Accessibility Services Director

Job Description/Summary

The Accessibility Services Director (ASD) at Sonoran University is responsible for providing essential services to both online and on-campus students with disabilities and temporary medical conditions, ensuring equitable access to academic courses and university activities.


As a leader within the Dean of Students Office, the Accessibility Services Director (ASD) serves as the University's subject matter expert on accessibility, guiding the strategic delivery of disability services with professionalism, initiative, and regulatory compliance (ADA, ADAAA, Section 504, etc.) expertise. The ASD collaborates daily with faculty, academic leadership, Student Affairs, and the University Library Testing Center to implement accommodations such as classroom and testing modifications, assistive technologies, and other access supports. This role also leads complex projects that enhance student access and may oversee related budgets. The Director is expected to champion inclusive practices, ensure institutional compliance, and drive operational excellence across the University.


The successful candidate must maintain a positive and inclusive work environment by fostering cooperation and strong working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and administrators. They must serve students with empathy and transparency, promoting a culture of respect, accountability, and student-centered support across the institution.


The ASA supports or directly responsible for the following:

Development and Compliance

Development and Implementation: Create and enforce disability policies, procedures, and programs for students with disabilities.
Compliance Evaluation: Monitor compliance with ADA, ADAAA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and related regulations. Advise Dean of Students on compliance matters and manage associated risks for the university.
Documentation Handling: Receive and handle medical documentation needed to evaluate requests for reasonable accommodations under ADA and in accordance with university policies.
Student Support and Services

Student Support: Assist students in resolving disability-related issues that may be a barrier to academic success; refer students to appropriate campus and community resources; act as a campus-wide resource for disability-related information, activities, and planning.
Accommodation Management: Plan and implement reasonable accommodations for students, including managing ADA accommodation plans.
Intake and Advising: Conduct intake interviews, advise, and orient students on accessing appropriate disability services and accommodations. As well as provide academic pre-advising to prospective and current students with disabilities.
Communication: Communicate student ADA plans to students and faculty.
Assistive Technologies: Demonstrate a variety of assistive technologies to qualifying students and provide foundational instruction on their use.
Assistance Animal Guidelines: Establish and maintain clear guidelines for students qualifying for assistance animals and service animals in accordance with state and federal law.
Grievance Resolution: Assist in research and resolution of student grievances related to ADA.
Intervention and Support: Proactively and reactively assist students or faculty members with any aspect of the accommodation process; provide resource information and advice to faculty working with students with disabilities; negotiate alternative resolutions to unusual situations related to disability issues.
Administration and Collaboration

Record Maintenance: Maintain case files and confidential student records in accordance with FERPA and university policies.
Data Management: Manage all ADA student data, Accessibility Office software (Accommodate), and reporting.
Technical Support: Provide technical support for students, faculty and administration on the use of the Accommodate platform to access/utilize accommodation information.
Collaboration with Testing Center: Collaborate with the Sonoran University Testing Center to schedule and communicate test information, assist with proctoring and administering tests for students with accommodations, and be on campus on all days when testing with accommodations is scheduled.
Reporting and Program Evaluation: Regularly advise and update the Dean of Students on current business in the Accommodation Office. Evaluate support programs and activities for ADA students and recommend improvements to enhance services.
Operational Procedures: Follow department operating procedures, actively participate in collaborative environments, and work cross-departmentally and beyond the normal scope of practice when necessary.


Experience Required

2-3 years of experience in a role involving accommodations for individuals with disabilities, preferably students in higher education.

2-3 years of experience analyzing and researching data, with the ability to form data-based recommendations for improvement and growth.

2-3 years of experience using Microsoft Outlook, Calendar, and Teams.

Strong working knowledge of relevant state and federal laws associated with accommodations in higher education.

Demonstrated commitment to reducing discrimination against students with disabilities and enhancing systems that support equity and inclusion.

Highly organized, able to meet deadlines, detail-oriented, and capable of working in a fast-paced, changing environment.

Proven success in effectively communicating and collaborating with individuals from diverse backgrounds and viewpoints, ensuring collaborative engagement and positive outcomes.

Desired Qualifications

Knowledge of psycho-educational test instruments and current clinical and research-based understanding of disabilities (e.g., learning disabilities, ADHD, physical disabilities, sensory impairments, autism spectrum, psychological conditions, chronic medical conditions, traumatic brain injury, etc.).

One or more years of experience using Accommodate software.

Education Requirements

Minimum Education /Certifications


Bachelor’s degree in social services, public administration, or a related field.


Desired Education /Certifications


Master’s degree in social services or public administration

Any combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities will be considered.

Working Environment

Activities are performed in an environmentally controlled office setting, subject to extensive periods of sitting, keyboarding, and manipulating a computer mouse. The position is student-facing and involves both in-person and online meetings, as well as presentations to university administration, faculty, and students. It requires standing for varying lengths of time and walking moderate distances to perform work. Regular activities necessitate the ability to quickly change priorities, including the resolution of conflicts. Effective communication is essential for performing these functions. The position will require a minimum of three days a week on campus, and during testing weeks and campus events, in-person attendance will be required for the full week.


Background/Screening

All candidates offered a position at SONORAN UNIVERSITY undergo a background and drug screen prior to hire. All employees must show documentation of vaccinations or provide titer results for measles prior to first day of work (unless religious or medical exemption is on file). Employment is contingent upon satisfactory outcome of all screens required of this position.


SONORAN UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.


SONORAN UNIVERSITY is a smoke free campus.


Inclusive Excellence is the standard set by an organization to intentionally integrate diversity, inclusion, and equity into its organizational pursuit of excellence.


About Sonoran University:

Sonoran University of Health Sciences is a non-profit and internationally recognized higher education institution dedicated to shaping a healthier future. Guided by our mission to support students as they train to excel as healthcare professionals, enhance the health and wellbeing of our patients and communities, and discover effective treatments grounded in the healing power of nature. We uphold our core values: We shape the future, we love, we achieve excellence, we are resilient, and we do the right thing.

The University’s College of Naturopathic Medicine, College of Nutrition, and School of Mental Health offer evidence-based programs designed to shape a healthier tomorrow by preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.

To serve the University’s mission, the Sage Foundation for Health supports several Community Clinics focused on providing free naturopathic medical care to local underserved communities within the Phoenix Metro area. The College of Nutrition’s Virtual Center for Personalized Nutrition aims to eliminate traditional barriers to nutritional care by providing personalized and evidence-based care delivered at no cost via telehealth.

The Ric Scalzo Institute for Botanical Research is a state-of-the-art molecular biology/phytochemistry laboratory seeks to improve therapies for global health concerns by exploring traditional medicine at the cellular, molecular, and cultural level to create novel botanical solutions that support people, plants, and planet.

The University’s Clinical Care branch operates two open-to-the-public clinics at the Tempe Campus. The Medical Center provides naturopathic healthcare for a wide range of patients including but not limited to; family medicine, nutrition and digestive health, mental health and well-being, dermatologic conditions, endocrine and auto-immune concerns, and acute symptoms. The Neil Riordan Center for Regenerative Medicine focuses on non-opioid solutions to pain and pain management utilizing treatments ranging from cupping and acupuncture to regenerative injection therapies. The Medicinary is the largest natural pharmacy in Arizona, offering an expansive collection of the highest quality, professional-grade supplements, herbs, and natural health products. Every purchase made at the Medicinary helps support the Sage Foundation and its mission to provide free healthcare to those in need.


Nurture your knowledge, visit sonoran.edu


Benefits:


At Sonoran University, we achieve excellence and shape the future by fostering a workplace where you can thrive and grow!

Our benefits go above and beyond to support your health, happiness, and lifestyle.
Qualifying employees enjoy comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, vacation time, 12 paid holidays, a 401(k) plan with a discretionary match, and employer-sponsored life, AD&D, and long-term disability coverage.
Every team member benefits from paid sick time, access to Aflac, and exclusive perks like free office visits at our Medical Center and Neil Riordan Center, plus discounts at the largest medicinary in the Southwest — with shipping available!
Enjoy delicious savings at Early Bird Vegan, our onsite café, or unwind in our fully equipped employee breakroom with a full kitchen, coffee, and new snacks every month.


Prioritize your wellness with free personalized nutritional care, a yoga studio, a fitness center, and covered parking.
Explore a wealth of knowledge in our library, rock your Sonoran pride on Casual Wednesdays, and be celebrated through Bonusly, our employee recognition program packed with gift cards and prizes.
Want more? Access exclusive deals on attractions, shows, shopping, and more through Tickets At Work and LifeMart.
With a flexible hybrid work environment and an inspiring culture, Sonoran University is where passion and purpose meet to create a workplace like no other!