Apprenticeship for Blind and Low-Vision Leaders

RespectAbility, in partnership with the Fox Family Foundation, is offering 5 paid Fellowships through RespectAbility’s National Leadership Program for dedicated leaders with blindness or low vision in Southern California. This “earn while you learn” program is for people who are planning to work in careers in public policy, nonprofit management, civic engagement, faith inclusion, or other areas that will create a better future for people with blindness, low vision and/or other disabilities. Fox Fellows will work with RespectAbility staff for nearly 6 months, followed by a 3-month externship with the Fox Family Foundation to help prepare them for the 2nd Annual Vision Fair in Los Angeles.

Fellows can choose one of six specific tracks. Learn about each of them at the links below:

This program is done virtually and is fully accessible to people with disabilities. It offers full-time job coaching, skills development, networking opportunities, and assistive technology.

We are looking for people with a passion for making a difference, and who want to gain skills and contacts that will help them succeed. Apprentices will receive $17 per hour. Strong candidates will:

Have a passion and history of advocating for the blindness or low vision community.
A bachelor’s degree or related experience in political science, government, public policy, nonprofit management, advocacy, communications, or other related fields.
A desire for a career in public policy, nonprofit management, civic engagement, or other areas that will create a better future for people with blindness, low vision and/or other disabilities.

EXPECTATIONS

A minimum commitment of 20 hours per week.
Participation in team meetings.
Attendance in weekly speaker series.
Work with the National Leadership Program Director on advancing your career goals. This will include strengthening your resume, cover letter and building your professional network.

Priority placement is for California residents who have completed their four-year college education or have completed their graduate studies. However, applicants who are considering moving to California where they can make a positive impact on public policy and/or nonprofit leadership will also be considered. The Spring 2023 cohort starts on January 23, 2023 and will be 100% virtual. Once placed in the externship, some in-person work will be necessary.

HOW TO APPLY

Fill out the form below and send your resume and cover letter to [email protected] to apply for any of our National Leadership Program opportunities!

RespectAbility provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, RespectAbility complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.