Digital Accessibility Specialist
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs, CO,US
The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is a premier educational institution that prides itself on academic excellence, research, and community engagement and is actively seeking a Digital Accessibility Specialist to join our team! UCCS offers a diverse and inclusive learning environment that fosters innovation, growth, and the holistic development of its students. The work location for this position is on-site. This position is exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime provisions.
At the base of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is captivated by its stunning landscapes, making it a paradise for nature lovers. This city is more than its scenery—a mosaic of history, arts, and a vibrant tech scene. We invite you to join a community that cherishes outdoor adventure as much as forward-thinking growth, an exceptional setting for both career and lifestyle.
Salary Range: $45,602 - $58,841 annually. Compensation will be commensurate upon experience and qualifications.
Benefits at a Glance
At UCCS, our employees are our most valued asset. We're proud to offer:
Generous Time Off: Enjoy 22 vacation days, 10 sick days, paid parental leave, 13 recognized holidays, and provisions for bereavement, jury duty, and FAMLI Leave.
Robust Health Coverage: Our comprehensive medical plans cover preventative care at no cost, including a yearly mental health visit. Plus, benefit from affordable dental, vision plans, and competitive prescription drug prices.
Financial & Retirement Benefits: Take advantage of our health savings, flexible spending accounts, and life and disability insurance. Plan for your future with our retirement options.
Further Your Education: Avail nine waived credits per academic year for courses at any CU campus. We invest in your educational and professional growth.
Wellness & More: From wellness programs aimed at achieving your best self to various additional benefits through CU Advantage, we prioritize well-being and holistic development.
Want to know your total compensation? Use our calculator to get the complete picture!
Summary
The Digital Accessibility Specialist assists with the accessibility review process for digital materials utilized by the University and collaborates with other campus organizations, including but not limited to the Office of Disability Services and UCCS Online to review course content and provide guidance for digital accessibility compliance. This position consults with and trains faculty on how to create accessibility compliant course materials, provides guidance and support to faculty by determining best tools, information, resources, and training to resolve technical and instructional accessibility barriers using the for the development and support of accessible digital academic materials, staff and faculty training and development targeted to online education.
Essential Functions
The duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:
Directs and trains Faculty Resource Center student employees to assist in digital accessibility compliance of Canvas courses.
Identifies challenges and barriers that students with disabilities (visual, auditory, physical, and cognitive) often experience in the online course environment, provides recommendations for course design and delivery, and provides an action plan to make improvements and ensure ADA compliance.
Evaluates the accessibility of instructional technology devices and software and makes recommendations concerning digital accessibility compliance.
Designs and supervises production of accessible learning resources in a variety of formats.
Provides technical assistance to faculty in creation or remediation of course materials for accessibility compliance including video captioning.
Advises and assists faculty and staff in learning management system(s) and other technology to create content that works well with assistive technology and understands how to work inside the learning management system to create accessibility compliant course materials.
Collaborates with faculty, subject matter experts (SMEs), training coordinators and audiences on addressing accessibility instructional design issues and needs utilizing UDL principles for optimal design of curriculum and instruction, and effective uses of multimedia.
Works in conjunction with collegiate departments and offices including the Office of Disability Services and UCCS Online to review faculty course content for accessibility.
Develops guidelines and principles to create accessible digital materials for learners and informative how-to articles on mediums to educate faculty about available tools, information, and resources toresolve technical accessibility barriers to be available through different University communication media such as the Faculty Resource Center's website.
Maintains database that tracks course reviews and progress towards accessibility for all online and hybrid courses.
Develops training materials and presents workshops to educate instructors on accessibility solutions to provide instructional content in the most accessible formats.
Builds departmental support for accessibility advocacy through presentations and consultations on accessibility-related topics.
Develops reports to monitor and assess University or departmental accessibility efforts.
Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses as directed by the Director of the Faculty Resource Center and the Office of Disability Services.
Attends annual conferences related to accessibility initiatives to stay abreast of current accessibility best practices.
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.
Bachelor's degree in a related professional field.
International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) Certification (e.g., CPACC, WAS, CPWA, and CPABE).
Experience in federal and state policies impacting the provision of services to individuals with disabilities is required.
2 years of professional experience in a field related to the essential functions.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master's degree in Instructional Design, Instructional Technology, Disability Studies, Special Education, or a related professional field is preferred.
Experience applying fundamentals and techniques of creating and producing accessible web pages, online forms, and digital media; development, assessment, and remediation of accessible web pages; accessibility testing tools or combination thereof.
HTML proficiency and familiarity with content management systems is preferred.
Proficiency with screen readers and other current assistive technologies is preferred.
Experience training individuals with and without technical backgrounds is preferred.
Physical Requirements:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit. Employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. Tasks may involve looking at computer screen continuously for long periods of time, talking within normal range. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
Tentative Search Timeline:
Priority will be given to applications submitted by 05/03/2024 however, this position is open until filled.
The potential employee start date is 05/13/2024.
UCCS is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
In accordance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, UCCS does not discriminate based on sex in our employment or compensation practices.
UCCS is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify our office at hrhelp@uccs.edu.
Special Instructions to Applicants: Priority will be given to applications submitted by 05/03/2024 however, this position is open until filled. Applications submitted through email or surface mail will not be considered. Please apply at cu.edu/cu-careers (job #: 33337). Official transcripts will be required upon hire. Upon request, please be prepared to provide five professional references (at least two previous/current supervisors), including their email contact information. If you have technical difficulties with your application, please contact the CU Careers help desk at 303-860-4200 #5 or cucareershelp@cu.edu. Job related inquiries should be directed to the posting contact. Application Materials Required: Cover Letter, Resume/CV Application Materials Instructions: Please identify the job specific minimum qualifications you possess in your cover letter and be sure your resume includes any and all relevant experience to be accurately assessed against the qualifications listed in the posting. To apply, please submit the following application materials to this posting. 1. A current resume. Must include date ranges to include month and year (mm/yyyy) and whether the position was full time or part time. 2. A cover letter that specifically addresses the job requirements and outlines qualifications. When submitting the materials, check the Job Specific Attachments box next to each document in order for the search committee members to see your materials.
Job Category: Academic Services
Primary Location: Colorado Springs Department: C0001 -- Colorado Springs Campus - 40228 - AA-Faculty Resource Center
Schedule: Full-time
Posting Date: Apr 24, 2024
Unposting Date: Ongoing Posting Contact Name: David Anderson Posting Contact Email: danderso@uccs.edu Position Number: 00460111
Salary Range: $45000 - $58000