Manager, Assistive Technology

University of Denver•Quinte West, ON

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Student Affairs division at the University of Denver is dedicated to supporting students throughout their academic, personal, and professional journeys. This division fosters holistic development through its signature 4D Experience, aiming to deepen intellect, develop wellbeing, discover character, and design careers and lives of purpose. Student Affairs offers dynamic programs and services across the Denver Campus and Kennedy Mountain Campus to promote inclusive communities, health and wellness, engagement, leadership, and a strong sense of belonging. The division serves a broad community including current and prospective students and their families, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, the local community, companies, organizations, and national peers. Student Disability Services (SDS) specifically aims to provide students with disabilities equal opportunities to participate in the University's programs, courses, and activities by offering accommodations at no cost for documented disabilities, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The Manager of Assistive Technology position will oversee the Alternate Format Text (AFT) production and distribution process, ensuring students with approved accommodations receive the necessary assistive technology (AT). This role involves supervising student staff, managing the AFT program, remediating content, teaching students how to use AT like text-to-speech and screen readers, setting up technological solutions in classrooms, and reviewing accommodation requests and disability documentation. The Manager will also act as a liaison for AT needs between faculty and staff and report to the Director of Student Disability Services.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in the field of education, information technology, assistive technology, or related field.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with assistive technology for students with disabilities in education.
Expertise in various assistive software technologies.
Knowledge of learning theories, instructional design, and Universal Design for Learning concepts.
0-2 years of professional experience.
Experience supervising, evaluating, and training staff.
Experience interpreting federal laws and regulations governing the provision of services to people with disabilities including the ADA and Sections and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Ability to remediate inaccessible instructional and assessment materials to provide equitable access for students with disabilities.
Working knowledge of accessibility features and standards within Adobe Acrobat and Windows and iOS operating systems.
Proficiency in the use of assistive technologies, including screen readers, speech to text software, Braille translation tools, and related hardware and software, including but not limited to Kurzweil, JAWS, Dragon Naturally Speaking, JamWorks, Braille translation software and devices, and assistive listening devices.
Strong analytical and problem solving skills, including the ability to troubleshoot hardware and software issues and develop effective accessibility solutions.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally with students, faculty, staff, parents, and other professional partnerships.
Demonstrated ability to manage time effectively, meet strict deadlines, and respond promptly to multiple stakeholder requests.
Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and prepare reports to support decision making and program improvement.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team, with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in the field of education, information technology, assistive technology, or related field.
2-4 years professional experience.
Master’s degree in related area and eight (8) years professional experience.
Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, and assess new programs and services, and experience working in a dynamic and diverse setting.
Experience leading outreach strategies that connect students to academic, social, and wellness resources across the institution.
Strong analytical and assessment skills, including the ability to use data to inform decision-making, measure program effectiveness, and drive continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

Oversee the Alternate Format Text (AFT) production program for enrolled students, and oversee accuracy, quality, and timely delivery of materials.
Prepare and remediate exams according to approved accommodations.
Maintain comprehensive records of requests, production activities, and student communications.
Routinely evaluate workflows to recommend process improvements.
Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate Alternate Format Production Assistants, including undergraduate, graduate, and intern employees.
Train staff to meet production standards, confidentiality requirements, and accessibility best practices.
Under the supervision of the Director, engage in the interactive process to implement reasonable assistive technology accommodations.
Review disability documentation, meet with students, conduct AT needs assessments, and process accommodation requests to determine appropriate tools for coursework and testing.
Maintain and support assistive technology used in the SDS Testing Center, computer labs, classrooms, and experiential learning environments in coordination with divisional IT and campus partners.
Manage procurement, inventory, and lifecycle replacement of assistive technology resources.
Regularly update the SDS website to uphold accessibility standards.
Support students with sensory disabilities, such as Deaf/ hard of hearing or blind/low vision students.
Oversee the provision of sign language/CART accommodations for students with the approved accommodation.
Provide individual and group assistive technology training for students with disabilities, including those who are Deaf/hard of hearing or blind/low vision.
Develop and deliver AT training and guidance for faculty and staff to promote effective and accessible instructional practices.