Assistive Technology Specialist

High Point University is currently seeking an Assistive Technology Specialist. The Assistive Technology Specialist coordinates access to accommodations and services for students with disabilities. With an understanding of current and pending state and local disability legislations (ADAAA and Section 504 & 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973), develops plans to support inclusive practices and accessibility in all courses, programs, facilities, services, and activities on campus. The Assistive Technology Specialist is responsible for and supports the implementation of assistive technology and the functions of the OARS testing center. This position requires managing production of alternative format text materials and the ability to provide innovative and creative assistive services to individuals with disabilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Special Education, Psychology, Educational Technology, or other closely related field required along with prior experience providing support for students or adults with disabilities in a higher educational setting required.

Experience and Training

• 1 or more years of experience working in a support services setting in higher education.

• This position requires managing production of alternative format text materials and the ability to provide innovative and creative assistive services to individuals with disabilities.

• Training and experience in use and application of technology relevant to accessibility support.

Knowledge, Skills, Ability

• Knowledge of requirements of Section 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act, Family Educational Rights Privacy Act, and other relevant laws.

• Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods.

• Computer skills, program applications, assistive technology, communication skills, organization skills, and other administrative functions.

• Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Stays apprised of national, state, and local disability legislation and issues, assisting students in understanding their disabilities and legal rights and responsibilities.

• Supports with coordinating, approving, and/or providing testing accommodations for current undergraduate and graduate students with learning, physical, or psychological disabilities.

• Coordinates testing accommodations with faculty, students and OARS staff related to accessible testing concerns. Maintain academic integrity of OARS testing center and maintain High Point University Honor Code. This position oversees the reporting of Honor Code violations, securing evidence of violations, notifying faculty, students, and Student Conduct when an Honor Code violation occurs.

• Manages high volume of alternate format/electronic texts requests and provide conversion of assessments, print materials, and textbooks to alternative formats. Utilizes hardware and software applications to convert digital files to alternative formats such as, but not limited to, digital audio text, closed captioning, voice input and output, tagging and scanning.

• Provides technological support for various technologies as needed such as Kurzweil, Sonocent, Dragon Naturally Speaking, Jaws, Zoom Text, Live Scribe, etc. Develop new, and maintain existing, assistive technology for students, faculty, staff.

• Manages department digital library. Maintain a database of strategies for adapting informational and instructional materials into formats that can be readily accessed by department and students. Evaluate the functioning of assistive and adaptive equipment devices when not in use by students and staff to ensure high quality of service.

• Conducts data tracking methods: generate reports, work in COMPASS, Colleague, Maxient, Qualtrics and other data systems as needed.

• Website design with continued responsibility to create, maintain and oversee all OARS website content. This position is responsible to oversee HPU's move toward the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2) standard. Maintain section 508 standards relating to digital accessibility.

• Works with Housing and Residence Life offices to find and secure assistive technology for students with disabilities in residence.

• Maintains knowledge of current and ongoing technological advances.

• Maintains confidential files and reports on each student applying for and/or receiving disability support.

• Consults with and/or provide advocacy correspondence and communication to faculty, staff, and administrators as necessary to ensure appropriate accommodations are made available and to ensure equal access to all institutional programs and services.

• Other duties as assigned and appropriate to the position and service to the University with the ability to operate independently to complete all assigned tasks.

ACCOUNTABILITY

Reports to and is supervised by the Director of Accessibility Resources and Services within the Office of Academic Services.

For more information regarding this position please contact Anna Ward, Director of Accessibility Resources and Services at award2@highpoint.edu.