Naomi Hess in front of the AAPD sign
We all know that public policy is personal. But there is often so much time and attention devoted to the technicalities of public policy that the human nature of the impacts gets neglected.
AAPD has long worked at this intersection of the personal and the political. AAPD’s programs focus on the personal and career development of people with disabilities through initiatives like internships and scholarships, and our policy work advocates for improvements in public policy to make life more accessible and equitable for disabled Americans.
That’s why AAPD is so excited to have recently launched our guest blog program, which spotlights amazing members of the disability community and how our communities’ stories reflect the policy reforms AAPD fights for.
AAPD’s guest blog program seeks to amplify disabled voices and allow members of the disability community to share their unique perspectives. Each post draws on the writer’s lived experiences, demonstrating why a particular policy area matters to the blogger, and/or celebrating their disability pride. Contributors write one post on a topic of their choice, and they will receive a stipend for their work.
Bloggers will benefit from this program by adding published work to their portfolio and developing skills in sharing their stories. All disabled people are welcome, and our guest blog program focuses on uplifting the voices of people with disabilities who are also members of other marginalized communities. Some bloggers will be disabled activists who already have a following, and some will be emerging leaders whom you may read about for the first time through their blog.
In case we haven’t met, my name is Naomi Hess and I’m AAPD’s new Editorial Manager. I’m extremely excited to serve as the editor of the blog! I’m a disabled person myself whose life has been improved by various AAPD’s programs and policy advocacy. I’m an alumna of the AAPD internship program in 2020 and 2021, and being an AAPD intern transformed my life and career. Through the internship program, I confirmed that I wanted to work in disability rights professionally, and found friends and mentors who have helped me get to where I am today. I’m so honored to be able to give back to this amazing organization.
In addition to my experience in the internship program, my time as a news editor for The Daily Princetonian and my time working on disability rights programs in the Administration on Community Living have given me the skills and perspectives needed to lead this blog. I have benefited from opportunities to hone my writing skills throughout my life, and I’m happy to be able to give this platform to other members of the disability community.
Right now, AAPD is not yet seeking public submissions for our blog. In the months ahead, be on the lookout for opportunities to pitch your own blog idea to me. We will put out an announcement and interest form when we are ready to review public submissions. I am already excited to hear from you and meet more members of this amazing community.
As you prepare your own blog idea, I encourage you to check out some of the first guest blogs we’ve published for insight into the diversity of subjects and lived experiences you can expect to see on AAPD’s blog moving forward.
I hope you’ll check out: