Digital Accessibility Specialist, Office of Equal Opportunity & Civil Rights

University of Virginia•Charlottesville, VA

4d•$85,000 - $90,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of Equal Opportunity & Civil Rights seeks a candidate for the position of Digital Accessibility Specialist. As a critical member of the Office of Equal Opportunity & Civil Rights team, the Digital Accessibility Specialist serves as a subject matter expert on the university’s strategic efforts to provide accessible information and communications technology (ICT) to the university community. Reporting to the University Chief Accessibility Officer, this position works in collaboration with key partners to assist in a collective effort to proactively and systemically address University ICT accessibility, ensure compliance, and improve the usability of ICT resources and related services. The Specialist exercises high levels of decision making in order to provide guidance and support to the University community. This position is hybrid, with one day per week in person.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Management Information Systems or related field. Relevant experience may be substituted for degree.
Two years of relevant experience, to include the development of accessible websites, applications, and/or evaluating products for digital accessibility.
Working knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, WAI-ARIA
Working knowledge of the W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Section 508 and other disability laws regarding ICT accessibility
Experience testing for accessibility barriers and use of common accessibility evaluation tools
Experiences with digital office and workspace tools, including Microsoft Office and PDF accessibility
Working knowledge of document remediation, such as PDF, LaTeX, and other document types common in higher education.
Ability to maintain the confidentiality of privileged information and adhere to applicable privacy laws

Nice To Haves

Three or more years of experience producing high-quality accessible websites, applications, or evaluating products for digital accessibility
Significant front end web development experience
Experience with assistive technology, including but not limited to, screen-reading software, screen-reading magnification software, speech to text software, text to speech software, and alternative input devices
Understanding of Universal Design for Learning and Instructional Design and knowledge of digital tools for teaching and learning
International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) certified, or similar certification
Demonstrated commitment to accessibility and a strong understanding of accessibility-related issues

Responsibilities

Provide advice to assist schools, offices, and departments in meeting University policy IRM-008, the Americans with Disability Act of 1990 as amended, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the DOJ Title II final ruling on Digital Accessibility, Virginia code § 2.2-35, and other federal and state laws and regulations related to digital accessibility.
Collaborate with university partners in assessing and evaluating the accessibility of digital assets and services in use, as well as those being developed, considered for acquisition, or implemented.
Review and assess third-party vendor Accessibility Conformance Reports, including the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT).
In coordination with supervisor, provide guidance, and feedback to schools, departments and units in understanding their obligations under the applicable laws and University policies listed above; as well as to developers and vendors of digital content, services, and applications on accessible design and development practices.
Provide guidance in digital accessibility tools and training to University schools and units.
Serve on University committees related to digital accessibility, as assigned.
Maintain knowledge of current accessible development practices and trends to serve as one of the university’s subject matter experts, and staying updated on accessibility solutions.
Review and audit University websites using various tools and provide feedback and solutions to relevant stakeholders to address any accessibility or usability issue.
Dependent on funding, supervision of student employees for document remediation efforts.
Assist the ADA Team in responding to contacts and barrier reports.
Additional duties as assigned.