Accessibility Technology Specialist

The Office of Accessibility Resources and Services is seeking an Accessibility Technology Specialist. This position will determine eligibility for disability services and coordinates access to accommodations and services for students with disabilities. The Accessibility Technology Specialist will review medical, psychological and technical evaluations of students’ abilities, disabilities and requests for reasonable accommodations. With an understanding of current and pending state and local disability legislations (ADAAA and Section 504), the position develops plans to support access to courses, programs, facilities, services and activities on campus. The Accessibility Support Technology Specialist is responsible for and supports the implementation of assistive technology and the functions of the testing center.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Master’s degree in Special Education, Rehabilitation Counseling, Educational Psychology, or other closely related field required along with prior experience providing support for students or adults with disabilities in a higher educational setting required.

Experience and Training

3 or more years of experience working in a support services setting in higher education.
Experience reading and interpreting psychological/medical/documentation to determine appropriate accommodations.
Training and experience in use and application of technology relevant to accessibility support

Knowledge, Skills, Ability

In-depth knowledge of requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disability Act Amended Act, FERPA, IDEA, and other relevant laws.
Computer skills, program applications, assistive technology, communication skills, organization skills, and other administrative functions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Stay apprised of national, state, and local disability legislation and issues, assisting students in understanding their disabilities and legal rights and responsibilities.
Evaluate and/or assist in the evaluation of diagnostic disability documentation commensurate to academic preparation; communicate with diagnosing professionals, as needed. Evaluate files and accommodation needs for students working with OARS and support the student in the accommodation process.
Coordinate, approve, and/or provide support for current undergraduate and graduate students with learning, physical, or psychological disabilities.
Maintain confidential files and reports on each student applying for and/or receiving disability support.
Consult with and/or provide advocacy correspondence and communication to faculty, staff, and administrators as necessary to ensure appropriate accommodations are made available and to ensure equal access to all institutional programs and services.
Coordinate testing accommodations with faculty and the Accessibility Resources and Service staff for all accessible testing concerns. Maintain academic integrity of testing center and maintain Honor Code. This position oversees the reporting of honor code violations, securing evidence of violations, notifying faculty, students and Student Conduct when an honor code violation occurs.
Work with publishers and faculty to secure alternative formats as needed and generate files to allow for the accessible option best suited to each student and the office. This includes textbooks, video, assigned reading and communication. This also includes requests from quests to campus and other campus community members.

Provide technological support for various technologies as needed such as Kurzweil, Sonocent, Dragon Naturally Speaking, Jaws, Zoom Text, Live Scribe, etc. Develop new, and maintain existing, assistive technology for students, faculty, staff and campus visitors.
Conduct data tracking activities; generate reports, work in Datatel, Care Alert and other data systems as needed.
Website design with continued responsibility to create, maintain and oversee all OARS website content. This position is responsible to oversee HPU’s move toward the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WAG) standard. Maintain section 508 standards relating to digit access.
Work with housing and residence life offices to find and secure assistive technology for students with disabilities in residence. Maintain knowledge of current and ongoing technological advances.
Other duties as assigned and appropriate to the position and service to the University with the ability to operate independently to complete all assigned tasks.

ACCOUNTABILITY

Reports to the Executive Director of Counseling Services, supervised by the Director of Accessibility Resources and Services within the Office of Student Life.

For more information regarding this position, please contact Rebecca Berger, rberger@highpoint.edu.