Accessibility Specialist

High Point University is currently seeking a full-time Accessibility Specialist. This position determines eligibility for services and coordinates access to accommodations and services for students with disabilities. Reviews medical, psychological, and technical evaluations of students’ abilities, disabilities, and requests for reasonable accommodations. With an understanding of current and pending federal, state, and local legislation (ADAAA and Section 504), develops plans to support access to courses, programs, assistive technology, alternative formats, accessible facilities, accessible and welcoming services, and accessible and engaging activities on campus. Advocates to increase the understanding and support of the campus community. This position requires work to be performed independently with minimum supervision under the direction of the Director of OARS.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

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

Experience and Training:

• 3 or more years of experience working in a disability support service setting in higher education. Experience reading and interpreting psychological/medical/documentation to determine appropriate accommodations.

Knowledge, Skills, Ability:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of medical, psychological, and technical evaluation of disabilities.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws regarding access for people with disabilities.
• Knowledge of basic electronic file formats, file types and compression- types.
• Knowledge of the University policies and programs related to accessibility services.
• Knowledge of University/community resources for people with disabilities.
• Knowledge of medical, psychological, psychiatric, and legal terminology.
• Skill in developing and delivering specialized professional consultations and training on disability issues.
• Skill working with individuals with a wide range of disabilities including psychiatric, attention, learning, vision, hearing and mobility disabilities
• Skills in analyzing requests for reasonable accommodation and developing and implementing plans for the provision of reasonable accommodations.
• Skill with counseling, clinical skills, and case management skills.
• Skill with personal computers and related software such as word processing, databases, and spreadsheets.
• Ability to communicate effectively with and understand the needs of persons with disabilities and others serving students within the University community.
• Ability to observe, assess, and record symptoms, reactions, and progress of students with disabilities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality standards and protocols.
• Ability to assess student’s possible needs for academic accommodation(s), assistive technology, and provide referral resources if needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Stay apprised of national, state, and local disability legislation and issues, assisting students in understanding their disabilities and legal rights and responsibilities.
• Evaluate and/or assist in the evaluation of diagnostic disability documentation commensurate to academic preparation; communicate with diagnosing professionals, as needed.
• Coordinate, approve, and/or provide accommodations based on functional limitations for current undergraduate and graduate students with disabilities.
• Engages in an interactive process with students, parents, various professionals, and other stakeholders to gain clarity of the functional limitations caused by the disability in relation to the requested accommodation.
• Issues electronic accommodation notifications, based on University policy and relevant documentation, for students to present to faculty.
• Accurately and punctually documents case materials and pertinent data for the sequencing of services. 
• Compiles and maintains student's electronic records which include documentation, completed forms, releases, and related records for sequencing and verification of services.
• Consults with and/or provides 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.
• Maintain confidential files and reports on each student applying for and/or receiving disability support.
• Consult 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.
• Make referrals to other University services/offices as appropriate (examples: Academic Services, Registrar’s Office; Student/Residence Life; Counseling & Psychological Services; academic advisor).
• Adheres to all established rules, regulations, laws, and appropriate ethical standards related to employment.
• Demonstrates knowledge of federal, state, and local rules, regulations, laws, FERPA, ADAAA, FHA, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
• Facilitates informational workshops each semester for students, faculty, and staff.
• Refers clients to various other HPU services as well as local and state agencies, etc. as necessary.
• Serves as a team member with others in the office to assure a timely response to clients, especially during times of peak demand.
• Engages in continuing education and professional growth activities related to providing students in the post-secondary appropriate disability related accommodations.
• Demonstrates a professional code of ethics.
• Applies and shares knowledge gained from professional learning activities.
• Other duties as assigned and appropriate to the position and service to the University.

ACCOUNTABILITY

Reports to the Senior Director of the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services within the Department of the Office of Academic Services.

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