Director, Accessibility Resource Center

University of the District of Columbia•Walshington, DC

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director, Accessibility Resource Center supports the Division of Student Development and Success by providing strategic leadership for the University's accessibility and disability services programs. This position directs the delivery of accommodations and accessibility initiatives, oversees departmental operations and compliance with applicable laws, and collaborates with University leadership, faculty, staff, students, and external partners to foster an inclusive learning environment. As part of Student Development and Success, the role advances UDC's commitment to equity, student success, and full access to educational opportunities for students with disabilities. The incumbent leads the Accessibility Resource Center (ARC), ensuring the provision of disability accommodations on all University campuses, effective management of staff and budget, and all aspects of ARC operations. The incumbent must be able to work at a maximum level of efficiency while ensuring that all students are served as effectively as possible. The incumbent evaluates emerging trends and student needs and interfaces with other university and community stakeholders as an advocate for accessibility for students. The incumbent should remain abreast of the state-of-the-art techniques and disability services principles and practices. The incumbent also oversees faculty and staff training on accessibility issues and writes reports and delivers oral presentations to foster an accessible learning environment.

Requirements

Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Counseling, Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Disability Studies, Psychology, Social Work, Special Education, or a related field.
Professional licensure or certification (e.g., CRC, LPC, LCPC, LSW, or comparable credential) preferred or required where applicable.
A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in higher education disability services, accessibility services, ADA compliance, or related areas, including supervisory experience.
Excellent communication (oral and written) and presentation skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to interact effectively with students, faculty, staff, and university stakeholders of diverse cultural, social, political, and religious backgrounds, various ages, genders, sexual orientations, and abilities.
Excellent judgment and problem-solving abilities in complex contexts with competing interests and strong stakeholder viewpoints.
Ability to effectively identify and implement process improvements.
Ability to develop and implement short and long-range plans to meet center needs.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively and build relationships with colleagues in a highly consultative environment and to lead groups of people toward a common mission.
Excellent knowledge of and experience with assistive/adaptive and instructional technologies and recent developments in disability access frameworks.

Nice To Haves

Doctoral degree (Ed.D., Ph.D., or other terminal degree) in Higher Education, Rehabilitation Counseling, Student Affairs, Counseling, Disability Studies, or a related field.
Seven (7) or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in a college or university Accessibility Resource Center or Disability Services Office, including supervisory and budget management responsibilities.
Demonstrated experience serving as the institutional subject matter expert on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), and related federal accessibility regulations.
Experience overseeing the interactive process for determining reasonable accommodations and resolving complex accommodation requests, appeals, and disability-related concerns.
Experience implementing Universal Design for Learning (UDL), digital accessibility initiatives, and inclusive instructional practices in collaboration with faculty and campus partners.
Experience supervising professional staff and managing departmental budgets, strategic planning, assessment, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Experience with assistive technologies, accessibility software, alternative format production, captioning, and electronic accessibility standards.
Demonstrated success developing and delivering university-wide training on disability inclusion, accessibility, and legal compliance.
Active participation in professional organizations such as the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) or the National Rehabilitation Association (NRA).
Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and student-centered campus environment through innovative accessibility initiatives and collaborative leadership.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and administrative oversight for the Accessibility Resource Center by establishing departmental priorities, directing daily operations, developing policies and procedures, managing fiscal and personnel resources, and continuously evaluating programs to ensure high-quality, student-centered accessibility services.
Oversees the interactive process for determining reasonable accommodations, reviews complex accommodation requests, resolves accommodation disputes, and provides consultation regarding disability-related matters.
Lead assessment, planning, and continuous improvement initiatives by establishing performance measures, evaluating program effectiveness, analyzing emerging student needs and accessibility trends, and implementing strategic improvements that enhance service delivery and support institutional goals.
Ensures compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, FERPA, applicable Office for Civil Rights (OCR) guidance, District of Columbia regulations, and University policies.
Develop and maintain collaborative partnerships with University leadership, academic and administrative departments, community organizations, and external stakeholders to identify and remove barriers to accessibility, coordinate campus-wide accessibility initiatives, and promote an inclusive educational environment.
Collaborates with Information Technology, Academic Affairs, and Procurement to promote digital accessibility and compliance with accessibility standards for instructional materials, learning technologies, websites, and electronic information resources.
Lead campus education and outreach efforts by developing and delivering accessibility training, communicating policies and best practices, supporting orientation and transition initiatives, and regularly engaging faculty, staff, students, and campus partners to increase awareness of disability resources and inclusive learning practices.
Manage departmental resources and operational effectiveness by developing and administering the department budget, overseeing expenditures related to accessibility services and assistive technologies, supervising staff performance and professional development, and ensuring efficient, high-quality service delivery.
Represent the Accessibility Resource Center on University committees and interdisciplinary teams, including the Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT), and regularly contribute professional expertise to institutional initiatives that support student well-being, accessibility, and success.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and operational needs of the Division of Student Development and Success and the University.