Assistive Technology and Accessibility Specialist – Telecommunications & Hearing Access
About The Position
The Institute on Disabilities at Temple University (disabilities.temple.edu) serves as Pennsylvania’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities and administers TechOWL — the Commonwealth’s Assistive Technology Act Program. TechOWL (techowlpa.org) improves access to assistive technology, digital accessibility, and inclusive participation across education, employment, healthcare, and community living. The Assistive Technology and Accessibility Specialist – Telecommunications & Hearing Access provides direct assistive technology services, communication access support, training, and outreach to individuals who are Deaf, hard of hearing, or have communication-related access needs (including low vision), as well as to family members, service providers, and community partners across Pennsylvania. The position supports people in identifying, acquiring, and effectively using telecommunications and related assistive technology to increase independence, safety, and participation in home, school, work, and community environments. This role functions as an assistive technology practitioner with specialty expertise in hearing and communication access technologies and serves as Consumer Educator for Pennsylvania’s Telecommunication Device Distribution Program (TDDP). The specialist conducts device demonstrations and individualized instruction; collaborates with consumers to identify solutions and with interdisciplinary teams and service systems. The position also contributes to statewide initiatives including emergency preparedness, health equity, and accessible communication. The specialist also participates in Assistive Technology Act activities including device demonstration, device reuse, community outreach, and consumer education. Responsibilities include documentation and outcomes reporting, procedure development, grant-funded program implementation, and staffing the TechOWL Community Space. The role combines hands-on service delivery, education, and systems-level accessibility work.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation, assistive technology, disability studies, education, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, audiology, human services, accessibility, or related field and three (3) years of relevant experience supporting individuals with disabilities; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Knowledge of assistive technology and communication access solutions
- Understanding of disability culture and person-centered practices
- Ability to collaborate with consumers to identify areas of functional need and potential solutions
- Strong training and presentation skills for diverse audiences
- Ability to manage multiple cases and projects simultaneously
- Effective written documentation and communication skills
- Ability to work independently in community environments
Nice To Haves
- Certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) or eligible
- Experience supporting Deaf or hard of hearing individuals
- Experience supporting people with low vision and blindness
- Knowledge of communication access technologies
- Lived experience with disability or close connection to the disability community
Responsibilities
- Provides direct assistive technology services, communication access support, training, and outreach
- Supports people in identifying, acquiring, and effectively using telecommunications and related assistive technology
- Functions as an assistive technology practitioner with specialty expertise in hearing and communication access technologies and serves as Consumer Educator for Pennsylvania’s Telecommunication Device Distribution Program (TDDP)
- Conducts device demonstrations and individualized instruction
- Collaborates with consumers to identify solutions and with interdisciplinary teams and service systems
- Contributes to statewide initiatives including emergency preparedness, health equity, and accessible communication
- Participates in Assistive Technology Act activities including device demonstration, device reuse, community outreach, and consumer education
- Responsibilities include documentation and outcomes reporting, procedure development, grant-funded program implementation, and staffing the TechOWL Community Space
Benefits
- Full medical, dental, vision coverage
- Paid time off
- 11 Paid Holidays (including the day after Thanksgiving & winter break)
- Tuition remission - eligible employees and their dependents can obtain a degree TUITION FREE
- A generous retirement plan and so much more!
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Number of Employees
1-10 employees
