Media Accessibility Intern

$14 an hour

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Position: Media Accessibility Intern

Duration: 640 hour internship: Fulltime: 40 hours per week for 16 weeks. Part-time work and no less than 20-hours a week is an option that may be negotiated for the right candidate. In this case the length of the internship would be 20 hours per week for 32 weeks. Start: Target date: End of May, 2022 pending security clearance. Note: the exact start time is negotiable based on the completion of the candidate’s semester if still in school.

Work Location: Remote. Due to the uncertainty of COVID-19, work is expected to remote. Anticipate one trip to HFC at the start of the internship pending travel restrictions and COVID policy. HFC’s physical address: 67 Mather Place, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425.

Background

The Media Accessibility Program of the Harpers Ferry Center (HFC) maintains the Programmatic Accessibility Guidelines for Interpretive Media for the National Park Service (NPS). Along with these guidelines, the Media Accessibility Program provides complimentary resources—such as FAQs and targeted annotated examples of best practices, conducts and coordinates educational opportunities, oversees special projects, reviews media projects, works with stakeholders and partners, and provides technical assistance to the staff at HFC and across the service at the national, regional and park levels. The goal of this program is to ensure better access to our NPS sites for visitors with disabilities.

Work Description

HFC will host an intern to provide general support to its Media Accessibility Program and work on specific projects and products that promote accessibility and provide guidance to staff and the field. A primary focus includes assisting with administrative activities for assistance and follow-up from HFC managers and staff, park partners and stakeholders on a variety of projects and initiatives. Assistance also includes coordination of project activities, such as maintaining database lists, coordinating meetings and compiling materials for review. Two ongoing and primary projects include the revisions of HFC’s Media Accessibility Guidelines and the UniDescription project to audio describe print materials for people who are blind or have low vision.

The intern will take asynchronous audio description training and will audio describe at least one print brochure the UniDescription project to include coordination with HFC staff for materials and the park’s POC for approval.

Other areas of focus include researching accessibility requirements, compiling instructive media accessibility examples, and assisting in the promotion of materials that contribute to best practices, guidelines and knowledge sharing for media accessibility.

The work is primarily sedentary with the vast majority time spent using the computer for activities, such as correspondence, virtual meetings, information preparation and sharing. Cultivation of stakeholder relationships in and outside of HFC and the NPS and collaboration on work teams is also an integral part of the work process.

This internship is an opportunity to further develop knowledge and technical skills about critical accessibility services for persons with disabilities visiting cultural and natural history sites.

A valid driver’s license is required for this position, there is limited public transportation available near the work location.

Interns will work and communicate with a Hispanic Access Program Associate during their internship. Interns will be expected to participate in scheduled conference calls, webinars, and meetings conducted throughout their term. Interns will capture photos and/or videos for reporting purposes and submit 4 blog posts highlighting their experience and development.

Desired Skills

Familiarity with disability history or theory and/or experience working with persons with disabilities.
Enjoys and demonstrates the ability to network with partners and stakeholders, research new topics, analyze technical specifications, and create promotional materials for a variety of platforms.
Good notetaking, written and verbal communication skills.
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within team environments.
The ability to follow steps and procedures unique to the federal government as prescribed, such as filling out paperwork for security clearances.
Tact and diplomacy when communicating civil rights principles and advocating on behalf of accessibility and end users.
Skill using Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Teams), and an interest in learning other digital platforms, such as web software should the need arise.
A strong interest in pursuing a career in disability rights advocacy, EEO, cultural or natural recreation venues, or an education field that focusses on serving diverse audiences, including people with disabilities.
Knowledge and interest in cultural and natural history recreation venues a plus.

Minimum Qualifications

Ages 18-30, up to 35 years old for veterans (to be eligible for the Public Land Corps non-competitive hiring authority)
Available to work 40 hours per week for 16 weeks OR 20 hours per week for 32 weeks
US citizenship or permanent residency. Interns must undergo a government background check if selected.
Recently graduated graduate student or young professional with a degree in Rehabilitation and Occupational Science, Special Education, Disability Studies or a similar field. Applicants with Arts and Humanities backgrounds, such as Museum Studies and Public History are also welcome and encouraged to apply, but some knowledge or experience of the disability field and user groups must be demonstrated.

Stipend + Benefits

$1,120 bi-weekly stipend ($14/hr based on a 40 hr/week schedule) OR $560 bi-weekly stipend ($14/hr based on a 20 hr/week schedule)
Up to $850 available for NPS work travel, orientation, trainings, professional development opportunities that align with the intern’s role and goals
Possible Direct Hire Authority Eligibility/Public Land Corps Eligibility.

Application

Hispanic Access Foundation (Hispanic Access) is managing the recruitment for these positions. All applications should be submitted through Hispanic Access' MANO Project application page. A resume and two references will be required for submission. Your application or resume should include professional and educational experience, along with any awards, technical skills or volunteer activities. Application questions or issues may be directed to Nina Marti at nina@hispanicaccess.org or Michelle Neuenschwander at michelle@hispanicaccess.org.

Applications for this position are due on February 28, 2022. Phone interviews and final decisions will be made by the end of February. Note: Before the internship can begin, a government security clearance is required. This requires the candidate to promptly complete a security clearance application, get fingerprinted, photographed and travel to the nearest facility for card activation. This process can take as long as long as 6 - 8 weeks to complete.

About Us

The Media Accessibility Program is a one-employee office within HFC working with staff across the NPS and within HFC to ensure access of the products we produce. HFC works with parks and the private sector to plan and produce media for national park service sites. Typical media projects include in- and outdoor exhibitions, print publications, visitor center movies, and digital media, such as mobile apps and virtual tours. HFC also conserves artifacts for park collections and display in exhibitions. Visit HFC’s website and its accessibility page for more information.

National Park Service Mission

The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.

Hispanic Access Foundation Mission

Hispanic Access Foundation (Hispanic Access) is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit organization that connects Latinos to partners and opportunities improving lives and creating an equitable society. Hispanic Access' vision is that all Hispanics throughout the U.S. enjoy good physical health, a healthy natural environment, a quality education, economic success and civic engagement in their communities with the sum improving the future of America.