AHEAD 2009 - ENHANCING PROGRAMMING & ACCESS
Regarding universal access and environmental responsibility
As AHEAD proceeds in our fourth decade, the organization continues to open new doors and set new examples for annual conference implementation that elevate universal access, environmental responsibility, and unparalleled professional development for those involved in the intersection of disability and higher education.
In 2009, AHEAD is continuing to refine enhancements in the design of its conference to move us toward a more strategic, inclusive, and responsible approach to the delivery of outstanding professional information. The Association provides opportunities for professional development to those who work to assure usable, sustainable and inclusive higher education environments for students, faculty, and staff with disabilities and who believe society is ultimately enriched by difference.
Higher education has never been immune to global issues. Today political, economic and social uncertainties give rise to challenges and opportunities in our field. More than ever it is necessary for Disability Services (DS) professionals to develop a broad worldview; gain expertise in cutting-edge theories, practices and technologies; and become an essential and valued campus resource.
As you review the sessions available for pre-registration, you will find concurrent programming addressing the following nine topical strands:
Complex Issues: Introducing the Unfamiliar to the Underprepared
Diversity and Self-Identity
Assistive Technology: In Theory (classroom) and In Practice (lab)
New and Newer Disability Service Professional Preparation
International Law and Practice: Seeking Common Ground
Professional Competence: Stocking the DS Toolkit
Transition for Students with Disabilities
Wounded Warriors: Serving Those Who Served
Topics in Disability Services
In response to full access and environmental responsibility, we are maximizing pre-planning efforts and the use of appropriate technological resources in planning for the delivery of program materials in accessible formats.
In lieu of receiving paper handouts onsite at the conference, attendees at AHEAD 2009 will access handout and presentation support literature in advance, via Internet download beginning no later than two weeks prior to the conference. This will afford attendees the opportunity to access as many different sets of information as they like, in the output format of their choice, well in advance of the conference. All registrants will be provided with easy-to-understand-and-implement instructions for accessing all presentation support materials. Enhancing this practice, materials for AHEAD 2009 will be available both in text and PDF formats to attendees in advance.
While providing the tremendous benefit of universal access for each attendee, this approach greatly reduces the burden on presenters and the environment created by providing handout materials for each attendee in each session – many of which end up going unused. As an added bonus, it offers attendees the opportunity to access handout materials from sessions that you’ll not be able to attend.
The AHEAD 2009 Conference Chairs and Committees along with the AHEAD
Board & Staff
are committed to consistently improving the experiences of AHEAD Members and
Conference Attendees, and look forward to seeing you in Louisville this summer!
