POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Access Specialist
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 2471
GRADE 42
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Director, Disability Resource Center
MAJOR ADMINISTRATOR Dean of Students
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Access Specialist assists with the accessibility review process for digital materials utilized by the University and collaborates with other campus organizations, such as the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning, to review course content and provide guidance for accessibility. The Access Specialist meets with students to determine accommodations utilizing the interactive process, which includes reviewing documentation and providing ongoing advisement to students. The Access Specialist serves as a backup to the Associate Director, Disability Resource Center in providing technical support and guidance to students registered through the Disability Resource Center. The Access Specialist supports schools and agencies serving children and youth with disabilities and their families. The Access Specialist oversees the Regional Demonstration Grant, which provides demonstrations of assistive technology, basic training in assistive technology, and basic repairs of assistive technology and Braille writers and orders assistive technology to be used by MSU students with disabilities, PreK-12 children with disabilities, and disabled individuals of all ages. The Access Specialist works with the Technology Consortia to develop loan programs to get assistive technology into local schools and area agencies, makes recommendations to area schools and agencies regarding appropriate assistive technology, and determines placement of assistive technology equipment.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A Bachelor’s degree is required; a Bachelor’s degree in Disability Studies, Assistive Technology, Special Education, Rehabilitation Engineering, Vocational Rehabilitation, or a degree in a related professional field is preferred.
Experience: At least two years of experience working in school or clinical programs supporting individuals with disabilities and their families is required. Experience working as part of a team is required. Experience training individuals with and without technical backgrounds is preferred. Experience reviewing digital materials and platforms for accessibility concerns is preferred.
Skills: An understanding of federal and state policies impacting the provision of services to individuals with disabilities is required. An understanding of guidelines related to web accessibility, such as Section 508 of the Rehabilitations Act and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is required. The ability to demonstrate the use of assistive technology to increase the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities is required. Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills are required. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Supports the Disability Resource Center (DRC), the Learning Diagnostic Center (LDC), and the Access Technology Center (ATC) by participating in training and orientation for faculty, staff, and students.
2. Assists in the accessibility review of digital material utilized by the University in its various operations.
3. Works in conjunction with campus organizations, such as the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning, to review faculty course content for accessibility.
4. Provides technical support and guidance to students registered through the DRC.
5. Meets with students to determine accommodations by utilizing the interactive process, reviewing documentation, and collaborating and providing ongoing advisement with students.
6. Oversees the Regional Demonstration Grant.
7. Works with the Blindness Skill Specialists along with area schools and agencies to secure resources for the acquisition of assistive technology and sources for funding.
8. Provides training and orientation on the use of assistive technology in settings such as schools, homes, and work/employment.
9. Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
10. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses as directed by the Director of the Disability Resource Center.
11. Contributes to the overall success of the Disability Resource Center and Access Technology Center performing all other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION
The Access Specialist is supervised by the Director of the Disability Resource Center.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED JANUARY 2017
