Assistant Director, Student Learning & Accessibility

Maryland Institute College of Art•Baltimore, MD

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Director, Student Learning & Accessibility provides comprehensive disability and accessibility support services that promote equitable access to MICA's academic, residential, and co-curricular experiences. This position conducts individualized intake and interactive processes, reviews disability-related documentation, coordinates reasonable accommodations, partners with students, faculty, and staff to support effective implementation of approved accommodations and ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Fair Housing Act (FHA), FERPA, and other applicable laws. Working collaboratively across Academic Affairs and Student Affairs, the Assistant Director supports student persistence, retention, and academic success by addressing disability-related barriers while balancing legal requirements, academic standards, and the unique demands of studio-based education. The position works closely with the Director, Student Academic Success to develop and implement long-term strategies to improve accessibility and support services in alignment with the college's mission and goals.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in higher education, disability studies, special education, social work, psychology, or related field.
3 years of progressively responsible experience in disability services, accessibility services, or a related field.
Knowledge of Federal and state disability laws (ADA, 504, 508); student development theory; Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
Expertise in interpreting complex psycho-educational and medical documentation.
Proficiency in case management software (e.g., AIM, Maxient).
Excellent written and verbal communication.
Ability to facilitate both students, faculty, and staff in accessibility access programs (e.g., Kurzweil).
Ability to navigate complex and changing situations for students and faculty.
Ability to exercise sound judgment while balancing legal compliance, institutional standards, and student needs.
Ability to effectively manage a complex caseload and ensure documentation is detailed with prompt follow-up.
Strong communication skills with ability to adapt to a variety of stakeholders.
Ability to provide on-going training staff, and students on accessibility practices, accommodations, assistive technology, and disability inclusion.
Ability to navigate sensitive situations with professionalism, empathy, and discretion.
Ability to exercise sound judgment when balancing legal requirements, institutional policies, academic standards, and individual student needs.
Ability to interpret evolving accessibility requirements and apply them appropriately within a higher education environment.
Ability to facilitate access to accessibility services, assistive technologies, and other resources.
Interpret evolving legal requirements and apply them consistently in higher education settings.

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree in higher education, disability studies, special education, social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field.
Experience in an art and design, studio-based, or other creative higher education environment.
Teaching, faculty development, or instructional design experience.

Responsibilities

Conduct the interactive process with students seeking disability-related accommodations and reviews psychological, medical, and educational documentation to determine reasonable classroom and residential accommodations.
Coordinate and monitor approved academic, housing, dining, parking, temporary, and other reasonable accommodations.
Provide individualized support, coaching, referrals, and education to students focused on self-advocacy, effective use of accommodations, and successful navigation of the college environment.
Develop and continually assess a student-centered model of academic support and accessibility.
Identify accessibility-related barriers that may affect student persistence, retention, and academic success and implement data-driven solutions to foster an inclusive and engaging learning community at MICA.
Foster a collaborative culture in which accessibility, learning support, physical access, and academic interventions are interconnected elements of student success and retention.
Conduct individualized and interactive intake meetings, review and interpret disability-related supporting documentation and determine appropriate reasonable accommodations consistent with applicable law and institutional policies.
Serve as primary moderator and initial point of contact for department communication to students and provide ongoing support throughout the accommodation process.
Develop, implement and adapt as needed a timeline of targeted outreach for matriculated students.
Coordinate implementation of approved academic, housing, dining, parking, and temporary accommodations.
Support students in navigating disability-related barriers and accessing campus resources.
Maintain confidential records and case documentation in accordance with institutional and legal requirements.
Monitor accommodation efficacy and address implementation concerns as appropriate.
Provide guidance and consultation to faculty, staff, and students regarding disability accommodations, accessibility, and effective implementation practices.
Develop educational materials, workshops, presentations, and training related accessibility, disability inclusion, and inclusive practices.
Support institutional efforts to promote accessibility and equitable student experiences for residential and online students.
Assist with development and maintenance of departmental policies, procedures, and operational guidelines.
Collect and analyze program data to support assessment and reporting efforts.
Assist with annual reporting, program evaluation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Provide individualized support, coaching, and referrals to students centered around developing self-advocacy, and effective use of accommodations.
Assist students in accessing assistive technologies and other accessibility resources that support academic success.
Collaborate with Studio Managers and other staff regarding physical barriers and safety protocols in specialized studio spaces.
Serve as the primary institutional resource on ADA/Section 504/Fair Housing Act as related to the educational and co-curricular experience.
With members of the Student Academic Success team, ensure support services are fully accessible and tailored to diverse learning profiles.
Serve as a resource for academic advisors regarding accessibility considerations that may affect course planning & selection and degree mapping.
Provide intentional support and training to faculty for accessible pedagogical practices through Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and other inclusive instructional approaches.
Increase campus visibility through collaborative programming, classroom visits, and other engagement initiatives.
Participate in recruitment events, new student orientation, and other campus events.
Support career development and transition planning by helping graduating students identify appropriate disability-related resources, accommodations, and self-advocacy strategies as they transition beyond MICA.
Promote awareness of accessibility services through outreach programs, workshops, and campus initiatives.
Perform other related duties as assigned.