Internship Opportunities
College Disability Training Internship
Are you a college student eager to expand your skills while making a meaningful impact? This internship offers you the chance to:
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Build real-world experience working directly with individuals with developmental disabilities in your community.
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Develop professional skills in communication, teamwork, and inclusive care that will strengthen your resume.
Internship goals
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Understand the roles, ethics, and standards of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) in Hawaii.
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Improve communication with individuals with disabilities, families, and care teams.
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Apply person-centered practices to support independence and quality of life.
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Build advocacy skills to support the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities.
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Recognize barriers to services for individuals with I/DD, including healthcare, housing, and transportation.
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Learn to support aging individuals with I/DD and dementia with compassionate, informed care.
Eligibility requirements
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You must be a current student in the University of Hawai'i system
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You must be at least 18 years old
Application process
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Apply online: application
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You may be invited to do an interview
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After the interview, you will be notified if you are selected for the internship
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Information will be sent to you on how to complete finger printing/background check and get a tuberculosis test (TB)
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You will be sent a link to complete the online modules: Open Future Learning (approximately 4 hours)
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You will be sent a contract and release of liability form. You must sign both.
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You will create a weekly schedule with your work site (minimum 4 hours a day). You are required to have a supervisor at your work site.
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You will submit your timesheet at the end of the internship for a stipend ($1,000)
Application deadline: August 30, 2026
For more information, please contact: Dr. Nicole Schlaack (schlaack@hawaii.edu)
Brought to you by the DDC and UH Manoa's Center on Disability Studies (CDS).
High School Internship (for Kauai Students)
The Kauai DDC is offering an internship at Easterseals Adult Day Health Program for students of Waimea High School and Kapaa High School! Waimea High School students can participate in the internship as part of their senior project, and Kapaa High School students can do the same as part of their career pathways.
Eligibility requirements
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You must be a student at either Waimea High School or Kapaa High School
How to apply
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Contact your school coordinator; OR
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Call your district's Easterseals
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Waimea Easterseals: Wai Mata, (808) 482-3489
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Kapaa Easterseals: Mary Sunada, (808) 821-6944
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High School and College Internships Available for Summer 2025
Disability Trainings Internship
Introduction
This internship offers an opportunity to gain practical experience in promoting accessibility, understanding disability-related issues, and supporting inclusive practices. Interns will engage in meaningful work that enhances the lives of individuals with disabilities by developing training materials, facilitating workshops, and contributing to outreach efforts.
Our focus is on fostering environments where individuals with disabilities are recognized for their strengths and provided with the resources they need to thrive. This role emphasizes respect, empowerment, and the promotion of equal opportunities for all individuals.
Interns will:
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Gain valuable experience in designing and delivering training sessions.
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Learn effective communication strategies to support individuals with various access and functional needs.
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Participate in collaborative projects that improve accessibility in educational, professional, and community settings.
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Assist in creating resources that promote understanding and respect for individuals with disabilities.
This internship is ideal for those committed to promoting awareness, improving accessibility, and ensuring that people with disabilities are included as valued members of their communities.
High School Student Internship Application Info
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Must complete online application
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Must complete an online interview that will be coordinated by DD Council and the Adult Day Health Agency
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After you complete the internship, you will be notified if you are selected for the internship.
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At that time information will be sent to you on how to complete finger printing/background check and get a tuberculosis test (TB).
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You will be sent a link to complete online modules (approximately 4 hours)
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A contract will be sent to you along with a release of liability form those must be signed by you and your guardian/parent.
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You will create a weekly schedule with the adult day health center.
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You will be required to have your supervisor at the adult day health center sign your time sheet.
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You will submit your time sheet at the end of the internship for a stipend
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Stipend amount is $500.00
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You must be 18 years of age to apply or be 18 by August 1, 2025. If you are 17, please email Amelia Kyewich-Kaneholani at Amelia.Kyewich-Kaneholani@doh.hawaii.gov to discuss internship options.
High School Student Online Info Session on April 15 at 2:00 pm.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89779945950
Meeting ID: 897 7994 5950