Technology Specialist for Accessibility & Compliance

The Technology Specialist for Accessibility and Compliance position plays a key role in advancing the District's commitment to digital accessibility. This position is part of the Online Learning Center team and supports faculty in developing and delivering quality instruction that is equitable and accessible. This position facilitates training on accessible course content, provides individual and group consultations with faculty, and supports a range of projects including distance education certification training, online course alignment with the California Virtual College (CVC) Course Design Rubric, and the District's Zero Textbook Cost initiative. The services provided by the Technology Specialist for Accessibility and Compliance play an essential role in the District's progression toward the milestones outlined in the Accessibility Capability Maturity Model.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under the direction of the Chief Information Systems Officer, perform a variety of specialized duties involved in identifying and recommending potential solutions for accessibility barriers based on the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guideline (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA standards as well as compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 508, and other accessibility related laws for Electronic and Information Technology (EIT); work in collaboration with faculty and staff to ensure compliance with applicable standards, practices, guidelines, and laws; and provide expertise and guidance to faculty and staff in assistive technology and national accessibility standards, practices, and guidelines.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

1. Provide advice on the development and implementation of processes to meet institutional compliance with laws, regulations, and established technical standards related to access technology, including but not limited to, Section 508, W3C WCAG 2.0 Level AA standards, and ADA.
2. Audit online, hybrid, and web-enhanced courses for compliance with accessibility laws and regulations such as Section 508 and WCAG 2.0 Level AA accessibility standards; make recommendations for compliance.
3. Audit Publisher and other propriety websites and materials for compliance with accessibility standards as established in laws and regulations such as Section 508 and WCAG 2.0 Level AA; make recommendations to ensure compliance with these and related laws, regulations and standards.
4. Review new Distance Education (DE) course proposals for accessibility and compliance with Section 508 and related laws and regulations; provide originating instructors with a checklist and resources to bring course into compliance.
5. Design templates that meet accessibility standards.
6. Develop and offer educational opportunities for faculty and staff in the use of universal design and accessibility techniques.
7. Serve as primary contact person for faculty and staff regarding questions related to institutional EIT and accessibility of DE and web-enhanced course content.
8. Provide training, resources, and support to faculty and staff to ensure websites and webpages meet accessibility compliance standards.
9. Review and test third-party electronic and information technology Voluntary Productivity Accessibility Template (VPAT) for accessibility compliance including Publisher websites requiring an access code.
10. Assist in performing research and development with new technology that may be suitable for implementation within the District; participate in all aspects of implementation including developing and providing training.