AHEAD 2026 – The 49th Annual Conference

logo for AHEAD's annual conference


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!

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.

Quick Links

Registration and Costs

Below are the 2026 Registration costs, for your budgeting purposes.

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

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

REGISTRATION WILL OPEN MID-MARCH

Host Hotels for AHEAD 2026 in Providence, Rhode Island

Nightscape view of Providence, Rhode Island

All conference activities will take place at the Rhode Island Convention Center (RICC).  Room blocks will open for reservations on March 16, 2026.

Host Hotels for AHEAD 2026 in Providence, Rhode Island

Headquarters Hotel

Omni Providence Hotel 
(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

Other Convenient Hotels in the AHEAD Room Block

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
 
Hilton Providence Hotel
(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
**Please note the Starbucks located under the hotel is not accessible, accessible coffee available in the hotel restaurant.**
 
Courtyard Providence Downtown 
(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

 

Conference Health and 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. 

Requesting Accommodations for the Conference

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.