PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Welcome to the California Association for Postsecondary Education and Disability (CAPED) website. CAPED is the longest lasting association of professionals serving students with disabilities in postsecondary education. The organization was established unofficially as a grassroots effort in 1974 and formally incorporated as a non-profit organization in April, 1975. We became affiliated with the Association for Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) in 2009. Our membership consists of staff, faculty and administrators from colleges, universities, and community agencies dedicated to the provision of equal access to higher education for persons with disabilities. The tremendous breadth of knowledge and experience that exists within our membership enables us to maintain our reputation as a recognized leader in the field of services and instruction for students with disabilities in postsecondary education. The Association is often sought out for input and guidance on issues that affect the state of postsecondary education for individuals with disabilities in California, and beyond.

In spite of our rich history, we are young, energetic and forward-thinking. The CAPED Interest Groups (CIG) are the foundation of the Association. CIGs are composed of CAPED members who have a special interest and/or expertise in the diverse field of postsecondary education for students with disabilities. Our CIGs feature various professional development activities in disability-specific as well as program-specific areas. The CIGs foster ongoing professional development activities and information exchange in their meetings and activities throughout the year. We also have a variety of committees that work on specific projects. For example, the Legislative Committee has worked diligently to amend legislation, advocate for services and funding, and create name recognition for the Association with the legislature.

The annual membership convention/training is the focal point of our professional development activities. The location of the convention/training moves to different communities throughout the state and is held in October of each year. Our 38th annual convention will be held in mid-October, 2013 in Orange County, California. Mark your calendars for October 12-16, 2013 and plan on bringing the entire family to Disneyland. Our convention/training is a member-driven event that is designed to provide opportunities to exchange information and to learn from other experts in the field. We invite you to come and refresh, re-load, and re-energize your professional life, or simply share your best practices and research by becoming part of the CAPED experience.

CAPED is always looking for good people who would like to be involved in our Association. Let me know if I can find an interesting spot for you.

Thanks for your interest in CAPED. We welcome your questions and feedback.

Grace T. Hanson,
President, California Association for Postsecondary Education and Disability
2012-2014