Enhancing Programming and Access
Regarding Universal Access and Environmental Responsibility
AHEAD and pn2 continue to open new doors and set new examples for Conference implementation that elevate universal access, environmental responsibility, and unparalleled professional development for those involved in the intersection of disability and higher education.
In 2012, AHEAD and pn2 are continuing to refine enhancements in the design of the Conference and Institute to move toward a more strategic, inclusive, and responsible approach to the delivery of outstanding professional information. The organizations provide 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.
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 the 2012 Conference and Institute will access handout and presentation support literature in advance, via Internet download beginning no later than two weeks prior to the events. 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 the 2012 Conference and Institute 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 2012 Conference Chairs and Committees along with the AHEAD and pn2 Boards & Staffs are committed to consistently improving the experiences of Conference Attendees, and look forward to seeing you in New Orleans this summer! |
Conference Accessibility
AHEAD is firmly committed to providing a Conference experience and environment that is equally welcoming, inviting, and user-friendly for all attendees. While many steps to ensure this are built into the program and physical design of the Conference, the Conference planners also recognize that there are individuals who require that specific accommodations be arranged to ensure their full and equal participation.
Due to the size of this event, and the logistic requirements of arranging for appropriate human resources to be onsite working at the Conference, requests for specific accommodations must be received by AHEAD no later than June 8, 2012.
Section 2 of the Conference registration form is designed to facilitate easy notification of access needs for registrants.
If you have specific questions about any facet of registering for the Conference, please contact the AHEAD office directly by phone or email (704-947-7779 / ahead@ahead.org).
We look forward to welcoming EVERYONE to the 2012 Conference!
Scent- and Smoke-Free
In an effort to provide the most comfortable experience possible for all attendees, the Conference and Institute organizers ask that attendees refrain from the use of scented products during all events and observe that all events are smoke-free. All indoor areas of the Sheraton Hotel are strictly smoke-free.
