Assistive Technologist

Inside Higher Ed; Northampton (MA); On-site; USD 55,520 - 75,115; Part time

Job summary

Inside Higher Ed in Northampton is looking for an Assistive Technologist to provide expert support in deploying assistive technologies for students with disabilities. This role combines technical skills with instructional design to create an inclusive learning environment.

The ideal candidate has at least five years of experience with assistive technologies and a strong IT background. The position offers competitive pay ranging from $55,520.51 to $75,115.98 annually based on qualifications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in assistive technology, instructional design, or a related field.
• Five years of experience with assistive technologies and individuals with disabilities.
• Strong IT skillset in software installation and hardware troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Engage with stakeholders to assess technology needs and implement assistive solutions.
• Lead accessible workshops on effective use of assistive technologies.
• Develop assessment strategies to evaluate the effectiveness of assistive technologies.

Skills

Expertise in assistive technology systems

Problem-solving skills

Excellent communication skills

Data analysis for accessibility

Commitment to equitable technology access

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Master's degree in Assistive Technology or related field

Tools

JAWS

Kurzweil/Firefly

VoiceOver

Dragon NaturallySpeaking

Job description

Overview

The Assistive Technologist provides expert-level support in deploying, integrating, and optimizing assistive technologies to enable students with disabilities and diverse learning needs to engage with Smith College’s academic offerings. The role combines technical expertise with instructional design to create an inclusive and accessible learning environment.

Responsibilities

• Technology Consultation (45%): Engage with students, faculty, and staff to assess technology needs and implement customized, inclusive assistive technology solutions that promote academic equity.
• Collaborate with instructors to integrate assistive technologies into courses, offering technical guidance on accessible tools such as screen readers, voice recognition software, and content management systems.
• Partner with Information Technology Services (ITS) to ensure seamless functioning of assistive technology hardware and software in physical and virtual environments.
• Provide guidance on the latest developments in assistive technology and advise stakeholders on best practices for integrating new, accessible technologies.
• Serve as a liaison with external technology vendors and academic technology consortia to keep Smith College at the forefront of assistive technology innovation.

• Instructional Design, Training, & Implementation (35%) Lead accessible workshops and training sessions for students, faculty, and staff on effective use of assistive technologies (e.g., JAWS, Kurzweil/Firefly, VoiceOver, Glean, Dragon NaturallySpeaking) and ensure inclusivity in instructional approaches.
• Provide tailored instructional support by configuring assistive technology for student projects and assessments to meet pedagogical and accessibility needs.
• Research and recommend inclusive enhancements to digital infrastructure to improve accessibility and ensure compliance with ADA/504 and related regulations.
• Develop workflows for accessible content creation, including alternative formats, audio descriptions, and materials that accommodate diverse learning styles.
• Collaborate with ITS on inclusive, technology-driven initiatives to design and deploy accessible learning environments.

• Assessment & Data-Driven Development (10%) Develop assessment strategies to evaluate the effectiveness of assistive technologies, analyze usage data, and provide evidence-based recommendations for future investments.
• Participate in cross-campus initiatives to advance accessibility and align with regional and national consortia.

• Other Responsibilities (10%) Manage and configure assistive technology systems, lead pilot programs and vendor demos, convert academic documents into accessible formats, supervise student staff, and stay current on trends in assistive technology and accessibility.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in assistive technology, instructional design, information technology, or a related field.
• Five years of experience with assistive technologies and individuals with disabilities or diverse learning needs, with a proven track record of using technology to promote accessibility.
• Strong IT skillset, including experience with assistive technologies and general infrastructure (software installation, hardware troubleshooting, systems integration).
• Experience with screen readers, dictation software, alternative input devices, and other assistive tools.
• Proven ability to collaborate with IT professionals, educators, and diverse student populations to integrate accessible technology into academic settings.
• Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

• Preferred Qualifications
• Master’s degree in Assistive Technology, IT, Instructional Design, or a related field.
• Experience in higher education or a disability services setting.
• Familiarity with ADA/504 compliance, FERPA regulations, and accessibility standards in higher education.
• Project or program management experience with strong organizational and facilitation skills.

• Skills
• Expertise in assistive technology systems and managing accessibility projects.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills for hardware and software.
• Excellent communication skills, translating complex technical information into accessible guidance.
• Ability to analyze data on technology usage to drive continuous improvement in accessibility and inclusivity.
• Commitment to advancing equitable technology access and inclusive learning environments.
• Discretion and care in technical collaboration to ensure a welcoming experience for ARC clients.
• Ability to design and implement alternative technical solutions when immediate options are limited.

Compensation

In addition to a competitive benefits package, annualized pay for this role is typically between $55,520.51 and $75,115.98, depending on qualifications and schedule (part-time vs. full-time).

Notes

This description reflects the essential duties and qualifications and is not all-inclusive. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer; it complies with all applicable state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination and is committed to equity and inclusion.