Accessibility Specialist

The Accessibility Specialist will work in partnership with the Director and other members of the Office of University Programs and Policy (OUPP) to implement and advance NYU’s commitment to digital accessibility across the university. This role involves technical expertise, policy interpretation, and collaborative problem-solving to ensure digital content and platforms are accessible to all users, particularly those with disabilities.

Responsibilities:

* **Digital Accessibility Compliance:**
* Monitor and assess the accessibility of university websites, applications, and digital content against established accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG 2.1 AA).
* Conduct accessibility audits and provide actionable recommendations for remediation.
* Stay current with federal, state, and institutional accessibility policies and legal requirements (e.g., Section 508, ADA, NYS NOTA).
* **Technical Support and Training:**
* Provide guidance and support to university staff, faculty, and students on creating accessible digital content (e.g., documents, presentations, videos).
* Develop and deliver training materials and workshops on digital accessibility best practices.
* Assist in the evaluation and selection of accessible technologies and tools.
* **Policy Development and Implementation:**
* Contribute to the development and refinement of university-wide digital accessibility policies and guidelines.
* Assist in the implementation and enforcement of these policies.
* Collaborate with IT departments, academic units, and other stakeholders to integrate accessibility into procurement, development, and content creation processes.
* **User Support and Issue Resolution:**
* Respond to inquiries and concerns regarding digital accessibility.
* Investigate and help resolve accessibility issues reported by users.
* Maintain documentation and records related to accessibility efforts.
* **Collaboration and Outreach:**
* Work closely with the Office of Equal Opportunity, Disability Services, IT, Communications, and other relevant departments.
* Promote a culture of accessibility awareness and inclusion throughout the university.

Qualifications:

* Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Human-Computer Interaction, Education Technology, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
* A minimum of 3 years of experience in digital accessibility, web accessibility, or assistive technology.
* Strong understanding of accessibility standards, guidelines, and best practices, including WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508.
* Proficiency with accessibility evaluation tools (e.g., WAVE, axe, Lighthouse) and assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers).
* Familiarity with web content management systems (CMS) and common web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript).
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to diverse audiences.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
* Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively.
* Experience in higher education or a large, complex organization is a plus.
* Certification from IAAP (e.g., CPACC, WAS) is a plus.