Digital Accessibility Bootcamp Intern

Digital Accessibility Bootcamp Intern

Overview of the Company

Founded in 1921, the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is a national nonprofit organization that creates equal opportunities and expands possibilities for people with disabilities through advocacy, thought leadership, and strategic partnerships. AFB works toward a vision of an inclusive digital world where information and media are seamlessly accessible across devices and software to enable a fully inclusive user experience.

Overview of the Job

The Digital Accessibility Bootcamp is a paid, 13-week summer learning program designed for undergraduate and graduate students in Computer Science, UX Design, UI Design, Cybersecurity, Information Science, and related technical disciplines.

During the program, students work closely with AFB digital inclusion experts and authentic assistive technology users to build practical, foundational skills in accessibility and inclusive product design. Students gain hands-on experience evaluating user interfaces, learning screen readers and assistive technologies, identifying digital barriers, and applying Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to real-world digital solutions.

Essential Functions and Key Responsibilities

• Commit to 20–25 hours per week of active, focused participation across the 13-week summer term.
• Participate in 15 hours per week of scheduled synchronous learning sessions, workshops, guest lectures, and peer discussions held on weekdays.
• Dedicate 5–10 hours per week to flexible independent work, individual practice, and weekly mini-project deliverables.
• Learn and utilize assistive technologies, such as screen readers, to navigate and evaluate digital products and user interface designs.
• Practice discussing accessibility standards within the framework of WCAG and current legal standards.
• Collaborate remotely using tools such as Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive), Zoom, Google Meet, and Slack.

Required / Desired Skills and Qualities

• Academic Field: Currently studying Computer Science, UX/UI Design, Information Science, Cybersecurity, Data Science, or a related technology field.
• Mindset & Passion: Strong interest in digital inclusion, user experience, and creating accessible technology.
• Core Qualities: Openness to learning, eagerness to challenge preconceptions about disability, and commitment to building an inclusive digital world.
• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage actively in a remote, collaborative environment.
• Time Management: Strong organizational skills to balance structured team workshops with independent practice and weekly deliverables.
• Note: Prior formal accessibility experience is not required; enthusiasm for learning and willingness to engage with accessibility tools are key.

Education Levels, Certifications, and Licenses Required

• Education Level: Enrolled full-time in an accredited undergraduate or graduate degree program. (Spring graduates entering the summer term immediately following graduation are also eligible).
• Academic Standing: Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or equivalent.
• Licenses/Certifications Required: None prior to application.
• Credentials Earned: Upon successful completion, participants earn industry-recognized digital credentials, including AFB Bootcamp: Digital Accessibility Fundamentals, Assistive Technology Fundamental Skills, and Evaluating Inclusive Design & Visual Accessibility Fundamental Skills.

Benefits, Hours of Operation, Location

• Location: 100% Remote. Participants must reside in the United States and be authorized to work in the U.S. throughout the entire summer program.
• Hours & Schedule: Part-time (20–25 hours per week, Monday through Friday). Schedule options for the 15 synchronous hours are selected from structured choices provided prior to the program start date.
• Financial Award: $3,000 total scholarship award payable in two milestones ($1,000 midpoint award and $2,000 upon successful program completion).
• Welcome Tech Toolkit: Includes an Apple iPad for hands-on iOS accessibility testing (yours to keep upon completing the program) and an exclusive program t-shirt.
• Professional Development: Unlimited access to the Udemy Business catalog for additional skill-building during active participation.

Where to Apply

• Application deadline: December 4, 2026
• Application Portal: Submit your application online through the AFB Digital Accessibility Bootcamp Application Portal or visit AFB Digital Accessibility Internships.
• Required Documents: Resume (PDF or Word), unofficial academic transcript showing cumulative GPA (PDF), and responses to short open-ended questions. Optional link to a personal or academic project may also be submitted.
• Inquiries & Accommodations: If you need assistance or disability accommodations during the application process, please email inclusivefuture@afb.org.