed access needs. We’ll work with each fellow to ensure necessary accommodations are in place for full participation, including ASL, CART, and translation support.

Apply Now

Or read our full Frequently Asked Questions for more details.

Contact us at: Hello@disabilityculturelab.org or follow us on Instagram: @DisabilityCultureLab

Frequently Asked Questions

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