International Member Resources

AHEAD is eager to learn from and share with colleagues and organizations around the world who share the goal of educational equity for people with disabilities. AHEAD’s Board of Directors endorsed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2011 and continues to support its goals. We believe that we all benefit when we share ideas and resources. There are several ways for international individuals and organizations to become involved with AHEAD: 

Individual Membership

AHEAD welcomes individual members from around the world. Full information on membership categories is available by visiting our Membership Category page.

AHEAD has also established an International Low income membership for individuals who live and work in economically challenged areas internationally. This membership carries an annual fee of US$25.00 .  

International Regional Partners

AHEAD offers the opportunity for international groups of professionals from the same or various organizations, institutions, or agencies who are working to promote and enhance postsecondary educational opportunities for people with disabilities join together and become an AHEAD International Regional Partner. These groups do not need to be formally organized, but participants share common values and goals to build the foundation for inclusive education. An example of a group that might be interested in becoming an AHEAD International Regional Partners Group is a group including professor/instructor from a university, a university administrator, a disability advocate, and a government official who are all interested in working to increase and enhance educational opportunities in their region for people with disabilities. 

The benefits of and expectations for International Regional partners are summarized below. Initial application fee is $30, with an annual membership cost of $15 to maintain status. The application form (Word) is available for download.

International Affiliates

AHEAD is eager to learn from and share with colleagues and organizations around the world who share the goal of educational equity for people with disabilities. AHEAD’s Board of Directors endorsed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2011 and continues to support its goals. We believe that we all benefit when we share ideas and resources. There are several ways for international individuals and organizations to become involved with AHEAD:

The benefits of and expectations for International Affiliates are summarized below. Initial application fee is $100, with an annual membership cost of $50 to maintain status. The International Affiliate application form (Word) is available to download.

International Affiliates and International Regional Partner Benefits.

  • Written and web recognition
  • Consultation and assistance
  • Name included on AHEAD website 
  • Assistance with and promotion of activities and events
  • Review of organizational materials

Additional Benefits for International Affiliates Only

  • Website hosting (where possible)
  • Online community or discussion hosting
  • Opportunities to apply for funds
  • Authorized use of AHEAD logo

All Applying Groups must

  • Provide Mission statement
  • Designate an active member of AHEAD to represent the group with AHEAD
  • Notify AHEAD of changes to representative or organization
  • Update annually (Part of annual renewal)
  • Include AHEAD information at group events/activities
  • If at AHEAD events, attend international meetings 

International Affiliates must also

  • Endorse the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
  • Provide Bylaws or other governance document