WIMN AHEAD Preconference DS Challenges AHEAD resources AHEAD

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

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

#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

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

#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

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

# 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

#4 – Accessible Technology �Kindle, Google Apps, etc. – good sessions here �AHEAD’s responses & resources �Disseminate information – Public Policy group �Equity & Information Technology paper due 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

#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

#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

#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

#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

Abstract Challenges �Philosophical in nature �Reflect differing perspectives �Look at purpose

#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

#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

#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 24 th – 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

#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!

Wrap Up �Questions? �Thank you, thank you! �Jean Ashmore, jean@ahead. org �Scott Bay, mbay 21@comcast. net