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Job title: Student Life – Assistive Technology Specialist
Company: Ontario Tech University
Job description: Faculty or Department: Student Life
Number of Positions: 1
Position Title: Assistive Technology Specialist
Appointment Type: Full-Time Continuing
Hours of work: 35 hours per week
Salary Range: Level 8 – Starting Salary, Step 1 $61,596
Posting Date: June 16, 2021
Closing Date: June 30, 2021
Job Summary:
The Assistive Technology Specialist promotes the academic, personal and professional development of students with disabilities at Ontario Tech University with a focus on assistive technologies and alternate formatting.
Nature of work:
Reporting to the Manager, Student Accessibility, this position is accountable for the coordination, management and evaluation of technologically-driven accommodations to support and track students with disabilities and promote their successful transition and retention at Ontario Tech University.
The Assistive Technology Specialist works in close collaboration with students, faculty and staff across the university to coordinate access to course materials and learning technologies for students with disabilities. The Specialist is also responsible for liaising and building relationships with publishers, vendors and contractors to facilitate ongoing technological support for these students.
The incumbent utilizes their experience, understanding, sensitivity and knowledge with respect to the rights and responsibilities of individuals with disabilities in Ontario under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the potential impact of disabilities on post-secondary participation and success.
Responsibilities/accountabilities:
1. Student Technological Support
Supports students with disabilities in their use of adaptive technologies to promote their learning and development consistent with applicable policies and legislation by:
- Working with counselors and advisors in Accessibility Services to assess and identify the technology and equipment needs of individual students with disabilities as part of their academic accommodation plans;
- Providing training and assistance to students individually and in groups on the use of assistive software and electronic tools to support their learning, including online tutorials, videos, writing and organizational software, and other resources;
- Developing and producing multi-media presentations, online learning activities, tutorials and videos to support students use of assistive technologies in collaboration with Student Life staff;
- Coordinating students’ access to academic supports and assistance in collaboration with Financial Aid, including administering the OSAP Bursary for Students with Disabilities program, the Ontario Special Bursary Program and other appropriate forms of financial assistance;
- Creating awareness of new developments in assistive technologies and how they can be used to improve learning and development;
- Supporting other members of the Student Accessibility team by providing academic accommodations, alternative testing, student support and program delivery;
- Assisting with departmental projects and other duties as assigned;
- Representing Student Accessibility Services on campus committees and events.
2. Alternative Formatting
Coordinates access to course materials for students with disabilities, including accessible format transcription of course materials, closed captioning, etc. This includes:
- Collaborating with instructors, faculties, the Bookstore and other campus partners to ensure the timely conversion of course materials into accessible formats, such as Braille, large print, closed captioning, electronic, etc.;
- Working with publishers, producers and external agencies to ensure timely receipt of materials in accessible formats;
- Scanning, transcribing and producing accessible format materials that are not available through other means;
- Serving as a resource to instructors to facilitate the development of accessible course materials;
- Coordinating access to materials in accessible format under the Alternative Access to Educational Resources Ontario (AERO), consistent with MOU;
- Maintaining a searchable database of books, articles and other course materials in accessible formats.
3. Learning Technologies
Coordinates access to instruction-related accommodations for students with disabilities, including assistive devices, auxiliary aids and special equipment. This includes:
- Installing and testing adaptive software on student laptops and in test/exam centres to ensure system integrity, general safety and operational capability;
- Coordinating and tracking the use of assistive devices and adaptive technologies to support students with disabilities in the classroom, including FM systems, audio/video recordings, adaptive hardware and software and specialized furniture, equipment and space accommodations;
- Communicates with IT, suppliers and the manufacturers regarding the purchase and maintenance of hardware and software;
- Assisting instructors and support personnel in their use of assistive devices and adaptive technologies;
- Providing technical support, training and advice to Accessibility Services staff and other campus providers in their use of adaptive technologies and adaptive software;
- Maintaining an inventory of technology assets, tracking warranties, and keeping equipment in good working order;
- Monitoring and troubleshooting computer equipment, software applications and adaptive technologies to ensure proper execution; and
- Staying abreast of new technologies for students with disabilities.
4. Electronic Records Management
Tracks and maintains electronic student records for administrative and reporting purposes. This includes:
- Maintaining the CLOCKWORK license, conferring with internal controls, IT and software provider to troubleshoot and correct problems;
- Assisting in the collection and maintenance of student data and the preparation of reports, including Ministry reports for accessibility funds and grants
- Coordinating student surveys – analyzing data, trends etc.
- Maintaining statistical information regarding the use of accessibility services provided by the AT and contributes to the annual Accessibility Report.
Required Skills
- Understanding of legislative requirements of the Canada Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, different disabilities and mental health issues and useful techniques in assisting and supporting students with these issues;
- Demonstrated knowledge of adaptive software and its use by individuals with various disabilities;
- Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills and ability to collaborate and communicate effectively in all formats;
- Good judgment, decision making, time management and organizational skills;
- Excellent problem solving skills, particularly when technology malfunctions or does not meet the needs of students;
- Ability to work effectively individually and within a team environment;
- Competency in computer based technology, software and applications;
- Understanding of learning disabilities and adult students, patience, and sensitivity to varying student needs;
- Experience with database administration. Knowledge and understanding of Clockwork database is a definite asset;
- Proven ability to multitask and work well under pressure in a fast paced environment with strict deadlines;
- Demonstrated skills in and commitment to customer service and continuous improvement;
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative, problem solve, exercise sound judgment and respect the confidential nature of student information; and
- Ability to travel to and work out of two locations.
Education
- Post-secondary degree or equivalent in social science, education or disabilities in combination with education and training in computer software systems, library science, information systems or multimedia development
- Verification of Academic credentials may be required Required Experience
- Minimum of two years’ experience in advising and advocating for students with disabilities, preferably in a university environment.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit in electronic format a covering letter and their resume. Applications will be accepted until June 30, 2021 or 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 website and which may be amended from time-to-time.
Ontario Tech University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, while especially encouraging applications from women, members of visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents and Indigenous Peoples 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 an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify the hiring manager or , Health and Disability Management Specialist. For more information about the universities policies for accommodating employees with disabilities please review the university’s
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 the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation which includes Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. Job Location Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Expected End Date
N/A
Expected Start Date
8/3/2021
Campus Travel
N/A
Salary Grade
Staff Level 8
Expected salary: $61596 per year
Location: Oshawa, ON
Job date: Fri, 18 Jun 2021 05:31:20 GMT
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