Classification Description

TITLE: Accessibility Specialist

CLASS: Academic Professional

EXEMPT STATUS: Exempt

LEVEL: 5

NATURE AND SCOPE OF WORK

Under the direction of the Disability Services Director, plans and facilitates the implementation of appropriate accommodations, auxiliary aids and support services for students with disabilities. Interprets and ensures compliance with local, state and federal laws as they apply to disability and post-secondary educational environments. Functions as a resource for staff and faculty throughout the college by providing technical assistance and guidance on how to accommodate and ensure equal access for students. 

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES (Includes some or all of the following)

1. Plan and facilitate implementation of accommodation, auxiliary aids and support services for students who experience disabilities. Conduct intake interviews, advise and orient students on accessing appropriate support services. Analyze disability documentation including psychometric testing, medical documentation, psychological assessments, self-reports and/or other relevant information to determine eligibility for appropriate and reasonable academic accommodations.
2. Review and provide notification of individualized adjustments for students that include but are not limited to, testing accommodations, communication access techniques, note-taking approaches, use of alternative formats for print and multimedia, and use of assistive technologies.

3. Support students in resolving disability related issues that may be a barrier to academic success.  Refer student to appropriate campus and community support services. 

4. Develop and present workshops and seminars to teach students how to learn more efficiently by using appropriate auxiliary aids and assistive technology aimed at strengthening individualized student learning.

5. Provide academic support and course recommendations for students not meeting college standards for academic progress.  Consult with and/or refer students to academic advising staff as needed for Satisfactory Academic Progress learning contracts.

6. Facilitate transition of high school students with disabilities to the college environment.

7. Provide liaison services and awareness building activities for faculty, staff, and administration including developing and conducting seminars.  Communicate with Behavioral Intervention Teams (BIT), Public Safety, and Administration regarding students of concern.

8. Maintain case files and confidential student records in accordance with Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and college policy.  Interpret and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws as they apply to disability and post-secondary educational environments.

9. Collect data to evaluate and measure the success of disability programs.  Develop retention strategies for students with disabilities. Review and evaluate assistive technologies and continually research learning alternatives for students.

10. Oversee the work of student workers and interns.

11. Perform other related duties as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in an office environment. Occasional evening and weekend hours required. Incumbents may travel to businesses or college fairs requiring the use of a personal vehicle.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Minimal physical effort is required.  Learned physical skill is required to perform keyboarding.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in Education, Rehabilitation, or related field. Relevant experience may substitute for the degree requirement on a year for year basis.

Demonstrated experience evaluating disability documentation, including psycho educational, psychological and medical evaluations; assessing medical and technical evaluations for disability accommodations; developing and presenting in-service training. Experience working directly with student/adults who experience disability. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of computer and assistive technologies; disability practices and procedures.

• Working knowledge of applicable federal and state laws, policies, regulations and standards (Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment and Section 504). 

• Knowledge of principles, concepts, methods and techniques of universal design; standards, requirements and regulations regarding confidentiality of information.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of medical, psychological, and technical evaluations of disabilities.

• Knowledge of community resources for people with disabilities.

• Skill in developing and delivering specialized professional consultations and training on disability issues.

• Skill in analyzing requests for reasonable accommodations and developing and implementing plans for the provision of reasonable accommodations.

• Skill in effectively communicating complex technical matters related to disabilities both verbally and in writing.

• Ability to work with people of diverse age groups and social, cultural, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.

• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks.

• Ability to utilize computer technology for communication, data gathering and reporting activities.

NEW:  10/12