SPIDER Consortium

Advancing Accessibility and Equity in Higher Education through Global Partnerships, Inclusive Research, and Practical Tools

About the Consortium

The SPIDER Consortium (Strategic Partnerships for Inclusive Disability Education and Research) is a global professional practice community dedicated to strengthening access, and equity for disabled students in higher education. Through collaborative research, professional development, and the use of data-driven decision-making, SPIDER empowers institutions to evaluate, reflect on, and improve disability services and student outcomes. Our work is grounded in international frameworks and practical methodologies that support real-world impact.

Team meeting in a conference room

Key Initiatives

Global Partnerships
Global Partnerships

Connect with institutions worldwide to share strategies and improve professional practice.

Professional Research & Resources
Professional Research & Resources

Access high leverage research, professional development, and tools for improvement of daily office practices.

Self-Study Tools
Self-Study Tools

Support offices in conducting meaningful reviews and improvement planning.

Assessment System
Assessment System

Explore office Standards & Guidelines, program improvement planning tools, an array data collection methods, and automated final reporting tools.

Our Team

Joseph Madaus
Joseph Madaus, PhD

(JOE-zuhf muh-DOWS)

Professor, Director

University of Connecticut

Collaborative forPostsecondary Education and Disability

Lyman Dukes
Lyman Dukes, III PhD

(LYE-muhn Dukes)

Professor

University of South Florida

Executive Director

USF UMatter program

Nicholas Gelbar
Nicholas Gelbar, PhD

(NIK-uh-luss GEL-bar)

Associate Research Professor

University of Connecticut

Health Center

Michael Faggella-Luby
Michael Faggella-Luby, PhD

(MY-kull fuh-JEL-uh LOO-bee)

Professor

Texas Christian University

Alice Neeley Special Education

Research & Service Institute

Andrews Institute for Research in Mathematics & Science Education