AHEAD: Association on Higher Education And Disability

Annual Report 2008

FROM THE PRESIDENT

AHEAD has been resilient regarding its perseverance in and commitment to providing professional development, influencing social and governmental landscapes, and creating partnerships as evident in the activities noted within this report. It may interest you to know what you, as a part of your professional organization, have accomplished this past year. AHEAD’s input to Congress regarding the ADA Amendments Act (ADAA) and solicited participation in the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) reauthorization highlight AHEAD’s growing presence and credibility in areas related to disability and postsecondary education.

The AHEAD staff, Board, and numerous volunteers in both leadership and supportive roles have worked diligently to be a credible voice and sought-after participant. AHEAD is poised to assume a central role in continued progress of its vision of educational and societal environments that value disability and embody equality of opportunity. Please consider your role in that process.

It is a welcomed privilege to work with such dedicated individuals and to be a part of this organization. Thank you.

Mike Shuttic
Oklahoma State University

• INTRODUCTION
• GOAL I: THE PROMOTION OF A DYNAMIC, HEALTHY ORGANIZATION
• GOAL II: THE PROVISION OF LEADERSHIP IN NATIONAL AND GLOBAL ARENAS AS IT RELATES TO HIGHER EDUCATION
• GOAL III: THE DELIBERATE AND CONSISTENT INFUSION OF DIVERSITY INTO ALL ASPECTS OF THE ASSOCIATION
• GOAL IV: THE PROVISION AND SUPPORT OF VARIED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES TO ENHANCE MEMBERS’ KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
• GOAL V: THE CREATION, DISSEMINATION, AND PROVISION OF CURRENT, HIGH-QUALITY RESOURCES ADDRESSING DISABILITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION
• CONCLUSION

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INTRODUCTION

The Board and staff of the Association on Higher Education and Disability are pleased to present the membership with AHEAD’s Annual Report to document the state of the Association and its progress toward achieving its strategic goals. The following summary, organized around AHEAD’s current Strategic Plan (see http://www.ahead.org/about/business/strategic_plan), provides details. The Association’s documented progress would not have been possible without the work of numerous members who are integrally involved in making AHEAD a dynamic professional association.

AHEAD envisions educational and societal environments that value disability and embody equality of opportunity.

AHEAD’s mission:

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 Values:

• Philosophy, thinking, and paradigms that view disability as the interaction between person and environment;
• Diversity within all aspects of the Association;
• Equitable, sustainable, and usable postsecondary environments;
• Professionals who respect and nourish student autonomy and work as allies to design inclusive communities; and
• Organizational strength that sustains essential resources and supports growth.

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GOAL I: THE PROMOTION OF A DYNAMIC, HEALTHY ORGANIZATION

FINANCE

AHEAD’s fiscal year begins on July 1 and ends on June 30. Due to the fiscal year timing, the information presented below is reflective of the year ending June 30, 2008.

Audited Balance Sheets – Fiscal Year 2008

Ending June 30, 2008

Ending June 30, 2008

*(1) Note: AHEAD contracts and receives a third-party, independent fiscal audit on an annual basis. Copies of AHEAD’s audit reports are on file with the Secretary of State’s Office in Raleigh, North Carolina and are open to public inspection by contacting that office. In compliance with Federal non-profit tax filing statutes, AHEAD files Forms 990 and Forms 990T annually with the Internal Revenue Service. These documents are also open to public inspection by contacting the Internal Revenue Service in Washington, DC. AHEAD’s Federal Identification Number (FEIN) is 34-1265325.

MEMBERSHIP

For the seventh calendar year in a row AHEAD achieved net-growth in membership, setting a new record for numbers of members at year-end. The chart below illustrates the breakdown and changes in membership between December 31, 2008 and the previous year.

In 2008 AHEAD maintained proportionately parallel membership representation in Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Traditionally Hispanic Serving Institutions, and Tribal Colleges as it has in all postsecondary institutions; approximately 31%.

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GOAL II: THE PROVISION OF LEADERSHIP IN NATIONAL AND GLOBAL ARENAS AS IT RELATES TO HIGHER EDUCATION

OUTREACH

In efforts to broaden visibility, public relations, and awareness, the following is a partial list of events where AHEAD was represented during 2008:

• University of South Carolina; January
• National Council on Disability; January
• National Organization of Nurses with Disabilities; February
• Learning Disabilities Association Annual Conference; February
• ACPA Annual Conference; March
• Tennessee AHEAD Conference; March
• PEPNet Conference; April
• Michigan AHEAD Conference; April
• American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Global Summit on Social Responsibility; May
• National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center (NSTTAC) National Transition Summit; May
• National Association of Educational Consultants (NAEC) Conference; May
• National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) Conference; October
• California Association of Postsecondary Education and Disability (CAPED); October
• ASAE Diversity Summit; December

TARGETED INITIATIVES

AHEAD clearly recognizes the value of member-driven initiatives as a major source of positive impact in terms of leadership provision. Three of the funded initiatives supporting this goal are the Universal Design Initiative, the E-Text Solutions Group, and the Government Relations Committee.

The Universal Design Initiative (see http://www.ahead.org/resources/universal-design)

• Several Universal Design Leadership Institute (UDLI) participants have received professional recognition with awards from AHEAD for their leadership;
• Many UDLI participants presented concurrent sessions during the AHEAD 2008 Conference;
• Established an MOU between AHEAD and University of Arkansas Little Rock to develop a UD toolkit;
• Preparing the publication of the special edition of JPED on Disability Studies;
• Initiating a Universal Design photo contest culminating with a wall of photos at the AHEAD 2009 Conference.

The Government Relations Committee (see http://www.ahead.org/resources/government-relations)

• Established members of the committee, chairs, and plan of action for promoting their work on behalf of AHEAD;
• Actively involved in the reauthorization of the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) and the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA);
• Provided audioconference for AHEAD members regarding the likely impact of ADAAA on higher education;
• Established initial Web presence to be greatly expanded in 2009.

The E-text Solutions Group (see http://www.ahead.org/resources/e-text)

• Please visit the group’s comprehensive webpage for complete updates on 2008 activities, and initiatives currently underway.

COLLABORATION

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

AHEAD’s Alternate Representative to CAS
Kate Broderick
Old Dominion University
Phone: 757-683-4655
E-Mail: Kbroderi@odu.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
Lydia Block
Ohio Wesleyan University
Phone: 740-368-3857
E-Mail: lsblock@aol.com

And

Peggy Hayeslip
Johns Hopkins University
Phone: 410-516-8949
E-Mail: phayeslip@jhu.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.

NACADA (National Academic Advising Association) http://www.nacada.ksu.edu/

PURPOSE: To collaborate on issues related to academic advising and the concerns of students with disabilities. The relationship between AHEAD and NACADA is facilitated through a memorandum of understanding between the executive directors of both organizations.

AHEAD AFFILIATES

During 2008, the number of official AHEAD Affiliate organizations grew to 31. These organizations provide critical information, professional development, networking, and communication in specific geographic areas. (See http://www.ahead.org/affiliates to learn more about each of the Affiliate organizations and visit their Web pages.)

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS

Now nearly 20 in number, AHEAD members have access to Special Interest Groups (SIGs) addressing a wide variety of issues and concerns related to higher education and disability. (See http://www.ahead.org/sigs to learn more about the SIGs within AHEAD, and to get involved.)

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GOAL III: THE DELIBERATE AND CONSISTENT INFUSION OF DIVERSITY INTO ALL ASPECTS OF THE ASSOCIATION

The 2008-2009 AHEAD Board of Directors has maintained relative gender balance (55% women/45% men), and includes both members of color (36%) and members with disabilities (36%); Board members also represent other dimensions of unique identifying characteristics.

The AHEAD Board of Directors unanimously passed the 2008 Formal Resolution on Diversity

(see http://www.ahead.org/about/diversity#1)

The AHEAD Diversity Initiative (see http://www.ahead.org/about/diversity) has provided tremendous leadership to AHEAD. Some highlights of the work in 2008 include:

• Convening focus groups during the AHEAD 2008 Conference;
• Finalizing the strategic plan for diversity development within AHEAD;
• Developing and implementing the Diversity Recognition Award program for AHEAD;
• Established a Web presence and listserv for members interested in diversity within AHEAD;
• Developed plan of action for infusing diversity within publications and professional development offered to AHEAD members.

As noted above in the Membership Section, AHEAD continued to increase membership of professionals who work at HBCU’s, THSI’s, and Tribal Colleges.

AHEAD continued to survey and track membership demographic information as an important tool in planning and assessment.

(See Appendix A for detail.)

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GOAL IV: THE PROVISION AND SUPPORT OF VARIED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES TO ENHANCE MEMBERS’ KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

During 2008, AHEAD provided a wide-variety of professional development opportunities for members. Some highlights of that activity include:

Establishment of ‘The AHEAD Center for Professional Development’ was completed;

The 3^RD Annual AHEAD Management Institutes provided over 200 attendees with a range of programming focused on managerial, service, and executive skill-building and knowledge;

Eight AHEADtoYOU real-time captioned audio-conference programs were offered in 2008, with over 300 sites participating;

The 2008 AHEAD Conference in Reno, NV attracted over 1,000 attendees and over 75 exhibitors.

(see: http://www.ahead.org/conferences/past/2008 for complete detail, handouts, and materials);

Two regional workshops were held in Chicago, IL and Hartford, CT attracting over 70 participants each;

Affiliate organizations sponsored over 40 professional development conferences, workshops, and trainings;

Eight E-text Workshops were provided, serving over 200 participants across the U.S.; and

Nearly 1,100 individual consultations were provided to AHEAD members by the staff and Board of Directors.

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GOAL V: THE CREATION, DISSEMINATION, AND PROVISION OF CURRENT, HIGH-QUALITY RESOURCES ADDRESSING DISABILITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION

The processes involved in fulfilling this goal are on-going, and completed through a variety of activities. Some of the activities related to this work in 2008 included:

Publishing six issues of the bi-monthly ALERT newsletter for AHEAD members (see: http://www.ahead.org/publications/alert);

Publishing three issues of the scholarly journal, The Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability

(see: http://www.ahead.org/publications/jped-guide);

Publishing timely topical publications for sale as reference, resource, and promotional items

(see: http://www.ahead.org/publications);

Complete architectural and informational redesign of AHEAD web site including continuous updating of relevant resources, information pages, and references for members and the public (see: http://www.ahead.org);

Bi-weekly e-mail updates to all AHEAD members featuring timely and pertinent topics of likely interest;

The development and availability of AHEAD’s ACCESS program aimed at the assessment of campus climate for students with disabilities (see: http://www.ahead.org/survey/access/index);

The completion of the biennial survey of Disability Service Professionals in Higher Education and the publishing of both the Preliminary Report (see: http://www.ahead.org/membersarea/) and the Final Report

(see: http://www.ahead.org/publications#New).

2008 AHEAD LEADERSHIP

AHEAD is honored to be served by strong volunteer leaders who both drive and support the work of the Association. Some of those serving in leadership capacities are below. Information about equally important leaders of initiative groups, SIGs, Affiliates, and collaborating task forces is available on corresponding Web pages noted within this report.

Board of Directors July 22, 2007 – July 19, 2008

• Carol Funckes, President; The University of Arizona
• Michael Shuttic, President-Elect; Oklahoma State University
• L. Scott Lissner, Secretary; The Ohio State University
• Jim Marks, Treasurer; University of Montana
• Stephan J. Hamlin-Smith, Executive Director (ex-officio); AHEAD
• Emily Singer, Director; Catholic University of America
• Mary Lee Vance, Director; University of Wisconsin, Superior
• Kathleen McGillivray, Director; Bethel University
• Jose Soto, Director; Southeast Community College
• Troy A. Odom, Director; The University of Pennsylvania
• Anne Jannarone, Director; University of ArkansasJean Ashmore, Director; Rice University

Board of Directors beginning July 19, 2008 (see http://www.ahead.org/about/board-of-directors)

• Michael Shuttic, President; Oklahoma State University
• Jim Marks, President-elect; University of Montana
• Kathleen McGillivray, Secretary; Bethel University
• Michael Johnson, Treasurer; Monroe Community College – Damon City Campus
• Stephan J. Hamlin-Smith, Executive Director (ex-officio); AHEAD
• Emily Singer, Director; Catholic University of America
• Mary Lee Vance, Director; University of Wisconsin, Superior
• Jose Soto, Director; Southeast Community College
• Jean Ashmore, Director; Rice University
• Karen Saracusa, Director; Mount Union College
• Bea Awoniyi, Director; Florida State University

The Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability (JPED) (see: http://www.ahead.org/membersarea/jped.php)

Editors:

• Jim Martin, Executive Editor; The University of Oklahoma
• Richard Allegra, Managing Editor; AHEAD
• John Graham, Editorial Assistant; The University of Oklahoma

• Alvaro Gomez; The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

AHEAD 2008 Conference (see: http://www.ahead.org/conferences/past/2008)

Co-chairs:

• Mary Zabel; University of Nevada - Reno & Clark Hochstetler, University of Nevada – Las Vegas

Program Strand-Chairs:

• Barbara Blacklock & Betty Benson, University of Minnesota
• Mary Helen Walker, University of North Carolina, Pembroke
• Ron Stewart, Dolphin Systems, Inc.
• Carol DeSouza, UMass, Boston
• Jane Thierfeld-Brown, University of Connecticut
• Christopher Lanterman, Northern Arizona University
• Mike Shuttic, Oklahoma State University
• Mary Culkin, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
• Susie Pletcher-Rood, Central Michigan University
• Joyce Knight, Virginia Commonwealth University
• Sue Kroeger, University of Arizona

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This past year again saw an increase in membership as well as in fiscal health. Outreach efforts in the way of collaborations, presentations, and as invited participants were numerous and continue to grow, allowing AHEAD to work cooperatively on a broader scale toward meeting its Strategic Goals. Additionally, work by Initiatives within the Association (Governmental Relations, Diversity, E-Text, Universal Design) have provided action-oriented direction on critical issues.

Comments and questions are always welcome as part of ongoing efforts to ensure open communication and transparency of operations of the Association.

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