Accessibility Services Specialist

Parkland College

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Accessibility Services Specialist is responsible for working with and coordinating accommodations for students and visitors who self-identify as having disabilities in compliance with college policy, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Accessibility Services Specialist also provides academic supports to new and continuing students registered with the department, as well as serves as a consultant to the college community regarding accommodations/modifications needed for people with disabilities who utilize the campus and its programs. The Accessibility Services Specialist is a full-time Professional Support Staff appointment on a schedule established by the Director of Accessibility Services. The position involves review/interpretation of confidential records and documents to determine the need for academic and other accommodations to ensure compliance under the ADA. The Accessibility Services Specialist must be able to work effectively with a diverse population, organize tasks, and demonstrate flexibility with a dynamic environment.

Requirements

Master's degree in social work, clinical psychology, counseling, special education, public health, disability studies, or other fields that provide training in accessibility, disability services, or inclusive practice; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
One (1) year of demonstrated experience working with students with disabilities.
Working knowledge of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Americans with Disabilities Act and all other legislation, including accessibility standards and guidelines (such as WCAG, Section 508).
Proficiency in current computer technologies and the ability to learn new systems as technology changes.
Excellent organizational and communication skills as demonstrated by an activity if interviewed.

Responsibilities

Analyze psychoeducational, psychological, and case study reports to determine reasonable accommodations under the ADA.
Advise a case load of students with disabilities on appropriate accommodations, strategies for success in the college environment, working with instructors, and campus and community supports.
Facilitate and provide disability-related accommodations and services for all college programs including degree and certificate programs, individual classes, Adult Education, Early College, Community Education, and summer camps and community events such as art gallery, planetarium, commencement, and sports events.
Implement reasonable accommodations under the ADA.
Research, evaluate, and recommend appropriate auxiliary aids based on student need.
Serve as a resource and consultant for faculty and staff to ensure access to programs and services for prospective and current students who self-identify with Accessibility Services.
Meet with faculty to assess the needs of students based on the requirements of each individual course.
Meet with students and parents to address sensitive and confidential issues regarding their disability and to resolve concerns.
Provide basic training for students on proper use of assistive technology and work with Campus Technologies for troubleshooting adaptive equipment.
Conduct personal follow-up meetings with new and returning students to determine their acclimation to Parkland College.
Attend monthly Counseling and Advising forums to stay abreast of program and course updates.
Oversee classroom assisting schedule to ensure compliance with student accommodations.
Assist in transfer transitioning and additional program needs, which may include exploring different institutional, state, and international regulations and accommodations options.
Problem-solve and mediate between faculty and student to resolve complaints.
Work with vendors to obtain accessibility materials and auxiliary aids.
Hire and supervise hourly staff including but not limited to sign language interpreters, CART providers, lab aides to work in the classroom with students’ office assistants, and student workers.
Train staff.
Assist in office operations when needed such as covering front desk needs.
Serve as a test reader when needed.
Serve as a classroom assistant when needed.
Work with campus tech to obtain data on registered students and services for monitoring caseload and grant requirements.
Assist in the development of surveys needed for data collection.
Maintain a working knowledge of current disability law and best practices by participating in continuing education opportunities, staying abreast of ADA updates and monitoring Office of Civil Rights and other offices.
Coordinate the research and implementation of emerging assistive technology on an ongoing basis through collaborations with Campus Technologies and Professional Development and Instructional Technology departments.
Active participation in disability-related professional organizations to keep abreast of current best practices.
Assist in monitoring alignment of Parkland policies and procedures with disability laws, regulations, and best practices and make recommendations for policy and procedure revisions and development.
Assist in analysis of accessibility strengths and weaknesses for the campus and help prioritize goals to enhance accessibility.
Participate in college committees/organizational units to make recommendations on materials and accessibility best practices.
Assess the needs of visitors who self-identify to provide access to facilities and programs.
Administer placement tests and interpret placement scores for new students.
Administer state board exams for participants needing accommodations.
Coordinate the A Day at Parkland event which includes speaking to students, parents, counselors, and representatives from area high schools.
Act as a liaison with high school staff to facilitate college courses for students with disabilities.
Other duties as assigned.