AHEAD by Design: Turning access goals into campus realities

Our newly revamped consulting arm allows schools to hire consultants or coaches, or conduct various types of institutional reviews, whether large or small.


Contact AHEAD’s CEO, Stephan Smith, for further information. Schedule a Zoom meeting with Stephan.

1. Mentorship & Professional Coaching

Personalized Guidance for Emerging Leaders in Disability Services

Whether you're new to disability resources, stepping into a director role, or taking on ADA coordination for the first time, our one-on-one coaching offers the support you need to succeed.

Delivered by seasoned professionals from AHEAD’s trusted network, engagements are tailored to your unique challenges and goals.

Available Packages: 6-session ($1,100) or 12-session ($2,000) engagements over 6 months.

2. Retainer Consulting

Flexible Expertise on Demand
 
Secure ongoing access to disability services experts—without the red tape. With our retainer model, institutions purchase a block of consulting hours to use as needed. Whether it's policy guidance, tricky accommodation questions, or leadership support, help is always a call away.
 
Package Options:
 
  • 5 ($900) or 10 hours ($1700)/month
  • 6-month increments (renewable)
 
Note: Unused hours expire at the end of the term—encouraging proactive use.

3. External Consultation Services

Strengthen your institution’s commitment to access and inclusion.
 
AHEAD partners with colleges and universities to deliver comprehensive, expert-led evaluations of disability resource offices and campus-wide accessibility practices. Each consultation is fully customized to your institution’s goals and coordinated on an at-cost basis.
 
Working directly with AHEAD’s Executive Director, your institution is matched with a nationally respected expert who will:
 
  • Conduct a thorough assessment of policies, practices, and services that impact access for individuals with disabilities.
  • Provide strategic insights on applying current best practices and inclusion models in your campus environment.
  • Deliver a detailed report outlining findings, recommendations, and actionable strategies to enhance equity and accessibility.
 
The process includes an initial consultation to define priorities, a structured on-site review, and a comprehensive final report delivered within 6–8 weeks.
 
Partner with AHEAD to advance your institution’s accessibility initiatives and create a more inclusive experience for every member of your campus community.
 
Investment: $10,000 per consultant inclusive of all expenses including travel, lodging, per diem and other related expenses.

4. Tiered / À La Carte Program Reviews

Targeted Reviews for Specific Service Areas
 
When a full program review isn’t feasible, our virtual focused reviews offer a cost-effective alternative. Choose a virtual consultation targeting a specific functional area of concern or interest:
 
  • Housing accommodations
  • Testing & exam proctoring
  • ADA Coordinator responsibilities
  • Assistive/accessible technology operations
 
Ideal for campuses with limited budgets seeking high-impact, data-informed insights.
 
Investment: $3,000 inclusive

5. Post-Program Review Implementation Support

Turn Recommendations into Results
 
If your institution has completed an AHEAD program review, don't stop at the report. This add-on service ensures you move forward with confidence, translating findings into practical improvements that strengthen compliance, operations, and student outcomes.
Available at time of review agreement or purchased separately later.
 
Investment: $195.00 per hour, total cost based on scope of work.

6. Internal Office Streamlining

Do More with the Team You Have
Hiring isn't always the answer. Our virtual streamlining service helps disability resource offices maximize efficiency through smarter processes, better documentation, and strategic staff role clarity.
 
Includes workflow mapping, staff utilization review, and guidance on appropriate technology tools—empowering your office to work smarter, not harder.
 
Investment: $5,000 inclusive

7. Project-Based Consulting

Custom Solutions for Complex Challenges
 
Need help with a specific project or institutional priority? We offer strategic, one-time consulting tailored to your needs. Examples include:
 
  • Policy and procedure reviews
  • Strategic planning for disability services
  • Data-informed decision-making
  • Faculty collaboration strategies
  • Grievance procedure development
  • Decision-making frameworks for accommodations
  • OCR complaint readiness or response
 
Whatever the challenge, our experts provide practical, actionable guidance to move your work forward.
 
Investment: $195.00 per hour, total cost estimate based on scope of work.