Viscardi Alumni

08/31/2026

Check out how new comic storylines are celebrating disability representation and the power of diverse heroes.

In a series of special issues that are about to drop, Marvel Comics is putting the focus on a half dozen heroes with various disabilities.

08/28/2026

The 2027 Summer Internship Application Is Now Open! 🤩 Read below to learn more, and if you think you might want to apply, register to join our webinar for interested applicants on Thursday, September 10 from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM ET on Zoom.

Are you a disabled student (high school diploma by 2027 - graduate student) or recent graduate who is looking to gain professional experience, grow your leadership skills, and connect with disabled community? Then being an could be a perfect opportunity for you!

AAPD places interns at paid internships within the nonprofit, government, and for-profit industries, in-person in Washington DC and remotely. Interns work at their placement site Monday – Thursday and attend weekly AAPD programming on Fridays. Interns also get to attend events and network on Capitol Hill, conferences, policy briefings and other community events, as well as be matched with a disabled mentor.

AAPD interns are paid a living stipend and transportation to and from Washington, D.C. In-person interns are provided fully accessible housing. Remote interns receive a technology, internet, and a housing stipend if applicable.

Applications for the Summer 2027 cohort will close on October 1, 2026 at 5PM ET! Apply: https://ow.ly/lMPb50ZGifF

ID: Apply for AAPD's 2027 Summer Internship Program with a deadline of October 1, 2026.

08/27/2026

Leaders in the disability community and advocates welcomed a recent statement by New York Governor Kathy Hochul who called a federal action ceasing enforcement of its Olmstead guidance a “troubling step backward.” Hochul in the statement issued in mid-July, urged every Republican in Congress to “stand up for their constituents with disabilities and oppose The United States Department of Justice's recent decisions to undermine the Americans with Disabilities Act. Advocates say more action is needed by the Governor to protect community living. Read more at https://ablenews.com/advocates-appreciate-hochuls-defense-of-olmstead-rights-but-say-more-action-is-needed-to-protect-community-living/

08/26/2026

Ready to explore new opportunities in your community? Your goals. Your interests. Your community. The Viscardi Center’s Day Hab Without Walls program empowers individuals of all ages to develop life skills, foster independence, and participate in meaningful community experiences.

The Day Habilitation Without Walls program provides comprehensive support and services to young adults, adults, and seniors with developmental and physical

08/24/2026

Get your future cooking today! Turn your passion for food into a profession with The Viscardi Center’s Culinary Skills Training Program. Gain hands-on experience, build industry-ready skills, and prepare for opportunities in the culinary and hospitality fields. No prior experience is needed, just a willingness to learn and grow.

Training programs ready adults of all ages to thrive in a variety of competitive work environments. Our job training programs are structured in collaboration

08/22/2026

In 2016, the Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) recognized a growing trend: more autistic students were enrolling in college, yet only about one-third were graduating. The challenge wasn’t academics. Social connection, independence and self-advocacy were the key factors. Our latest Able News article explores how autism support programs like D-CAP at West Chester University of PA are helping students overcome these barriers and build the skills they need to reach graduation. Read the full article at https://ablenews.com/advancing-support-for-neurodivergent-students-in-higher-education/ to learn more.

08/21/2026

We're Hiring: Chief Program Officer (CPO)! Are you a visionary leader passionate about driving innovation, expanding opportunities, and creating meaningful impact?

The Viscardi Center is seeking an exceptional Chief Program Officer (CPO) to join our Executive Leadership Team in Albertson, NY. This is a unique opportunity to lead and grow programs that empower people with disabilities through employment, education, community engagement, and cultural initiatives.

As CPO, you will provide strategic leadership for Abilities, Inc. programs, the Museum of Disability History, and new business and program development initiatives. You'll help shape the future of our organization by expanding services, fostering strategic partnerships, identifying funding opportunities, and driving sustainable growth.

If you're ready to lead change, expand impact, and help shape the future of disability services, we'd love to hear from you. Read the full job description at: https://jobs.viscardicenter.org/careers//Careers.aspx?req=2026-TVC-012&type=JOBDESCR

Qualified candidates should submit their resume and cover letter to [email protected]

08/21/2026

Are you an adult with a disability who uses accessible technology? The Accessible Smart Tech Lab at the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology is seeking participants for a Voice of the Consumers with Disabilities on Mainstream Technology Survey. The study aims to better understand the experiences of people with disabilities using mainstream technology, including barriers and supports, education and training needs, and digital literacy.

You may be eligible if you are 18 or older and have experience using:
• Smartphones, tablets, and mobile apps
• Smart home technologies
• Wearable technologies, such as smartwatches and smart glasses

If you are interested in participating, all that’s required is completing a 15–30 minute online survey about your experiences with these technologies. At the end of the study, 6 participants will be randomly selected by study personnel to receive a $25 gift card.

For more information and to participate in the survey, click the link below.

A survey tool with a strong emphasis on accessibility. The application goes beyond accessibility standards by providing surveys that adapt to respondents individual needs.

08/20/2026

In early August I flew out to Denver, Colorado, the see the world premiere of a play—504: The Musical, produced and performed by the Phamaly Theatre Company, an all-disability company that has been creating high-caliber disability-centered theater since 1989. I’d heard the highest praise for Pha...

08/18/2026

A visual timer, digital typewriter, voice recorder, and specialized binder are just some of the tools that can support disabled students as they return to school. For parents of students with disabilities, back-to-school shopping involves more than pencils, binders and backpacks. Finding the right tools can help create a more supportive and successful learning experience. In this article, Ron Lyons, Jr. highlights some accessible tools that help students with reading, note-taking, time management and more. Read the full article at https://ablenews.com/accessible-tools-for-back-to-school-success/