Disability Justice & Accessibility Specialist (Volunteer)

About the Role

We are seeking a Disability Justice & Accessibility Specialist to support MAP’s work in building accessible programs, materials, curriculum, media, and digital spaces. This specialist will serve as an internal advisor, accessibility evaluator, and collaborator across multiple MAP divisions. The ideal candidate is passionate about disability rights, inclusive design, and community access, and is eager to help create environments where disabled youth feel valued, supported, and fully included.

Responsibilities

• Conduct accessibility audits across MAP’s programs, materials, communications, and digital platforms (MAP Roots, MAP Connect, PromisePlay, Storytelling & Media, etc.).
• Review documents, presentations, lesson plans, videos, and online content to ensure accessibility compliance (formatting, captions, screen-reader compatibility, etc.).
• Provide recommendations on universal design, accommodations, and modifications for youth with visible, invisible, learning, developmental, sensory, or physical disabilities.
• Support staff and volunteers in applying disability justice principles to program design and youth engagement.
• Contribute to the development of accessibility guides, internal standards, and training materials.
• Assist in evaluating physical or digital barriers to access and propose solutions.
• Collaborate with curriculum teams to ensure inclusive learning materials for MAP Roots and MAP Connect.
• Work with the PromisePlay team to help implement accessible, low-barrier game design practices.
• Participate in regular team meetings and cross-division check-ins.
• Check and respond to emails daily, with responses within 48 hours.
• Take responsibility for performance improvement by incorporating feedback from MAP leadership and accessibility evaluations.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of disability justice, accessibility standards, or inclusive education frameworks.
• Experience in one or more of the following: accessibility evaluations, special education, assistive technology, universal design, disability services, advocacy, or disability studies.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams.
• Understanding of the lived experiences of disabled youth, particularly within marginalized or high-need communities.
• Commitment to equity, anti-ableism, and community care.

Bonus Skills (not Required)

• Familiarity with WCAG, ADA considerations, or accessible digital design.
• Experience supporting youth with disabilities in educational or community settings.
• Knowledge of screen readers, captioning tools, alt-text best practices, or accessible document creation.
• Lived experience as a disabled person or caregiver within the disability community.

Volunteer role requiring 5–10 hours per week. Minimum 6-month commitment preferred. Remote with optional in-person participation in New York City.

What You’ll Gain

• Experience strengthening disability justice and accessibility within a mission-driven nonprofit.
• Opportunities to influence real-world access for youth experiencing homelessness.
• Collaboration with MAP educators, technologists, designers, storytellers, and policy teams.
• Leadership and professional development in equity-centered accessibility work.
• Letters of recommendation and professional references.
• The fulfillment of creating programs where disabled youth feel seen, respected, and included.