The Global Heumann Fellowship is a part-time research and leadership program run by the World Institute on Disability. It supports disability-rights practitioners worldwide to conduct regionally grounded research while working remotely for about 20 hours per week.
Fellows develop a research-based project plan, produce a WID-published white paper and multimedia materials, and build relationships that advance disability rights and justice. The designated application form is currently closed, and WID has not announced the next opening date.
Benefits & funding
- A USD 20,000 participation stipend, paid in four installments after agreed quarterly deliverables.
- USD 10,000 in reimbursements for research expenses.
- Twelve months of support from WID for research, policy, advocacy, program development and professional relationship-building.
- Publication of a white paper through WID and opportunities to communicate findings through multimedia work.
Eligibility
- Applicants may be based anywhere in the world and must have the right to work where they are based; WID does not sponsor visas or relocation.
- At least three years of relevant work experience in the disability-rights movement is required, together with experience advocating on global disability-rights issues.
- Applicants must be able to work remotely and independently, collaborate with a diverse global team and adapt to changing assignments.
- Applicants must be proficient in sign language or spoken English and be comfortable writing in English; all application materials are submitted in English.
- Applicants must commit about 20 hours per week across the fellowship year and must work in disability rights professionally or plan to do so after the fellowship.
- Disability lived experience and a completed bachelor-equivalent degree are preferred, not mandatory. Strong writing experience, reliable internet access and availability across time zones are also preferred.
- Both disabled and non-disabled applicants may apply, but all applicants need relevant disability-field experience. No age or gender restriction is stated.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
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Experience required
≥ 3 yrs
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Application process
- 1Review the fellowship page, the current cohort research focus areas and the downloadable application preview.
- 2Prepare a personal statement of no more than 3,000 characters and a research-proposal summary of no more than 4,000 characters, plus at least one learning objective.
- 3Enter work and education history, current residence, nationality, proposed research location and professional working languages in the designated survey. Attachments and recommendation letters are not requested.
- 4Submit one English-language application through the official survey platform before the announced deadline; emailed materials are not accepted. The platform permits applicants to save a draft and return before the form closes.
Program timeline
Application period opened for the 2025–2026 cohort.
Jan 1, 2025
Application deadline.
Feb 28, 2025
Application review began.
March 2025
Review and interviews concluded.
May 30, 2025
Applicants were scheduled to receive selection decisions.
Jun 2, 2025
Fellowship term began.
Jul 1, 2025
Fellowship term ended.
Jun 30, 2026
Current status
The official application form is closed; no next opening date has been announced.