AHEAD Strategic Plan
The following is presented on behalf of, and for the benefit of, the Association on Higher Education And Disability (AHEAD) to provide a public frame of reference and planning tool for the short-, mid-, and long-term goals of the Association.
In the spring of 2004, the Board of Directors adopted a mission statement for AHEAD and created a three-year strategic plan focused on the priorities of the Association at the time. Through careful planning and implementation, the majority of goals and objectives outlined in that document have been achieved. Therefore, the Board of Directors has concluded that it is in the Association’s best interest to invest in thoughtful revision and visionary development of a new strategic planning initiative to guide AHEAD in its continuing growth.
In March 2008, following careful review of the progress made under the 2004 plan, the Board spent considerable time in the creation of a new Strategic Plan. Presented here is the framework under which AHEAD will direct its resources and attention as the Association serves as the leading voice of professionals who work in the field of disability in higher education. The following strategic priorities, goals and objectives are framed by three core components which represent the overarching philosophical and intellectual constructs under which AHEAD serves: its vision, mission and values.
AHEAD is committed to serving its members and the broader stakeholder groups that are integral to higher education and disability through active leadership, quality products and services, forthright representation, collaborative advocacy, and optimally effective stewardship of resources.
CORE PRINCIPLES.
The following Vision, Mission and Values statements articulate the cornerstones that direct and shape all of the Association’s work.
- The Vision provides the ultimate organizational direction;
- The Mission provides clarity of understanding regarding organizational definition; and
- The Values provide the Association’s unique lens of essential belief.
While each is of equal and unique importance, they provide the clearest direction, understanding and impact when viewed as a whole.
AHEAD’s Vision:
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.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
In pursuit of the vision, working within the mission, and guided by its core values, AHEAD will pursue five areas of vitality and growth. Crafted to direct flexible, informed, and dynamic impact and success, the five major areas of concentration include:
- Organizational identity,
- National and global leadership,
- Infusion of diversity,
- Professional development, and
- Resource provision.
The following five goals and their supporting objectives provide the ideological and intentional framework that will support the Association’s ensuing work.
Goal I: The promotion of a dynamic, healthy organization
- To continually explore and develop new services, markets, and resources to further AHEAD’s mission
- To continue to diversify and expand sources of revenue
- To expand visibility, public awareness and political capital
- To increase market prominence and penetration
- To capitalize on the expertise of members and identify and develop emerging leaders
- To model good business practices, governmental excellence, and operational transparency
Goal II: The provision of leadership in national and global arenas as it relates to higher education
- To continually assess, evaluate and refine the Association’s effectiveness as a national and international leader in issues of disability in higher education
- To engage in meaningful and innovative research that informs the continuing development of disability services in higher education
- To anticipate and address emerging issues related to access to higher education
- To define and refine the understanding of the skills, knowledge, and abilities needed to be successful in the variety of roles represented by disability service professionals
- To create and disseminate relevant best practice models
- To influence legislative agendas in ways that are consistent with AHEAD’s vision and mission
- To articulate and promote a respectful and empowering philosophy of disability
- To be present and visible in strategic venues where actions and policies are shaped
- To model optimal policies and practices related to issues of disability
Goal III: The deliberate and consistent infusion of diversity into all aspects of the Association
- To actively strive to understand and value the unique identities represented within the membership, higher education, and society
- To engage in discourse related to, and provide multiple forums for, members to express various aspects of their identities
- To explore the intersection of disability and diversity
- To create and disseminate models of best practice related to issues of diversity, disability and higher education
- To promote membership representation from a broad range of postsecondary education institutional types and professional stakeholder groups
- To provide opportunities for professional development that will increase knowledge and skills requisite to working with diverse student populations
GOAL IV: The provision and support of varied professional development opportunities to enhance members’ knowledge, skills, and abilities
- To conduct needs assessment to continually refine and enhance professional development opportunities and preferred delivery methods
- To infuse and promote progressive conceptualizations of disability and disability services in all professional development activities
- To develop and deliver professional development and training activities in a variety of formats to maximize accessibility, affordability and effectiveness
- To offer, at a minimum, national, regional and audio conferences, Internet-based trainings, and individual consultation and support
- To expand the professional identity, leadership skills, and influence of members
- To provide networking and mentoring opportunities
- To collaborate with national and international organizations and institutions to increase professional development opportunities and AHEAD’s sphere of influence
GOAL V: The creation, dissemination, and provision of current, high-quality resources addressing disability and higher education
- To identify and create resources that meet the current and future needs and development of members, related stakeholder constituencies, allied organizations, and public service proponents
- To challenge the membership and evolve the field through the creation and distribution of professional materials that represent the leading edge in service delivery
- To produce and disseminate a growing variety of high-quality publications for sale
- To publish a scholarly, professional journal quarterly
- To publish bi-monthly, electronic newsletters that include timely topics and challenge the membership with cutting-edge articles
- To develop and expand an effective Website that offers ready access to necessary information as a member benefit
- To sponsor and guide research that expands capacity through the creation and evaluation of knowledge and practice
- To serve as a clearinghouse for resources
