Access Program Specialist-Categorically Funded

Barstow Community College•Barstow, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Access Program Specialist provides assistive technology, alternate media services, and auxiliary aids for students with disabilities. The role performs testing, support, and accommodation activities for the ACCESS (DSPS) program under the guidance of an area administrator. The specialist also supports the hiring, selection, and training of student accommodation support staff, including interpreters, note takers, and readers, and provides faculty and staff with guidance on resources for accommodating students with disabilities. The position provides specialized student services, coordinates accommodations and testing, supports program registration and outreach, and trains students and employees in assistive technologies and communication devices. It maintains program equipment and supplies, administers the Bookshare online library, coordinates ASL interpreters, and may provide shuttle transportation for students with mobility disabilities. The position is primarily located at the Main Campus, 2700 Barstow Road, Barstow, California. The role requires knowledge of disability-related programs, resources, regulations, and laws; assistive technology and accessibility software; alternate-format production; and California Community Colleges learning and disability assessment procedures. It requires a bachelor’s degree in secondary or special education (or an associate’s degree with six years of experience, with additional experience potentially substituting for some higher education) and relevant experience working with disabled students. A valid driver’s license may be required.

Requirements

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in secondary or special education and two years of experience working with disabled students in a one-on-one or classroom environment using computer-aided technology to facilitate learning; alternatively, an associate’s degree and six years of experience may satisfy the requirements.
Additional experience with alternative learning and student access may substitute for some higher education.
Working knowledge of programs, resources, regulations, and laws concerning students with disabilities, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title V regulations, the Olmstead Act (2002), and the Rehabilitation Act (1973).
Working knowledge of California Community Colleges Learning and Disabilities Assessment rules, regulations, processes, and procedures.
Knowledge of alternative teaching and learning methods and media for students with disabilities.
Working knowledge of assistive technology and electronic information equipment, software, and programs, including basic operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
Experience working with accessibility software and producing alternate formats, including Braille, digital books, E-Text conversion, closed captioning, and enlarged text.
Basic knowledge of closed-captioned video presentations, online program and course delivery, and effective web-page design, layout, and maintenance.
Oral, written, professional writing, and human-relations skills sufficient to explain technical concepts, exercise patience, resolve confrontation, and conduct in-service training.
Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to a diverse population of individuals with disabilities and maintain confidentiality of student records.
Ability to instruct students in learning-assistance equipment and programs; perform routine record keeping and report writing; organize and prioritize work; and manage time effectively.
Ability to learn and apply laws, rules, and regulations related to student access to education and information.
Ability to conduct small-group in-service presentations, develop ADA-compliant printed-material layouts, and audit and prepare compliance instructions for communications.
Ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and regulatory agencies.
Ability to use and troubleshoot computer-aided adaptive technologies, specialized audiovisual equipment, and office-productivity software.
Ability to perform Braille translation and sign language within a reasonable time.
May require the ability to perform work assignments at all College locations.
Physical ability to move between work locations, use a computer keyboard and instructional media equipment, perform sign language, occasionally lift objects weighing less than 40 pounds, hear conversations and deliver training, and read printed materials with near visual acuity.
May require a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

Provide specialized technical student services, testing, support, and accommodation services for ACCESS program participants, including general assistance and encouragement.
Process and confirm receipt of student intake forms and forward them to the ACCESS Counselor for accommodation review.
Administer and monitor tests and quizzes, and schedule testing in distraction-reduced rooms on campus and at the TLSC.
Arrange and schedule services and accommodations based on accommodation recommendations.
Present information to students about the program, its goals, and its resources.
Assist with program registration, orientations, outreach, and community activities; provide accurate information and forward program concerns to the area administrator.
Request installation of new or updated high-technology-center software and troubleshoot basic software problems, referring complex issues to Management Information Systems.
Maintain inventory records for program equipment and supplies and process orders as needed.
Provide adaptive technology in classrooms and plan, schedule, and train students in its use, including Smart-Pen and C-Pen.
Train students, staff, and faculty to use assistive and accessibility software, including Kurzweil 3000 and CaptionSync, and manage the Bookshare library and assignment of digital books.
Provide training in the Ubi-Duo communication device and train staff and faculty to communicate with deaf and hard-of-hearing students using it.
Coordinate and assign ASL interpreters through RISE Interpreting Services for classes and other school events, assist deaf students with interpreter requests, communicate interpreter schedules to faculty, and work with the Director on annual contract renewal.
Administer the Bookshare online library, qualify eligible students, assign account credentials and digital books, and train students in reading-software features.
Arrange, schedule, drive, and provide shuttle services for students with mobility disabilities to and from classes and school events; ensure transport assistance is available and report vehicle mechanical issues to Maintenance.
Maintain the learning or simulation lab and equipment in a safe and organized manner; perform routine records, reports, and compliance-related duties.
Conduct in-service presentations and communicate with students, instructors, staff, and other interested parties while maintaining confidentiality of student records.