22plus

About Us

Our Mission

At 22plus, we are creating a world where adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) thrive.

We work alongside individuals, families, and caregivers, prioritizing listening first, then building solutions together. Our mission is to ensure adults with IDD have access to the tools, services, and community support needed to live joyful, meaningful, and independent lives.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Data Validation & Research Intern to support the expansion and accuracy of our national resource directory for adults with IDD.

This role combines research, data verification, and community outreach. Interns will identify, verify, and organize essential resources across assigned U.S. states and regions, ensuring families have access to clear, reliable, and up-to-date information.

This position is ideal for students interested in nonprofit leadership, public health, disability advocacy, social impact, research, or data systems.

Please note: This is an unpaid opportunity. The internship may be eligible for academic credit (please confirm with your academic advisor).

Key Responsibilities

1. Research & Data Collection

• Research programs and services available to adults with IDD in assigned regions
• Identify new and emerging community resources
• Input findings into organizational databases with accuracy and attention to detail
• Identify service gaps and opportunities for innovative support

1. Data Validation & Quality Assurance

• Review existing resource listings for accuracy and completeness
• Complete missing information through online research
• Contact organizations via phone and email to verify program details
• Follow up as needed to ensure information remains current
• Spot and add relevant resources discovered during verification

1. Outreach & Community Engagement

• Build relationships with local and regional organizations
• Learn about their services and explore opportunities for collaboration
• Help expand 22plus’ network of trusted partners

Qualifications

We are looking for individuals who are:

• Detail-oriented and comfortable working with structured data
• Strong researchers with the ability to synthesize information clearly
• Organized and self-motivated
• Comfortable conducting professional outreach via phone and email
• Passionate about improving access to information for the IDD community

Commitment

• Duration: March–June 2026
• Time Commitment: 5–10 hours per week
• Format: Fully remote
• Schedule: Flexible, with one required weekly team meeting (Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday at 5:00 PM; exact day confirmed prior to start)

Interns are expected to contribute consistently throughout the cohort and complete assigned regional research and verification goals.

Benefits

• Hands-on experience in nonprofit research and database development
• Real-world application of data validation and quality assurance practices
• Experience in community outreach and partnership-building
• Exposure to disability advocacy and resource mapping at a national level
• Professional mentorship and structured team collaboration

Most importantly, your work will directly support adults with IDD, families, and caregivers by improving access to life-changing resources.

Compensation

This is an unpaid volunteer opportunity. We appreciate your interest in contributing to our community, as this project helps families, caregivers, and adults with IDD connect with the resources they need to improve Quality of Life (QoL). We welcome applicants seeking to gain experience, build their portfolio, and make a meaningful impact.

Academic Backgrounds Encouraged to Apply

We welcome students and collaborators in:

• Nonprofit Management
• Data Science or Survey Research
• Business Administration or Economics
• Psychology
• Special Education
• Social Work
• Public Health
• Therapy & Health Sciences

How to Apply

Here’s how to begin your journey with 22plus:

1. Review the time commitment to ensure availability.
2. Complete our Volunteer Interest Form or apply via Idealist
3. Selected applicants will be contacted with next steps.