WI/MN AHEAD Preconference DS Challenges – AHEAD resources

1. WI/MN AHEAD PreconferenceDS Challenges – AHEAD resources AHEAD Board Members Jean Ashmore - President Scott Bay – Director at Large May 2011

2. Session Overview • Major Issues Facing Disability Resources/Services • DR/S’s Dozen Challenges/Opportunities • Some very specific • Some more philosophical • AHEAD’s perspectives, responses & resources • Discussion

3. #1 – DS Program Accountability • Programs need to justify themselves, not just stand on “the laws dictate…” • AHEAD’s responses & resources • AHEAD reps affiliated with Council for Advancement of Standards – new DS standards upcoming • Current approach – “Accredit/eval” a DS program rather than a disability service professional due to varied backgrounds, duties, DS resource/service models • New Program Evaluation Process

4. Program Assessment - AHEAD • AHEAD’s new Program Evaluation Process • Based on Professional Standards and Performance Indicators – major input from Funckes & Goodin • On-line assessment components • In-depth Self-Study Questionnaire by DS Director/Staff • Three constituency feedback surveys • Final Self-Study Report done by DS Administrator from data summaries provided by AHEAD • Intro cost $395 for members • On-site Program Review – an option in follow-up to on-line

5. #2 – Unique Pops – e.g. SWID • Students with Intellectual Disabilities – new, expanding and vexing focus in higher ed • Sessions here – Edgewood College, Waisman Ctr • AHEAD’s responses & resources • Active partnership with Think College • White Paper on this topic due out summer 2011 • Task Force being established for in-depth attention to this critical area • AHEAD’s main goal - Promote DS knowledge for informed campus engagement on this topic

6. e.g. Veterans • Returning warriors from wars highlight many needs in higher education & employment • AHEAD’s responses & resources • Invited into national conversations • Presentations, trainings, publications on veterans with disabilities and PSE • Veterans SIG recently established • AHEAD Board Member Mary Lee Vance has taken significant lead on these issues, presented at NACADA, published, often with Paul Grossman

7. # 3 – Alt Formats • Accessible instructional materials – here & everywhere • AHEAD’s responses & resources • Active contributor to HEOA language • AIM Commission – chaired by AHEAD member with Executive Director on Commission • Leadership from AHEAD E-Text/IMAG Group led to much of this current work • Advisory role with Access Text Network • Seattle AIM Commission meeting at AHEAD conference –public comment session - PLAN TO PARTICIPATE

8. #4 – Accessible Technology • Kindle, Google Apps, etc. – good sessions here • AHEAD’s responses & resources • Disseminate information – Public Policy group • Equity & Information Technology paperdue out Summer 2011 – will • Educate members on eval, use, acquisition, laws • Give tools for campus discussions on these issues • Suggest best practices, model policies on Electronic and Information Technology for college campuses

9. #5 – International Engagement • Growing population of disabled students from other countries coming to US • Global attention to rights of PWD from United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities • AHEAD’s responses & resources • BOD voted to join other disability organizations in supporting US ratification of CRPD • International portal on AHEAD website • Expanded 2011 conference activities for international attendees & increased international conference focus • Partnering with MIUSA - on NCDE advisory committee

10. #6 - High Stakes Testing • Increasing spotlights on agencies, practices for testing and even state certification • AHEAD’s responses & resources • OMB Task Force – recent input by AHEAD members on issues faced by SWD on GRE, MCAT, LSAT, etc. • Extensive and frequent dissemination of information through AHEAD members listserv • Public Policy Standing Committee – new group for greater focus

11. #7 – BIG D - Documentation • What constitutes “reasonable documentation” these days??? • AHEAD’s responses & resources • Mainly trainings right now following new regs • Reframe focus – from disability itself to functional impacts and need for accommodations • NJCLD - AHEAD reps active with regular input • Unresolved issues – RTI & SOP

12. #8 – Transition/Employment • Federal government increasing attention to transition and employment of PWD, especially post college • AHEAD’s responses & resources • Partnering with DOL and others • Resources for Parents now at AHEAD website • Ally to Career Opportunities for Students with Disabilities – COSD, internship programs, etc. • State affiliate groups very active locally on transition teams, educating K-12 folks on PSE

13. Abstract Challenges • Philosophical in nature • Reflect differing perspectives • Look at purpose

14. #9 – Re-focusing our Lenses • DS perspectives on disability itself • Disability within diversity concept • AHEAD’s responses & resources • Shift from “service” model of DS to “resource” model” – seen in trainings, conference sessions • Specific strategies to increase diversity within AHEAD membership, board and trainings • Standing Committees – multiple lenses will be integral • Special issues of JPED – UD, Veterans, Accessible Design

15. #10 – Organizational Reach • DR/S reach within an institution is ever-evolving and essential to flourish • AHEAD’s reach to do more within the association and within the greater disability community • AHEAD’s responses & resources • Restructure approach – Standing Committees • Teaming for shared responsibilities/goals • Active engagement in national conversations • Increased partner relationships being built with intention

16. #11 – Doing More With Less • True for DR/S offices as well as AHEAD and its Affiliates • AHEAD’s responses and resources • Be current - Trainings that are timely and reasonably priced • e.g. – Title I training on EEOC regs coming up on May 24th – only $59 for members, great way to bring in HR, ADA Coordinator, etc. • Be relevant – Topic-specific training that is member organized e.g. – Community College SIG webinars on comm college topics • Be value added – e.g. Legal database – great resource for members, way to draw in General Counsel folks to your cause and resources • Build Membership for sustainable organization – intentional campaigns to review underrepresented constituency groups for expanded outreach and focus

17. #12 – Advocacy – how, where • Defining our role? As DR/S professionals and as a professional association – are we really advocates, how should we “advocate”?? • AHEAD’s responses & resources • Decisions on advocating case-by-case such as RRC, NFB, HEOA, various amicus brief opportunities • Evolving perspectives on program and professional roles and standards to review DR/S roles on this question • Heck yes, we all advocate in a wide variety of ways all the time!

18. Wrap Up • Questions? • Thank you, thank you! • Jean Ashmore, jean@ahead.org • Scott Bay, mbay21@comcast.net