The Nisonger Center at Ohio State University is collaborating with national partners and select urban, suburban, and rural colleges and universities to develop, pilot and disseminate Faculty and Administrator Modules in Higher Education (FAME) that are designed to improve the quality of education for students with disabilities.

Nationwide institutions of higher education such as West Chester University, George Washington University, and Lansing Community College in conjunction with national organizations such as the Association for Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD), the HEATH Resource Center at George Washington University, the Center for Applied Special Technologies (CAST), and the National Center for the Study of Postsecondary Supports (NCSPS) have agreed to partner with Ohio State to develop universally-designed modules that reflect state-of-the-art technologies and content for faculty, administrators, and students.

Specifically, this project will accomplish the following goals:

1. Expand partnerships among national organizations (AHEAD, HEATH, CAST & NCSPS), state organizations and select colleges to develop FAME that equip faculty and administrators with the skills and supports necessary to provide a quality education for students with disabilities.

2. Synthesize emerging and exemplary strategies, technologies, services and supports that improve the performance and retention rates of students with disabilities.

3. Pilot Faculty and Administrator Modules that assist administrators and faculty to implement program improvement efforts that are responsive to faculty needs and delivered through their preferred venues, whether it be on-line, in person, and/or through small groups.

4. Deliver widespread professional development activities for faculty and administrators through on-line and/or in-person campus faculty training programs, state and national conferences.

5. Document and evaluate grant activities including the Faculty and Administrator Modules through measures of satisfaction and improved academic performance.

6. Disseminate effective teaching methods, strategies and materials that improve the quality of education for students with disabilities through distance learning networks, regional conferences, and national partners.

This project represents a rich partnership of national organizations and diverse colleges and universities to develop, pilot, and disseminate products and strategies that improve the quality of education for students with disabilities.