Accessible Futures (student info)

Accessible Futures is a summer internship program for UW students with physical disabilities. Read on to learn about the program. If you’re interested in participating, please reach out to Eli Davis, Internship Program Manager, at bereli@uw.edu no later than February 20, 2026.

Fehribach Center

The Gregory S. Fehribach Center empowers college students with physical disabilities to find gainful, sustainable and equitable employment by engaging qualified students in comprehensive and diverse internship opportunities that build skills, confidence and work history to maximize competitiveness in the workplace. Initially created as a partnership between Eskenazi Health and Ball State University, the Fehribach Center has broadened to include additional postsecondary institutions and employers.  More than 500 internships have been facilitated for students from 40 colleges and universities with over 50 employers.

University of Washington

The Fehribach Center approached the UW in fall 2024 and asked us to consider piloting replication of their program beyond the Midwest.  UW’s Career & Internship Center, Disability Resources for Students, and Disability Studies Program strongly support the Fehribach Center’s desire to enhance employment outcomes of college graduates with physical disabilities and jointly agreed to participate. In the summer of 2025, two UW students and two employers participated in the UW pilot program. We hope to welcome and support additional intern/employer pairs in the summer of 2026 (and beyond!).

Eligibility

• Degree-seeking University of Washington student. Those graduating in June 2026 are also eligible.
• Have a physical disability including, but not limited to, those relating to mobility, vision, and/or hearing.

Internship Requirements

• Complete a paid internship of approximately 10 weeks between the end of spring term and beginning of fall term, with exact dates being flexible.
• Set internship learning goals with your supervisor.
• Engage in performance discussions with your supervisor at the mid-point and conclusion of the experience.
• Submit a short internship reflection every 2 weeks during the internship.

Optional Internship Activities

• Attend a virtual orientation with summer interns affiliated with the Fehribach Center in early June.
• Attend weekly virtual professional development webinars with other Fehribach Center interns during June and July.

Summer 2026 Timeline

• If you’re interested in participating, please email bereli@uw.edu no later than February 20.
• We will meet with you, learn about the types of employers/roles that interest you, and reach out to employers on your behalf.
• Please note that, while we’ll do our best to find a suitable employer match, we cannot guarantee that all interested students will be able to participate in the program.