2027 Institute Recruitment Toolkit

Help spread the word! Applications are now open for Disability Lead’s 2027 Institute are now open. We open this application annually for emerging and established leaders with disabilities who are eager to explore their disability identity and how to lead with power and influence among a group of committed peers. Applications are open for the 2027 Institute. You can help spread the word by using the suggested language below.

Important Dates to Remember

Early bird deadline: Wednesday, July 1, at 5:00 p.n. CT

Final deadline: Wednesday, September 9, at 5:00 p.m. CT

Applications received by the early bird deadline of July 1 are guaranteed an interview.

Sample Email and Social Media Posts

The following is the suggested language for communications. Please feel free to combine this language with any of the downloadable content included in the toolkit.

Email

Subject: Help Spread the Word: Disability Lead Institute Applications Are Open

Email Body: I’m excited to share that applications are now open for the 2027 Disability Lead Institute, a fantastic opportunity for leaders with disabilities.

The Institute is a year-long fellowship that centers disability identity while building leadership skills, strengthens civic engagement, and deepens understanding of self and community. The Institute is the only leadership program in the nation specifically for leaders with disabilities and that makes connections to opportunities for civic engagement and leadership. I [know /have experienced]  the impact of Disability Lead’s work, and I highly encourage you to share this opportunity with your networks.

Who should apply?

People living in Chicagoland or Southwestern Pennsylvania who self-identifies as a person with a disability and want to grow as leaders.

Application requirements:

• Complete Part 1 and Part 2 of the application

• Answer three essay questions

• Identify one nominator to submit a form on your behalf

Important deadlines:

Early Bird: July 1, 2026 (guaranteed interview)

Final Deadline: September 9, 2026

Learn more and apply: www.disabilitylead.org/apply

If you or someone in your network is ready for a transformative leadership experience, I encourage you to apply or pass this along.

[SIGNATURE]

Facebook

• Do you want to lead with power and influence? Do you want to join a network of positive disruptors making change in their communities? Disability Lead is a network of people with disabilities who use their power to create an equitable and inclusive society. Every year the organization opens applications to its Institute, a year-long fellowship that is the only leadership program in the nation specifically for leaders with disabilities and that makes connections to opportunities for civic engagement and leadership. The application is OPEN for the 2027 Institute! Go to www.disabilitylead.org/apply for more info. Share this post to spread the word! #LeadWithDisabilityLead #Fellowship #DisabilityLeadership #Disabed #Disability
• Do you know of someone who is looking to explore their disability identity and how to lead with power and influence? The application is OPEN for the 2027 Institute! Go to www.disabilitylead.org/apply for more info. Share this post to spread the word! #LeadWithDisabilityLead #Fellowship #DisabilityLeadership #Disabed #Disability
• I bring all of my identities into my leadership, and I am proud to lead with disability. Are you a person with a disability who wants to help make the nation more equitable and just by becoming more civically engaged? The application is OPEN for the 2027 Institute! The Institute centers disability identity to explore leadership skills, civic engagement, and understanding of self and others. Go to www.disabilitylead.org/apply for more info. Share this post to spread the word! #WeAreDisLead #ProudToLeadWithDisabiity #Fellowship #DisabilityLeadership
• Do you want to connect with a network of leaders with disabilities in [Chicagoland or Southwestern Pennsylvania]? The application is OPEN for the 2027 Institute! The Institute is a year-long fellowship that is the only leadership program in the nation specifically for leaders with disabilities and that makes connections to opportunities for civic engagement and leadership. Go to www.disabilitylead.org/apply to submit an application today!  #WeAreDisLead #Fellowship #Network #DisabilityLeadership #Chicago #Pennsylvania

LinkedIn

• Do you want to lead with power and influence? Do you want to join a network of positive disruptors making change in their communities? Disability Lead is a network of people with disabilities who use their power to create an equitable and inclusive society. Applications are OPEN for the 2027 Institute—a year-long fellowship and the only leadership program in the nation specifically for leaders with disabilities. Learn more: www.disabilitylead.org/apply Share this post to spread the word! #LeadWithDisabilityLead #Fellowship #DisabilityLeadership #DisabilityInclusion #CivicEngagement
• Do you know someone who wants to explore their disability identity and lead with power and influence? Applications are OPEN for the 2027 Disability Lead Institute. Share this opportunity with your network and help connect leaders with disabilities to a transformative leadership experience. Learn more: www.disabilitylead.org/apply #LeadWithDisabilityLead #Fellowship #DisabilityLeadership #Inclusion #LeadershipDevelopment
• I bring all of my identities into my leadership, and I am proud to lead with disability. Are you a person with a disability who wants to help create a more equitable and just society through civic engagement? The 2027 Disability Lead Institute application is OPEN. This year-long fellowship centers disability identity and leadership development. Apply: www.disabilitylead.org/apply Share to spread the word. #WeAreDisLead #ProudToLeadWithDisability #Fellowship #DisabilityLeadership #Equity
• Do you want to connect with a network of leaders with disabilities in [Chicagoland or Southwestern Pennsylvania]? Applications are OPEN for the 2027 Disability Lead Institute. This year-long fellowship is the only leadership program in the nation specifically for leaders with disabilities and builds connections to civic engagement opportunities. Apply today: www.disabilitylead.org/apply #WeAreDisLead #Fellowship #Network #DisabilityLeadership #Chicago #Pennsylvania

Instagram

• Do you want to lead with power and influence? Join a network of leaders with disabilities making change in their communities. Applications are OPEN for the 2027 Institute, a year-long fellowship for leaders with disabilities. Learn more: www (dot) disability lead (dot) org (slash) apply Share to spread the word! #LeadWithDisabilityLead #Fellowship #DisabilityLeadership #DisabilityCommunity #InclusiveLeadership
• Know someone ready to explore their disability identity and lead with power and influence? Applications are OPEN for the 2027 Institute! Share this post and help spread the word Apply: www (dot) disability lead (dot) org (slash) apply #LeadWithDisabilityLead #Fellowship #DisabilityLeadership #ShareThis #CommunityLeadership
• I bring all of my identities into my leadership, and I am proud to lead with disability. Ready to grow your leadership and impact? Applications are OPEN for the 2027 Institute. Apply: www (dot) disability lead (dot) org (slash) apply Share to spread the word! #WeAreDisLead #ProudToLeadWithDisability #Fellowship #DisabilityLeadership #DisabilityPride
• Looking to connect with leaders with disabilities in [Chicagoland or Southwestern PA]? The 2027 Disability Lead Institute application is OPEN! Join a powerful leadership network and build your impact. Apply: www (dot) disability lead (dot) org (slash) apply #WeAreDisLead #Fellowship #DisabilityLeadership #Chicago #Pennsylvania #LeadershipCommunity

Downloads

The following are graphics to be used to support your communication efforts along with the 300-character image descriptions. We encourage you to use these image descriptions alongside the images when posting to social media or when disseminating information among your own networks for accessibility.

How to obtain the graphics: Right click your mouse or d-pad, then click 'save image as', you can access the file you saved in your 'download' folder on your computer.

Are you Ready to Lead? (Text Only)

Image Description: Promotional graphic with purple headline “ARE YOU READY TO LEAD?” and Disability Lead branding. Background has subtle geometric lines, with purple and orange design elements. Lower text encourages applying to the fellowship at [www.disabilitylead.org/apply](http://www.disabilitylead.org/apply).

Image Description: Graphic with light background and geometric line pattern featuring bold purple text reading “ARE YOU READY TO LEAD?” Top right shows “Disability Lead Southwestern Pennsylvania.” Bottom text invites viewers to apply for a fellowship at [www.disabilitylead.org/apply](http://www.disabilitylead.org/apply) with purple and orange accents.

Proud To Lead With Disability

Image Description: Bold graphic with purple, orange, and magenta blocks featuring large white text reading “Proud to lead with disability.” Top right says “Disability Lead.” Bottom text reads “Apply today at www.disabilitylead.org/apply.” Design emphasizes leadership, pride, and disability inclusion.

Image Description: Promotional graphic with purple, orange, and magenta blocks and white text reading “Proud to lead with disability.” Top right reads “Disability Lead Southwestern Pennsylvania.” Bottom says “Apply today at www.disabilitylead.org/apply,” highlighting a regional leadership program.

Are you Ready to Lead? (With Photo)

Image Description: A group of professionals moves through an office hallway, including a person using a wheelchair in front. A purple banner reads “Are You Ready to Lead? [www.disabilitylead.org/apply.”](http://www.disabilitylead.org/apply.”) A Disability Lead logo is displayed at bottom left.

Image Description: 3 Disability Lead Members stand close together, smiling, outdoors under a covered walkway, posing for a photo. A purple banner reads “Are You Ready to Lead? [www.disabilitylead.org/apply.”](http://www.disabilitylead.org/apply.”) A Disability Lead Southwestern Pennsylvania logo appears at bottom left.

Apply To The Institute

Image Description: A Black man with a bald head and wearing a blazer speaks into a microphone, gesturing while addressing an audience. Text reads “Disability Lead.” A banner at the bottom says “Apply to the Institute [www.disabilitylead.org/apply”](http://www.disabilitylead.org/apply”) with purple and orange design accents.

Image Description: People conversing at Disability Lead’s SWPA launch event. One person uses a power chair while speaking with others standing nearby, including one using a white cane. Text reads “Disability Lead Southwestern Pennsylvania” and “Apply to the Institute [www.disabilitylead.org/apply.”](http://www.disabilitylead.org/apply.”)

Early Bird Deadline

Image Description: Promotional graphic with purple gradient blocks and white text stating “The Institute Early Bird Deadline is Approaching.” Disability Lead branding is visible at top right, with the website [www.disabilitylead.org/apply](http://www.disabilitylead.org/apply) included at the bottom.

Image Description: Purple graphic with layered geometric shapes and bold white text reading “The Institute Early Bird Deadline is Approaching.” Disability Lead Southwestern Pennsylvania logo appears at top right, with a link to [www.disabilitylead.org/apply](http://www.disabilitylead.org/apply) shown at the bottom.

Institute Applications Deadline

Image Description: A Back person wearing headphones sits in their mobility device and engages in conversation at an outdoor gathering, surrounded by others. Text reads “Disability Lead.” A purple banner says “Institute Applications Are Due Soon” with the link [www.disabilitylead.org/apply](http://www.disabilitylead.org/apply).

Image Description: A white woman speaks at a podium into a microphone during Disability Lead’s SWPA launch event, gesturing while presenting. Text reads “Disability Lead Southwestern Pennsylvania.” A purple banner states “Institute Applications Are Due Soon” with a link to [www.disabilitylead.org/apply](http://www.disabilitylead.org/apply).