Accessibility Specialist - Office of Disability Services

James Madison University•Harrisonburg, VA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Accessibility Specialist provides disability accommodation services and accessibility support to students with disabilities through individualized assessment, consultation, and coordination of accommodations. This role promotes equitable access to university programs, services, and activities by ensuring compliance with applicable disability laws, supporting consistent accommodation practices, and collaborating with campus partners to facilitate effective access and inclusion. This role serves as a primary provider of disability accommodation services within the Office of Disability Services, responsible for conducting individualized reviews of accommodation requests, facilitating the interactive process, determining eligibility and reasonable accommodations, and coordinating the implementation of approved accommodations across academic, housing, dining, and other contexts. The Accessibility Specialist collaborates with campus partners to address disability-related access concerns, supports the Associate Directors with fundamental alteration processes, provides consultation to students, faculty, staff, and families, maintains accurate case records, and supports departmental operations and continuous improvement efforts that promote equitable access and disability inclusion throughout the university.

Requirements

Master's degree (or attaining within 6 months) in higher education, counseling, rehabilitation counseling, psychology, social work, special education, student affairs, disability studies, or a related field.
Demonstrated ability to analyze information, exercise sound judgment, and make recommendations within established policies, procedures, and guidelines.
Organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and student cases simultaneously.
Attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate and confidential records.
Demonstrated ability to adhere to established policies, procedures, and professional standards.
Written, verbal, interpersonal, and consultation skills with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse constituents.
Demonstrated ability to build positive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to learn, apply, and effectively utilize technology systems and software applications.
Commitment to accessibility, Universal Design, and student-centered practices.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of disability-related laws and regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Experience working in higher education disability services, student affairs, counseling, education, rehabilitation, social services, or a related field.
Experience conducting individualized assessments, reviewing documentation, and/or making service-related recommendations.
Experience determining, implementing, or supporting disability accommodations.
Experience providing consultation, case management, advising, coaching, or other direct student services.
Experience effectively utilizing databases, case management systems, CRM systems, or enterprise software applications.
Experience participating in process improvement, service assessment, operational projects, or technology implementation efforts.

Responsibilities

Conduct individualized assessment and analysis of requests for disability accommodations.
Determine eligibility and reasonable accommodations through individualized assessment and analysis of documentation, supporting materials and evidence including student circumstances, observations, and self-reports.
Facilitate the interactive process with students seeking disability accommodations and services.
Provide direct student services that include: Initial intake consultations, Registration for services, Prompt response to student requests for accommodations, Assist with the identification and development of appropriate academic accommodations, auxiliary aids and services, On-going disability-related support, Accommodation review and follow-up consultations, as appropriate.
Effective collaboration with appropriate university units to facilitate the coordination and timely provision of accommodations and services for students with disabilities.
Monitor and assist with resolution of accommodation implementation concerns.
Maintain accurate, current and pertinent records of disability services reviews, decisions, and communications.
Support consistent implementation of departmental accommodation practices, procedures, and service standards.
Support the Associate Directors with the fundamental alteration process.
Serve on the Housing Accommodation Request Committee and provide administrative and back-up support to the ODS Liaison for Housing Accommodations.
Serve as ODS Liaison responsible for the coordination of Dining Accommodations.
Develop working knowledge of areas that intersect with accommodations (academic, etc.) to support consultation and service delivery efforts.
Support the department through participation in group and individual case consultation discussions, as needed.
Maintain current knowledge of and adhere to established policies and procedures of ODS and JMU.
Seek consultation as needed.
Maintain current knowledge of federal and state disability laws, regulations, guidance, and emerging professional practices related to higher education disability services.
Support departmental assessment efforts.
Provide system support.
Assist with identifying and implementing system optimizations for improved departmental operations.
Support the dismounting of old systems and transitioning to new systems, as needed.
Assist with design and delivery of staff training and development activities, as assigned.
Provide feedback regarding and support continuous improvement of departmental resources, procedures, forms, guidance materials, and accommodation service delivery processes.
Assist with operational projects, workflow improvement efforts, and technology-related initiatives, as assigned.
Provide professional and timely consultations with students, faculty, staff, parents and other constituent groups.
Collaboration with faculty and staff partners leading to accommodation implementation.
Consult with university partners regarding disability-related access barriers and effective access strategies.
Represent ODS at outreach events and provide trainings, as assigned.
Support departmental efforts to promote disability inclusion, accessibility, and student self-advocacy.
Participate in university committees, collaborative initiatives, and campus partnerships, as assigned.