Director of Accessibility Services

POSITION: Director of Accessibility Services

DEPARTMENT: Accessibility Services - Student Affairs

REPORTS TO: Vice President of Student Affairs, Dean of Students

WORK SCHEDULE: Fully on-site

REQUIREMENTS:

• Master's degree
• At least three years related work experience with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, preferably in a higher education environment
• Experience working with college students and faculty preferred
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Student academic success oriented
• Ability to work within established deadlines
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Must be able to work flexible hours including some evenings and weekends

PRIMARY FUNCTION:

Responsible for providing University-wide leadership for accessibility and accommodations policies and procedures. The successful candidate for this position will work in collaboration with students, families, faculty, and staff in the areas of reasonable accommodation, student success and support, and retention processes.

DUTIES:

1. Determine student eligibility for accommodation services under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act (ADAAA).
2. Coordinate the required documentation and provision of accommodation services for qualified students with disabilities. Communicate with students and faculty to ensure reasonable accommodations are afforded to students each semester.
3. In conjunction with the Office of General Counsel, develop and implement policies, procedures, and processes related to accessibility services.
4. Monitor compliance with ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Continually review federal and state regulations that govern the provision of disability services to students. Ensure compliance with University and federal policies and procedures. Help students with disabilities understand their rights and responsibilities and serve as advocate and liaison with University partners.
5. Manage the Office of Accessibility Services and the Testing Center, including staff oversight.
6. Support students registered with Accessibility Services through University-wide retention efforts and utilize Finishline Retention Software to respond to and document student issues and concerns to include class attendance, academic success and progress, and personal well-being.
7. Provide training to faculty in developing reasonable approaches to accommodating the needs of students with disabilities, including training on implementing reasonable accommodations. Ensure awareness of the legal ramifications of compliance failures. Collaborate with faculty in the development of instructional support and strategies to ensure compliance with students' approved accommodations while maintaining standards of academic excellence.
8. Facilitate the use of Accessible Information Management (AIM) system.
9. Ensure current and accurate information is readily available regarding University services, accommodations, processes, and policies related to students with disabilities.
10. Maintain accurate records and documentation of accommodation requests and provisions in line with University and federal policies and procedures. Maintain strict confidentiality of student records; adhere to the requirements of HIPAA and FERPA.
11. Assist in the development of student support resources and initiatives with attention to Universal Design for Learning principles.
12. Work with Student Affairs and Academic Affairs leadership to ensure accommodation strategies promote overall student success.
13. Work collaboratively with other University offices to connect students to essential University support services and educational, co-curricular, and professional opportunities.
14. Develop reporting metrics to determine efficiency and efficacy of accommodations processes.
15. Administer surveys and other assessment tools related to the Accessibility Services programs and learning outcomes; analyze data to develop and implement goals and objectives for Accessibility Services in alignment with University goals.
16. Maintain professional skills and knowledge through continuing education and professional development activities, including membership in AHEAD and participation on appropriate disability-related e-mail distribution lists.
17. Perform special projects or other related duties as assigned.