Accessibility and Accommodation Specialist - Limited Term

Ontario Tech University; Oshawa; On-site; CAD 78,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Ontario Tech University is seeking an Accessibility and Accommodation Specialist to enhance academic development for students with disabilities. The role involves case management, coaching, and developing inclusive programs to ensure equal access to education. This limited-term position requires a Master's degree and relevant experience in disability issues.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years related experience in disability and student success issues.
• Expertise in developing and implementing accommodations for academic programs.

Responsibilities

• Facilitates intake and implementation of accommodations for students with disabilities.
• Provides one-on-one advising and develops learning strategies for students.
• Contributes to programming for students with disabilities.

Skills

Communication

Coaching

Organizational Skills

Problem Solving

Education

Master’s degree in relevant discipline

Job description

Accessibility and Accommodation Specialist - Limited Term

Tracking Code:req1563

Faculty/Department:Office of Student Life

Number of Positions:1

Appointment Type:Limited Term 10 months

Hours of Work:35 hours per week

Salary Range:Level 9- Starting Salary, Step 1$78,033

Posting Date:May 12, 2025

Closing Date:May 23, 2025(7:00 pm EST)
Job Summary: The Accessibility and Accommodation Specialist promotes the academic development of students with disabilities at Ontario Tech University, as mandated by the Accessibility of Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and Human Rights Code, ensuring equal access to Ontario Tech’s academic programs.
Reporting to the Manager, Student Accessibility Services, the Specialist works with an ethno-culturally and academically diverse student population to provide comprehensive evaluation and case management of disability-related requests for accommodation advising, as well as academic coaching and learning strategy support to students with disabilities. The specialist works directly with faculty and staff to promote a fully integrated university experience by ensuring that students have the opportunity to access and participate in all areas of Student Life.
The Specialist also acts as a consultant on disability issues, and is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships of mutual support within other units and academic programs within the University.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Accommodation Intake and Implementation
Facilitates the intake and implementation of accommodation of disability-related student needs in compliance with the Ontario Human Rights Code by:

• Conducting intake interviews with students
• Ensuring that appropriate documentation has been received
• Reviewing confidential medical/psychological documentation from certified diagnosticians as a means to ascertain disability related accommodation need and/or based on student self-report, develop interim accommodations
• Following up with medical professionals to clarify functional limitations or gather further information when required
• Develop, recommend and implement accommodations and strategies based on the individualized needs of the student
• Working with students and their instructors as appropriate to identify the essential requirements of courses, determining reasonable accommodations in accordance with established guidelines, and preparing notices of accommodation for students that outlines their proposed accommodation plan
• Consulting with instructors, staff and campus service providers to explore alternative forms of academic accommodation for specific students to ensure that they have an equal opportunity for academic success
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date notes on individual intakes and contacts (direct or indirect) for ongoing continuity of care and for legal purposes, should the need arise
• Participating on internal student care teams as appropriate

2. Individual Student Support/Coaching
Provides support to students with disabilities by coordinating their academic services in a manner that respects the dignity of students with disabilities and encourages integration and equality of opportunity consistent with applicable university policies and provincial legislation. This includes:

• Coaching students to identify their academic strengths and weaknesses, developing an individualized program to develop students’ academic, metacognitive and interpersonal skills, foster improved self-advocacy/self-awareness, and help them to take charge of their learning
• Provides one-on-one advising to students regarding accommodation and funding eligibility; including working with students in preparing applications for services and/or supports under the Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD) program; and making recommendations for scholarship awards, internal and external bursaries and other funding supports for students in financial distress
• Developing learning strategies and providing case management support to students requiring the coordination of multiple services, by liaising with departments and faculty at Ontario Tech University
• Initiating referrals to on-campus or community-based supports, while ensuring privacy and confidentiality are maintained as required by FIPPA
• Assisting the students in self-monitoring the effectiveness of accommodations; seek updated medical documentation, evaluate and modify existing accommodations as required

3. Student Development Programming
Contributes to the development and delivery of programming for students with disabilities that is grounded in theory and research, and designed to address their unique learning and development needs. This includes:

• Developing and delivering student development programming for students with disabilities, including transition programs, skills development workshops, and collaborating with other units to develop programming (i.e. career development)
• Developing resources for students to support their retention and success including printed materials, multi-media presentations, online learning activities, tutorials and videos
• Collaborating with faculty and various units (i.e. Teaching and Learning Centre, University Secretariat and General Counsel's Office) to develop information sessions, workshops, training and resources to raise awareness and understanding among faculty, staff, on strategies that improve course accessibility for students with disabilities and how to work with students living with specific disabilities
• Supporting other members of the Student Accessibility team in providing academic accommodations, alternative testing, student support and program delivery
• Assisting with departmental projects and other duties as assigned and representing Student Accessibility Services on campus committees and events

4. Service Evaluation
Formulates program outcomes and metrics to measure learning and development among students with disabilities and to demonstrate program effectiveness and success by:

• Assessing the ongoing implementation of academic accommodations to identify systemic barriers and making recommendations to support the ongoing development of an accessible, open and supportive learning environment
• Engaging students, faculty, and student affairs professionals in collaborative assessment, both informal and formal; to articulate program outcomes for specific projects and assessing progress toward those outcomes
• Maintaining records and data to be used in service evaluation and Ministry reporting
• Evaluating and reporting on initiatives to determine whether efforts are meeting students’ needs and generating the desired outcomes to make evidence-based decisions on future programming
• Contributing to the development of University policy documents and/or make recommendations for revisions
• Conducting informal scans of the University and post-secondary environment and/or attending conferences and professional development opportunities for student development to ensure that services reflect current best practices and meet or exceed industry standards; and for program ideas and innovation, unaddressed student needs, and opportunities to support the academic mission of the university

Required Education:

• Master’s degree completed in discipline relevant to disability issues such as education, social work, psychology, learning disabilities or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Required Experience:

• Minimum of three (3) years related experience, including an understanding of disability and student success issues in the post-secondary environment
• Must have demonstrated expertise in developing, implementing and monitoring accommodations for academic programs for adults with disabilities including but not limited to students experiencing serious chronic or acute mental health concerns, schizophrenia, personality disorders, bipolar disorders, eating disorders, psychosis, dissociative disorders
• ASIST Training is an asset

Skills and Abilities:

• Understanding of legislative requirements in the area of human rights and accessibility
• Understanding of different learning disabilities and the educational and social implications of specific learning, psychological and psychiatric disabilities, ASD and AD/HD at the post-secondary level
• Knowledge of DSM 5 classification, psychopharmacology, the Mental Health Act, the Personal Health Information Protection Act and the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA).
• Must have the ability to read and interpret medical documentation, and engage in discussion with various medical professionals (e.g. psychiatrists, nurses) regarding this documentation
• Demonstrated knowledge of case management including, local resources and access to services is an asset
• Must have a commitment to the principles of equity and inclusion and be able to demonstrate an understanding of the implications of specific disabilities as they relate to a student’s success at university and in an intersectionality context broader context
• Excellent teaching and coaching skills both in 1:1 and small group environments
• High level of multi-tasking required in job requires excellent organizational ability to manage competing priorities under time restraints
• Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills
• Computer fluency (word-processing, and knowledge of assistive software) are required.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, problem solve, exercise sound judgment and respect the confidential nature of student information
• Ability to understand the demands of the post-secondary studies and the potential implications for persons with disabilities
• Ability to work effectively both independently and within a team environment.
• Ability to travel to and work out of two locations
• Ability to engage and build rapport with faculty and staff and students from various cultures, generations and social-economic backgrounds

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit in electronic format a covering letter and their resume. Applications will be accepteduntil May 23, 2025or until a suitable candidate is found. We appreciate all applications received; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

This position falls within the bargaining unit represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) and will be subject to the terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the university and the OPSEU. To the extent that policies are not included in the collective agreement, employment will also be governed by the university’s policies which may also be found on our websitehttps://ontariotechu.caand which may be amended from time-to-time.

Ontario Tech University is actively committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, indigenization and decolonization (EDIID), and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, while especially encouraging applications from First Nations, Metis, Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents, Indigenous Peoples in Canada, and those eligible to work in Canada, will be given priority.

Ontario Tech University respects people's different needs and therefore will take all reasonable steps to ensure accommodation for applicants where appropriate. The University is also committed to ensuring that confidentiality is maintained throughout all aspects of the recruitment cycle.

If you require accommodation, please contactJulie Day, Health and Disability Management Specialist.For more informationabout the universities policies for accommodating employees with disabilities please review the university’sAccessibility Policy

The university acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation which is covered under the Williams Treaties. We are situated on the Traditional Territory of theMississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation which includes Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi.

Job Location:Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

Expected Start Date:6/2/2025

Expected End Date:3/31/2026