Association for Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD)

AHEAD is a professional membership organization for individuals involved in the development of policy and in the provision of quality services to meet the needs of persons with disabilities involved in all areas of higher education. At this time, we boast more than 2,800 members throughout the United States, Canada, England, Australia, Ireland, Northern Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, Sweden, Japan and Greece. In addition to our International membership, AHEAD is fortunate to have formal partnerships with 30 Regional Affiliates and numerous other professional organizations working to advance equity in higher education for people with disabilities. Since 1977 AHEAD has delivered quality training to higher education personnel through conferences, workshops, publications and consultation. AHEAD members represent a diverse network of professionals who actively address disability issues on their campuses and in the field of higher education. AHEAD is actively involved in all facets of promoting full and equal participation by individuals with disabilities in higher education; and supporting the systems, institutions, professions, and professionals who attend to the fulfillment of this important mission. Utilizing the navigation links provided to review this website, AHEAD’s Strategic Plan, and our vast array of member services we hope you will take time to learn more about the work we do, and consider joining in support of AHEAD members’ vision and mission... and allowing AHEAD to be of service to you!

AHEAD is the premiere professional association committed to full participation of persons with disabilities in postsecondary education. As an international resource, AHEAD:

• values diversity, personal growth and development, and creativity

• promotes leadership and exemplary practices

• provides professional development and disseminates information

• orchestrates resources through partnership and collaboration

AHEAD dynamically addresses current and emerging issues with respect to disability, education, and accessibility to achieve universal access.

AHEAD works collaboratively with several national and international organizations in furtherance of mutual goals and objectives serving to advance the mission of AHEAD. The following is a listing of those current collaborative efforts along with web-links to each organization and contact information for the AHEAD member(s) serving in a leadership capacity.

CAS (Council for the Advancement of Standards) http://www.cas.edu/
PURPOSE: To work to incorporate a set of program standards for disability services as part of the standard and evaluation process for institutional accreditation.

AHEAD’s Representative to CAS
Beth Hunsinger
Community College of Baltimore County - Essex
Phone: 410-780-6741
E-Mail: bhunsinger@ccbcmd.edu

NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) http://www.ncaa.org/wps/portal
PURPOSE: To address both issues of students with disabilities in NCAA sports as well as the incorporation of wheelchair sports (e.g. w/c basketball) to NCAA sports status.

AHEAD’s Representative to the NCAA
Larry Markle
Ball State University
Phone: 765-285-3477
E-Mail: lmarkle@bsu.edu

MIUSA (Mobility International USA) http://www.miusa.org/
PURPOSE: To further efforts, disseminate information, and encourage study abroad opportunities.

AHEAD’s Liaison to MIUSA
Stephan Hamlin-Smith
AHEAD
Phone: 704-947-7779
E-Mail: stephan@AHEAD.ORG

NJCLD (National Joint Council on Learning Disabilities) http://www.ldonline.org/about/partners/njcld
PURPOSE: To collaborate on issues related to LD and education, especially concerns re: documentation, transition, reasonable accommodations in K-12 v. postsecondary, and academic preparedness.

AHEAD’s Representatives to the NJCLD
Janet Medina, Associate Professor of Education
McDaniel College
2 College Hill
Westminster, MD 21157 USA
Phone: 410-857-2417
E-Mail: jmedina@mcdaniel.edu

NASPA (National Association of Student Personnel Administrators) http://www.naspa.org/
PURPOSE: To collaborate on issues of students with disabilities in higher education and Student Affairs, utilize established internship program (NUFP), include “disability” as part of graduate training programs for College Student Personnel, and mutually share resources/presence through respective conferences and publications (e.g. newsletters). The relationship between AHEAD and NASPA is facilitated through the implementation of a memorandum of understanding and is overseen by the President of AHEAD.

ACPA (American College Personnel Association) http://www.myacpa.org/
PURPOSE: To collaborate on issues of students with disabilities in higher education, provide resources for Student Affairs professionals, include “disability” as part of graduate training programs for College Student Personnel, and mutually share resources/presence through respective conferences and publications (e.g. newsletters). The relationship between AHEAD and NASPA is facilitated through the implementation of a memorandum of understanding and is facilitated by the executive directors of both organizations.