POSITIONS

LEGAL RIGHTS RESEARCH

The Legal Rights Research Intern plays a key role in advancing understanding of and awareness of legal issues impacting intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). In this position, you will research and write about court cases that impact the IDD community.

TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH

The Technology Research Intern explores various aspects of technology, including emerging trends, artificial intelligence, and specific devices. In this position, you will conduct in-depth research on technology that improves accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

HISTORY RESEARCH

The History Research Intern will focus on researching and writing about historical topics related to developmental disabilities. In this position, you will delve into key events that have shaped the history and understanding of disabilities.

JOURNALISM

The Journalism Intern writes will write articles on trending topics within the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) while conducting interviews with individuals in the field.

RESEARCH

The Research Intern will focus on assisting in research for our annual review journal, which will compile research pertaining to our two priorities: legal rights and assistive technology. Work includes researching academic journals and other sources.

MARKETING

The Marketing Intern will focus on assisting in optimizing our Google Ads, social media pages, and other marketing strategies.

HOW TO APPLY

There are two ways to apply for the 3DA internship program:

Send your resume to samshepherd@3da.org. In your email, specify the internship position you are applying for.
Fill out our application form by clicking the Apply button below.

Internships typically begin in January (Spring Semester), May (Summer Semester), and September (Fall Semester).

Apply Now

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

This 12-week internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience across multiple disciplines, including research, communications, advocacy, policy, and technology. Interns will collaborate on real-world projects that build skills in writing, data analysis, outreach, and program development — all while contributing to meaningful initiatives that promote accessibility and inclusion.

All internships are fully remote, allowing students to work from anywhere in the world. Additionally, 3DA is committed to supporting academic credit requests. We will collaborate closely with you and your institution to ensure the internship fulfills academic requirements. By participating in our program, interns not only gain valuable, hands-on experience but also join an organization dedicated to creating meaningful change and driving impactful work.

Why Intern with Us?

Apply

MEET OUR PAST INTERNS

Sigrid Wang, Journalist Intern

I feel incredibly fortunate to have joined 3DA as a summer 2025 Journalism Intern and even more grateful to have extended my internship into the fall. During my internship, I conducted research, interviewed professionals across the field and wrote articles. 3DA provided a meaningful platform for me to connect with leading scholars on topics such as assistive technology and invisible disability, which broadened my perspective and pushed me to think with greater curiosity, inclusiveness and rigor. I’ve also been deeply inspired by the founder and CEO Sam Shepherd’s commitment to 3DA’s mission. His thoughtful guidance both shows in weekly conversations and the nonprofit workshops he voluntarily offered, which shaped my understanding of advocacy and community work. This internship expanded not only my knowledge but also my capacity for storytelling and inclusive thinking. I sincerely hope 3DA continues to grow and amplify its impact in advocating for the rights and needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. I’m proud to have been a part of that mission.

Gia Scotti, Legal Rights and Research Intern

I had the opportunity to serve as both a Legal Rights and Research Intern. I gained exposure to a great variety of issues that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) encounter. Through reading cases, academic journals and studies, I gained a deeper understanding of the injustices impacting this community and the importance of spreading awareness on how to combat these obstacles. 3DA is a an impactful and inspiring organization, that has furthered my passion for advocating on behalf of vulnerable individuals and broadened my knowledge in this area of law.

Alexus Austin, Research Intern

Working as a Research Intern for 3DA has been one of the best educational and
professional experiences of my adult life. I do not believe I fit into the category of a traditional intern. I am currently getting my second master’s degree and have worked in my field for approximately 5 years. This internship has fostered my love for learning by giving me the flexibility to explore different subtopics within IDD research such as
Assistive Technology and International Special Education. Our team meetings were a conducive environment where open communication and sharing ideas were encouraged and met with positive feedback. My preceptor, Sam Shepherd, and my fellow interns were a safe space for me to share what I learned while receiving clarification on any
topics that were alluding me. I have been able to broaden my knowledge on intellectual and developmental disabilities and learn more about non-profit organizations. Overall, I am grateful for the knowledge that I gained and the encouragement I received over the course of this internship.

Shezin, Technology Research Intern

"My internship with 3DA has been an incredible experience, providing me with valuable insights into the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. I have thoroughly enjoyed researching and understanding their needs, particularly how they utilize smart home technology to enhance accessibility, convenience, and independence in their daily routines. My primary research interests lie in the adoption of smart home devices and data privacy concerns. This internship has deepened my understanding of at-home technology and its numerous benefits for individuals with intellectual disabilities, allowing me to address existing research gaps and inspiring me to explore these topics further in my future research work. Despite managing a busy schedule as a PhD candidate this fall, I'm thankful to 3DA for offering the flexibility to work

at a comfortable pace. Additionally, this experience has broadened my knowledge of the operations and potential of nonprofit organizations. I'm deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn and engage with the impactful work 3DA continues to pursue tirelessly. Thank you for this enriching experience."

Faith, Research Intern

"My remote internship with 3DA, a disability advocacy nonprofit in Arizona, was an enriching experience that honed my research and communication skills in a real-world setting. Working on growth strategies allowed me to contribute meaningfully while exploring the nonprofit sector, with the freedom to curate my own work fostering creativity and independence. The supportive environment, especially for a first-time nonprofit intern, provided valuable insights and set me on the right path for future opportunities in advocacy and outreach."

Nelson, History Research Intern

"3DA does a great job in advocacy and awareness for developmental disabilities. Through this internship, I was able to learn new things such as the histories of different disabilities. Moreover, this helped me gain a better understanding of those who live with disabilities and encourage others to learn more about the subject matter. Through understanding comes acceptance, unity, and inclusion."

Mehrnoush, Technology Research Intern

"Completing a three-month internship as a technology research intern was both an enjoyable and invaluable experience for me. Throughout the internship, I gained significant knowledge and skills related to my research field. The tasks and assignments were well-defined and highly relevant, greatly enhancing my learning. Additionally, I appreciated working with a supervisor who valued and welcomed my input on various aspects of the internship. The flexible work schedule was particularly beneficial, allowing me to seamlessly balance my PhD studies with the internship. "

Rowan, History Research Intern

"Completing my three-month History Research Internship with 3DA I have become more informed on various histories of disabilities and their impacts on historical figures, industries, communities, and the world. It has helped me further understand the importance of the work that 3DA and other aligned advocacy organizations do to help those in our country with developmental disabilities gain access to vital legal and technological resources as well as telling the stories of those with disabilities that are not told enough. It has also helped me apply and hone my research, writing, and communication skills in a non-academic setting that has better prepared me for the professional world."

POSITIONS

LEGAL RIGHTS RESEARCH

TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH

HISTORY RESEARCH

JOURNALISM

RESEARCH

MARKETING

HOW TO APPLY

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Why Intern with Us?

MEET OUR PAST INTERNS

ABOUT 3DA

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