Virginia Higher Education Accessibility Partners (VHEAP)

Description:

Virginia Higher Education Accessibility Partners, or VHEAP, a member-driven organization was established in 2018 to promote collaboration and partnership between accessibility-focused professionals throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. Looking at accessibility from a holistic perspective, events and resources supported and offered by VHEAP are broad, encouraging collaborative solutions. Our focus is on offering shared opportunities for those who are tasked with improving access to information and communications technology resources, those who focus on the built environment, and those who provide services for Virginians with disabilities. Our membership is comprised of individuals in higher education, public school systems, and executive branch offices reporting to the Governor.

Mission Statement of the Organization

The Virginia Higher Education Accessibility Partners is comprised of professionals within the disability and accessibility fields and directed by an elected Board of Directors. Though focused primarily on higher education, the organization invites participation and membership from all areas within the Commonwealth who work to advance accessibility across all levels of education, and from various state agencies whose mission is to advocate and provide support for individuals with disabilities. The broad mission of VHEAP is to provide guidance and serve an advocacy role to advance greater inclusion and participation of individuals with disabilities in education and employment opportunities throughout the Commonwealth.