AHEAD - Association on Higher Education And Disability

06/02/2026

🖥️ Can't make it to Providence? AHEAD has you covered!

Join us August 4–6 for the AHEAD 2026 Virtual Conference, featuring 30 conference sessions, interactive networking roundtables, and a recording of keynote speaker Paul Grossman's powerful presentation on sustaining the disability rights movement.

Whether you're looking for practical accommodation strategies, legal updates, campus collaboration ideas, or opportunities to connect with colleagues from across the country, there's something for every higher education disability professional.

Attend live or watch recordings on your schedule.

Already registered for the Providence conference? Add the virtual conference for just $25!

Find details and register at https://www.ahead.org/events-programming/conferences/2026-virtual

06/01/2026

A new issue of The HUB Member Newsletter is now available! To access, log in to your AHEAD member account and visit https://conta.cc/3QbBpvi

Email from AHEAD Keeping AHEAD Connected Issue 66 | June 2026 View this email online Have feedback or interest in contributing? [email protected] A Week of FREE Virtual Events, for AHEAD members ONLY! A

05/27/2026

⏰ There are just three days left to secure early-bird registration rates for the AHEAD 49th Annual Conference, taking place July 20–24, 2026 in Providence, Rhode Island. Register by Friday, May 29 for the best available rates.

AHEAD 2026 Features:

Over 150 concurrent sessions during the main conference Wednesday through Friday

32 in-depth pre-conferences to build your own personalized training on Monday and Tuesday

A variety of opportunities for building your professional network, including several receptions, numerous lunchtime meetings and gatherings, and many other opportunities to connect

Content specifically geared to new professionals, seasoned pros, ADA Coordinators, campus leadership, learning specialists, and many more!

Find details and register at https://www.ahead.org/events-programming/conferences/ahead-2026

05/26/2026

One of the most valuable aspects of the AHEAD Conference is the opportunity to build lasting professional relationships with colleagues across the country.

In a field as dynamic and complex as disability access and higher education, having a strong professional network matters. Whether you are seeking guidance on challenging situations, exploring emerging practices, or simply connecting with others who understand the realities of the work, AHEAD creates space for meaningful connection.

Throughout the conference, attendees can engage in a wide variety of networking opportunities tailored to different comfort levels and professional interests. From the Wednesday Speed Networking session and evening receptions to first-time attendee gatherings, KPC lunch meetings, and informal group dinners organized by the DISC and LGBTQ Knowledge and Practice Communities, there are countless ways to connect with peers and expand your professional community.

AHEAD 2026 is designed not only to support professional learning, but also to strengthen the relationships that sustain and advance our work across higher education.

Join us in Providence, Rhode Island, July 20-24: https://www.ahead.org/events-programming/conferences/ahead-2026

05/22/2026

📣 One week left to save on AHEAD 2026 registration!

Join us July 20–24 at the Rhode Island Convention Center for an energizing week of learning, collaboration, and connection focused on accessibility and disability inclusion in higher education.

This year’s conference will feature more than 150 concurrent sessions and 32 in-depth preconference opportunities designed to help you build a personalized professional development experience. Whether you’re a new professional, seasoned practitioner, ADA Coordinator, campus leader, learning specialist, or student support professional, you’ll find sessions and conversations tailored to your work and your goals.

Beyond the educational content, AHEAD 2026 offers countless opportunities to expand your professional network through receptions, lunchtime gatherings, and meaningful conversations with colleagues from across the field.

Register by Friday, May 29 to receive discounted registration rates. Visit https://www.ahead.org/events-programming/conferences/ahead-2026

05/20/2026

🔎 Discover innovative coaching strategies that support student success, executive functioning, wellbeing, self-advocacy, and belonging in higher education at AHEAD 2026!

This year’s conference features multiple coaching-focused preconference and concurrent sessions designed for disability professionals, learning specialists, advisors, and campus leaders.

Find complete details at https://www.ahead.org/events-programming/conferences/ahead-2026

05/19/2026

Save-the-date for the Fourth Annual AHEAD Member Appreciation Week: June 8–12, 2026! 🎉

As a thank you to our members, AHEAD is once again offering a week of complimentary virtual programming designed to support, inform, and connect professionals across higher education and disability access.

This year’s programming includes:

• Monday: 2026 Mid-Year AHEAD Government Update
• Tuesday: Wait, AHEAD offers THAT?? Maximizing Your AHEAD Membership
• Wednesday: Writing for the AHEAD Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability (JPED)
• Thursday: Find Your Phone-A-Friend: Networking From Your Office Chair!
• Friday: Navigating the Field of Higher Education and Disability in 2026

These sessions provide timely insight, valuable networking opportunities, and practical professional development for leaders, administrators, faculty, and staff committed to accessibility and student success.

We look forward to celebrating our vibrant member community with you throughout the week.

Register for each event at https://www.ahead.org/events-programming/2026-member-week
(Requires AHEAD member log-in)

05/18/2026

💙 Many faculty and staff across higher education are carrying an incredible amount right now, and conversations about burnout are more important than ever.

That’s why AHEAD selected burnout as a session topic at this year’s Conference.

We know burnout and low morale are not simply personal problems that can be fixed by “trying harder” or practicing better self-care alone. Burnout is a systemic issue that deserves thoughtful, holistic solutions.

This year’s presenters will share perspectives and strategies focused on creating healthier workplaces, strengthening support among colleagues, and helping professionals reconnect with the passion that first brought them into higher education and disability work.

Whether you work in teaching, advising, disability services, administration, student support, or campus leadership, these sessions offer valuable insight and encouragement for navigating today’s especially stressful environment together.

Join us for these meaningful conversations and leave inspired with new ideas to support both yourself and your colleagues. ✨

05/13/2026

🎙️ New Podcast Episode from AHEAD!

Episode 4 of Full Speed AHEAD: The quickest route from research to practice is now available:

“Disabled, Racially Minoritized, and Invisible:” The Intersectionality of Race and Disability in Higher Education: A Conversation with Co-Editors

Host Tammy Berberi leads a thoughtful and timely discussion with JPED 38(2) Special Issue Guest Editors:

• Daniel Blake
• Julia Karpicz
• Kat Stephens-Peace
• Gabriel Rodriguez Lemus

This episode explores the complexities of identity, visibility, and equity at the intersection of race and disability in higher education, and the implications for research, policy, and practice across our campuses.

Access the episode through your AHEAD Member Account under the Research tab or listen directly here: https://www.ahead.org/research/podcast

05/12/2026

💡 AHEAD wants to make sure you have access to the professional development you need, at the time you need it. We have combed our recent archives and created “bundles” that offer curated resources at a discounted price.

We're starting off with two options (Housing and Title II Prep) that include three of our most popular past webinars at one low price! Each bundle of three webinars of expert content is a steal at $99 for members and $139 for non-members (regularly $147 and $207)!

By providing curated packages of information on a single topic, we hope to keep you One Step AHEAD in your work! Let us know which topics you'd like to see next!

Find details and purchase bundles at https://www.ahead.org/professional-resources/one-step-ahead