When you think of honor societies at the college level, you can probably name one for each academic subject. And as far as Greek organizations go, we assume these are associations that embrace a specific group, whether they are affiliated ethnically, academically, or religiously. But when it comes to recognizing students with disabilities, many educators draw a blank.

In the summer of 2006, Delta Alpha Pi was nationally recognized at the Association of Higher Education and Disability’s (AHEAD) annual conference as the first honor society for post-secondary students with disabilities. Delta Alpha Pi was founded in 2004 by Dr. Edith Miller and Dr. Julianne Albiero-Walton of East Stroudsburg University (ESU) of Pennsylvania. As of September of 2008, the honor society has 24 active chapters, memberships ranging from small, private colleges to larger, public universities, all of which are scattered around the country.

Their mission is simple: to offer students the opportunity to be acknowledged for their academic accomplishments while advocating their rights as students with disabilities. The Greek letters Delta, Alpha, and Pi were not selected at random. Each Greek letter represents a significant role of the honor society.

  • Delta stands for disability and is also the symbol for strength. Many of the honorees demonstrate their strength by serving as mentors and role models for other students with disabilities.
  • Alpha stands for achievement and advocacy. Honor students are committed to academic achievement and advocating for the rights of students with disabilities.
  • Pi signifies pride, not just within their college career, but also in society as a whole. Members of Delta Alpha Pi Honor Society partake in activities designed specifically to educate the community on disability services and the need to apply the principles of universal design in learning.


To be inducted, members must be registered with disability services, demonstrate a concern for people with disabilities, complete a minimum of 24 credits, and earn an overall GPA of 3.10. The honor society is open to both undergraduate and graduate students. Graduate students, however, must complete 18 credits and earn a GPA of 3.30.
 
As director of Disability Services, Dr. Miller has been assisting students with disabilities at ESU since 1987. Working with her colleague and good friend Dr. Walton (a disability specialist), Dr. Miller has continued to raise awareness for students with disabilities; the two educators have gained recognition among disability providers nationwide.

This past summer at the AHEAD conference held in Reno, Nevada, the two advisors, along with two Delta Alpha Pi honor students, presented material on the honor society and its mentor program. With the conference being such a success, Delta Alpha Pi gained the interest of many prospective schools and was able to make some additions to their active chapter list. “I am devoting much time to Delta Alpha Pi Honor Society to increase membership and establish it as an international honorary. In the future, I hope to be able to establish a scholarship for a member of Delta Alpha Pi at ESU,” she said, eagerly sharing the message of the Society with her fellow educators.

Picture:
From left, Dr. Edith Miller, Kim Ruoff, Laura Strasle, and Dr. Julianne Albiero-Walton at the AHEAD Conference in 2008 in Reno, Nevada.