Accessible Technology Specialist (Staff Wage)

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 33,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

The University of Virginia's SDAC is hiring an Accessible Technology Specialist to coordinate and create accessible technology used by students with disabilities. You will serve as a subject matter expert on accessibility standards and work with the SDAC team and campus partners to remediate inaccessible materials and support accommodations.

This hybrid, 15–20 hour/week wage position will also involve developing online guidance and training on accessible technologies and best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technology-related field or two years' experience with an Associate's degree.
• Three years' experience in IT, preferably with assistive/adaptive technology.
• Knowledge of accessibility standards (WCAG, Section 508) and civil rights laws.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with faculty to identify accessible curricula and alternative formats.
• Troubleshoot accessibility issues due to technology compatibility.
• Research and recommend accessible technology purchases for students with disabilities.
• Monitor licenses, subscriptions, and hardware inventory; maintain records.
• Create and deliver training on disability-specific technology and accessibility practices.
• Coordinate with library, Learning Technology, and other campus partners on accessible learning materials.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Accessibility standards

WCAG & Section 508

Assistive technology

Screen reader software

Text-to-speech software

Notetaking software

PDF remediation

Windows/macOS/iOS/Android

Legal/compliance awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in technology-related field

Associate's degree with 2 years experience

3 years IT experience

Tools

Screen reader software

Text-to-speech software

Braille equipment

PDF remediation tools

Captioning software

Notetaking software

Job description

The University of Virginia's top ranked Department of Student Health and Wellness (SHW) provides a comprehensive range of medical, mental health, well‑being, and disability support services to all enrolled undergraduate and graduate students.

The University of Virginia's Student Disability Access Center, a unit within the Department of Student Health and Wellness, is seeking an Accessible Technology Specialist. The Accessible Technology Specialist (AT Specialist) will assist in the coordination and creation of accessible technology implemented and deployed through the Student Disability Access Center (SDAC) at the University of Virginia. This position will serve as a subject matter expert for SDAC in matters relating to accessible technology and technology accessibility standards. This position will work closely with the Assistant Director of Accessible Media and Technology as well as the Associate Director.

In collaboration with the rest of the Accessible Technology team, this position will help manage accessible course materials and texts at the university level and provide direct support for the remediation of inaccessible course materials. This position will also assist students with the installation and use of accessible technologies provided as accommodations. In addition, and working with the SDAC team, this person will be responsible for the development and maintenance of online materials providing guidance and instruction for the use of these technologies.

Responsibilities include:

• Collaborate with faculty to identify opportunities for the provision of accessible curricula and alternatively formatted materials.
• Troubleshoot accessible technology problems that arise due to specific technology compatibility issues.
• Research and recommend accessible technology purchases for students with disabilities.
• Monitor and maintain equipment/software installations, keeping an accurate accounting of assigned licenses, subscriptions, and hardware inventory.
• Provide and assist in creating training for the University community on both disability‑specific technology as well as best practices in accessible course materials.
• Consult and work in partnership with various University partners such as the University Library, Learning Technology, Digital Accessibility Coordinator, and Student Health and Wellness IT on aspects of University responsibilities related to accessible learning materials.
• Other duties as assigned.

This is a hybrid position hiring for 15-20 hours per week, with a possible remote option.

The anticipated hiring range for this position is $23-$24/hour, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

This is a wage position which is not eligible for leave or other benefits and is limited to 1500 hours of work in a year. For more information, refer to the Wage Employment link: http://uvapolicy.virginia.edu/policy/HRM-029.

The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment. This position will also require an Education Verification.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Bachelor's degree in a technology‑related field, special education, an Associate's degree and two years of experience.

Experience: Three years in an information technology related area, preferably working directly with assistive and/or adaptive technology. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Licensure: None

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Possess a broad understanding of civil rights laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act as Amended, Section 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, the ADAA and other applicable laws, and their application at the post‑secondary level.
• Understand the implications of the WCAG and Section 508 digital accessibility standards.
• Have a working knowledge of common accessible technologies such as text‑to‑speech and speech‑to‑text software, reading and writing assistance software, screen‑reader systems, audiobooks, captioning and transcription, adaptive devices, braille equipment, high‑speed scanners, and notetaking software‑along with the theories, principles, and practices guiding the use of these tools.
• Understand the practices involved with document remediation and conversion, particularly PDF conversion and alternative text best practices.
• Have a working knowledge of the Windows, MacOS, iOS and Android operating systems.
• Value organizational diversity; treat others with respect; promote cooperation; effectively manage relationships. Understand the uniqueness of self and others and demonstrate openness toward diverse points of view.
• Maintain an open, approachable manner, and treat others fairly and respectfully. Build constructive working relationships characterized by a high level of acceptance, cooperation, and mutual respect.
• IAAP Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) not required but preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require walking some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non‑discrimination and equal opportunity employment.