WHAT WE DO
Fellowship & Trainings
Growing disability policy and research expertise
We strengthen disability-inclusive policy by building research and policy leadership that is community led, globally connected, and rights-based. We do this in two ways, through the CIP Fellowship and through ongoing training and support for OPDs and other stakeholders committed to building an inclusive future.
Disability policy is often shaped by incomplete evidence and research agendas set without the participation of people with disabilities. CIP addresses the gaps directly by investing in disability leadership, supporting a disability policy ecosystem that prioritizes rights, accessibility, and evidence-based decision-making.
Training for disability-inclusive policy
We work on research and policy directly with OPDS, states, human rights organisations, universities, and international organizations. Through courses, workshops and online learning, we make technical knowledge more accessible and strengthen policy capacity across the disability sector. We are open to hearing from people to discuss where we could support your organisation to better engage in disability policy issues.
The Center for Inclusive Policy Fellowship
The CIP Fellowship is a 12-month research training designed to support emerging leaders with disabilities from the Global South. It is a one-of-a-kind program focusing on disability research and foundational policy skill-building. CIP supports fellows to design and carry out research projects, while strengthening their development through mentorship and training. Supporting the next generation of disability research and policy leaders. Over the course of the fellowship year, fellows build capability not only to produce research, but to engage with complex policy conversations and lead with confidence, supporting disability rights in ways that reflect the realities of their communities.
Our fellows are emerging leaders with disabilities from the Global South, looking to grow their research and policy skills. During the program, fellows focus on disability policy and research skill-building. The fellowship provides the support needed to carry out research, including mentorship throughout the program, a structured training curriculum, and bi-monthly research meetings where fellows strengthen practical skills and learn from the wider CIP team.
CIP also supports fellows in producing research that is relevant to policy development. CIP welcomes proposals related to disability data, social protection, care and support, inclusive budgeting, community support systems, and independent living.
Fellows are trained in applying rights-based and participatory research approaches. This includes strengthening the way disability issues are understood, represented, and measured, so that people with disabilities are not treated as research subjects, but as rights-holders whose experiences and perspectives matter.
+20 fellows
from Central Asia, South Asia, Africa, East Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America have taken part in CIP’s Fellowship Program.
Testimonies
Grace Kawala - Kenya
2023-2024 CIP Fellow
Ayushmita Samal - India
2023-2024 CIP Fellow
Aisyah Ardani - Indonesia
2024-2025 CIP Fellow
Application requirements
Applications are currently closed and are expected to reopen in June 2027. When the next call opens, application instructions and submission details will be published on this page.
The CIP Fellowship is for emerging researchers and policy leaders with disabilities from the Global South who want to strengthen their research and policy skills and contribute to disability-inclusive change.
Applicants must:
- Be a person with a disability.
- Be from and currently based in the Global South or a low- or middle-income country (LMIC).
- Be interested in social policy, research, and disability equality.
- Have experience with or a connection to the disability movement.
- Have basic research skills and be motivated to develop them further.
- Have an undergraduate degree or relevant research and policy experience [WE SHOULD EXPLAIN THE EQUIVALENCES]
- Have sufficient written and spoken English to participate in the program. Spoken English proficiency is not required for sign language users, for whom interpretation can be provided.
- Be at least 18 years old. There is no upper age limit but fellows should be early in their career.
- Be at an early stage of their research or policy career, rather than an established senior researcher.
- Have a strong commitment to disability inclusion and rights.
Applicants should be interested in working on disability policy areas such as disability data, social protection, care and support, inclusive budgeting, community support systems, or independent living.
The Fellowship is not intended for senior or established researchers, applicants whose work is unrelated to disability, subjects outside CIPs research scope or people primarily seeking training in service delivery rather than research and policy.
CIP Fellowship Program FAQs
Who is the CIP Fellowship for, and what experience and English skills do I need?
The Fellowship is designed for emerging researchers and policy leaders with disabilities from the Global South who want to strengthen their research and policy skills. Applicants should be at an early stage of their research or policy career and have some basic research experience. The Fellowship is intended for people seeking to develop their skills rather than established senior researchers. See the Eligibility criteria above for full requirements.
Applicants need to understand everyday conversations and communicate their ideas through English. Spoken English proficiency is not required for sign language users, for whom interpretation can be provided.
What are the Fellowship’s objectives, areas of focus, and intended impact?
The Fellowship aims to strengthen disability research and policy leadership in the Global South. It supports fellows to develop research relevant to their local disability movements, connect with global disability policy discussions, and build the skills and networks needed to advance disability rights and evidence-based policy change in their countries.
Projects should relate to disability policy and may focus on areas such as disability data, social protection, care and support, inclusive budgeting, community support systems, or independent living.
The Fellowship is designed to build long-term disability research and policy leadership, not only support individual projects. Fellows become part of a growing network of disabled researchers, policy analysts, and advocates who can influence how evidence is generated and how research policy is designed and implemented.
How long does the Fellowship last?
The CIP Fellowship is a 12-month online program combining research, training, mentorship, and opportunities to connect with global disability policy discussions and CIP’s wider network.
What does the Fellowship offer, and are reasonable accommodations available?
Selected fellows receive:
- USD 1,000 per month for 12 months
- Up to USD 2,000 for research costs, conferences, or further training
- Coverage of reasonable accommodation costs needed to participate
- An online training curriculum led by experienced researchers
- A mentor to guide their research and support their development
- Opportunities to participate in CIP research projects
- Access to a global network of researchers, advocates, and policy actors
Reasonable accommodation costs needed to enable participation in the Fellowship can be covered.
When and how can I apply, and can I use AI to prepare my application?
Applications for the current round are closed. The next call is expected to open in June 2027. Application forms in English and Spanish will be made available in early July. Full dates, requirements, and the application link will be published on this page.
The use of AI is not entirely prohibited, but applicants should not rely on AI. Applications should reflect the applicant’s own thinking, experience, and proposed research.