AHEAD

AHEAD is an independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to creating inclusive and empowering environments for disabled people within tertiary education and the workplace. By collaborating directly with students, graduates and employers, AHEAD shapes policies and practices that remove barriers and promote equal opportunity across further education, higher education and graduate employment.

The organisation offers a range of specialist services, including research into disabled postgraduate experiences, the development of universal design for learning (UDL) and universal design (UD) digital badges-over 4,000 of which have been awarded in partnership with University College Dublin and the National Forum-and targeted support programmes that have helped more than 700 disabled graduates secure employment. AHEAD also provides a responsive information service, inviting queries on disability in third-level education or employment and aiming to reply within three working days. Through its advocacy, training workshops and strategic policy submissions, AHEAD continues to influence national discussions and drive lasting change for disabled learners and professionals.