2026 AHEAD Conference

AHEAD Conference logo July 20 - July 24, Providence RI

The 49th Conference of the
Association on Higher Education And Disability (AHEAD)

AHEAD is excited to announce its 49th annual conference, as an in-person professional development and networking event. Presenters and participants from diverse fields, including education, technology, law, scholarship, and government, will gather in Providence, RI in July, and we hope to see you there!

Register Now

President's Welcome

Katy Washington

by Katy Washington, J.D., Ph.D., AHEAD President

On behalf of the AHEAD Board of Directors and staff, it is a pleasure to welcome you to Providence for the 2026 AHEAD 49th Annual Conference. Each year, this gathering offers us a rare moment to pause, take stock of where our field is headed, and learn from one another in ways that strengthen our collective impact. Providence—rich in history, creativity, and community—provides a fitting setting for conversations about the future of disability inclusion in higher education.
 
This year’s conference reflects the breadth and depth of our profession. You will find sessions that challenge long‑held assumptions, workshops that sharpen day‑to‑day practice, and opportunities to explore emerging issues shaping accessibility work on our campuses. Just as important, you will find space to connect with colleagues who understand the complexity, urgency, and purpose of this work.
 
For those joining us for the first time, we are glad you are here. I hope you feel welcomed into a community that values curiosity, collaboration, and shared learning. For returning attendees, I hope this week offers a chance to reconnect, to mentor, and to rediscover the sense of mission that brought you to this profession.
 
Thank you for your continued support of AHEAD and for the dedication you bring to your campuses every day. Your commitment strengthens our profession and fuels our collective mission to advance equity and access in higher education. We are honored to learn and celebrate with you.  
 
We look forward to a meaningful and energizing week with you in Providence.

Nightscape view of Providence, Rhode Island

Conference Hotel Information

Hotel reservation blocks will remain open until June 26th, 2026 or until filled.  We recommend making your reservation as soon as possible as the room blocks traditionally fill quickly.

AHEAD expanded its hotel blocks as much as the hotels would allow, but they still sold out on peak nights.
 
Please use the following link to locate alternative housing options in Providence for the conference.

All conference activities will take place at the Rhode Island Convention Center (RICC). 

Headquarters Hotel

Omni Providence Hotel - SOLD OUT on select evenings

  • Connected to the RICC via skywalk on the second floor
  • One West Exchange Street, Providence, RI  02903
  • Group Rate:  $229.00 + tax for single or double occupancy
  • A credit card and one night's down payment are required to reserve a room. Reservations can be cancelled, and the reservation fee refunded, up to 72 hours in advance of your reservation date. See your reservation for details.

Make Your Omni Reservation

Other Convenient Hotels in the AHEAD Room Block

SOLD OUT - The Graduate by Hilton Providence 

  • 4 minutes/2 blocks from RICC, level terrain
  • 11 Dorrence Street, Providence, RI 02903
  • Group Rate:  $199.00 + tax for single or double occupancy
  • A credit card is required to book your stay. No deposit required. Cancellation without penalty up to July 15, 2026. See your reservation for details.
  • GROUP RESERVATION CODE:  AEEA
  • PHONE:  Guests can call a Hotel Reservations Agent directly at 401-421-0700 and choose Option 1, open seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day, and use your group code or event name when speaking with the reservations agent.

Make Your Graduate by Hilton Reservation

Hilton Providence Hotel - SOLD OUT on select evenings.

  • 3 minutes/1.5 blocks from RICC, slight incline between RICC and hotel)
  • 21 Atwells Ave., Providence, RI 02903
  • Group Rate:  $225.00 + tax for single or double occupancy
  • A credit card is required to book your stay. No deposit required. Cancellation without penalty up to July 14, 2026. See your reservation for details.
  • **Please note the Starbucks located under the hotel is not accessible, accessible coffee available in the hotel restaurant.** 

Make Your Hilton Providence Reservation

Courtyard Providence Downtown - SOLD OUT on select evenings

  • 4 minutes/2 blocks from RICC, significant slope on the hotel driveway, may not be optimal for guests with difficulty traversing an incline.
  • 32 Exchange Terrace, Providence, RI 02903
  • Group Rate: $224.00 + tax for single or double occupancy
  • A credit card is required to book your stay. No deposit required. Cancellation without penalty up to 48 hours before your reservation date. See your reservation for details.

Make Your Courtyard Providence Downtown Reservation

Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel - SOLD OUT on select evenings

  • 10 minutes/5-6 blocks from RICC.  Route of travel includes a significant slope that may not be suitable for some.
  • 5 Ave of the Arts, Providence, RI 02903
  • Group rate: $269.00 + tax for single or double occupancy
  • Hotel may require one night’s deposit in addition to a major credit card for reservation.

Make Your Renaissance Providence Downtown Reservation

Registration & Costs

Main Conference, Wednesday - Friday

Registration Date AHEAD Members Non-Members
On or before Friday, May 29, 2026 $795 $950
After May 29, 2026 $995 $1150
    • Main Conference Daily registration (regardless of member status or timing): $395/day 
    • Students enrolled full time and emeritus members always register for the Main Conference at the low price of $425

Requests for refunds can only be provided for cancellations received in writing on or before May 29, 2026. A $125 administrative fee will be charged for cancellations made on or before May 29, 2026. Between June 1 and June 30, 2026, an administrative fee of $195 will be charged. We regret that no refunds can be issued after June 30, 2026 for any reason; however, registration can be transferred to another attendee from the same institution.  If the conference has to be cancelled or postponed, full refunds will be offered regardless of timing.

Pre-Conferences, Monday - Tuesday

Prior to the main conference, AHEAD offers in-depth sessions on topics of particular interest, priced the same for members and non-members:

Registration Date Half day One-day Two-day
On or before Friday, May 29, 2026 $100 $200 $395
After May 29, 2026 $125 $250 $495

REGISTER ONLINE

AHEAD does not authorize outside vendors to conduct professional video, streaming, or photography without express permission from AHEAD's leadership. 

Quick Links

Conference Home Page

Virtual Conference Info

Registration Information

Planning Resources

Conference Program

Networking Events & Highlights

Exhibitor Information

Curious what the Conference is like?
Check out this short video!

Requesting Accommodations

Requests for accommodations during Conference events should be made in the registration portal at the time you register for the conference. The last day to request accommodations there is June 15. If you register for the Conference after that date, please email Stephan Smith at stephan@ahead.org. Requests for hotel accommodations should be made directly with the hotel.

Health & Safety Policy

AHEAD encourages all attendees to consistently take infection control measures such as thoroughly washing hands and containing coughs and sneezes. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, please consider other attendees' health and safety: test yourself for COVID, mask to avoid spreading germs, and avoid attending events in person until at least 24 hours after your fever subsides. 

Ready to Register?

Online registration is available to get you to Providence and with your AHEAD colleagues.

Register Now