Accessible Technology Specialist

Under the Director of Disability Access Services (DAS), the Accessible Technology Specialist will oversee and update a centralized system for in-house document remediation and alternate format conversations, provide training, support, and technical assistance to faculty, work closely with the Library and Educational Technology Services to Create processes for accessible materials, advise campus partners on web accessibility guidelines, research and acquire assistive technology for DAS, provide training to eligible students on assistive technology, and conduct 1:1 meetings with students. They will provide support and consultations with stakeholders regarding web accessibility.

This position requires familiarity and concrete understanding of accessible formatted materials, assistive technology, and web accessibility. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of the ADAAA, Section 504, and Title III requirements and WCAG. The successful candidate will be forward thinking and continuously evaluate new technologies to improve accessibility.

This is a full time, 12 month per year position. The successful candidate will excel at working in a community that is broadly diverse with regards to disability, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, gender identity, nationality, sexual orientation, and religion.

About Bard: Bard College’s main campus is in Annadale-on-Hudson, N.Y. with 1,900 undergraduate students and additional graduate students. The 1,000 acre campus sits along the Hudson River and offers the Fischer Performing Arts center and the Hessel Museum of Art. The Bard Network also includes several Bard High School Early Colleges across the U.S., as well as international campuses and partners. Bard College is a private institution working in the public interest. Bard faculty and staff lead their students by example, building on the existing network of boundary-breaking programs focused on rethinking who can and should have access to a liberal arts education.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Manage in-house document remediation and alternate format process

• Hire, supervise, and train student workers in document remediation

• Provide individual assessment of student need for Assistive Technology

• Collaborate with director to collect feedback and carry out assessments to provide data-driven insights of assistive technology use

• Train faculty, staff, and students in use of Assistive Technology and creation of accessible materials

• Develop accessible templates for use by faculty and staff

• Advise campus stakeholders in web accessibility requirements reflecting obligations under Title III of The ADA and best practices such as WCAG 2.1

• Maintain current knowledge of and adhere to applicable laws, policies, and procedures (e.g. Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and FERPA).

• Maintain departmental database software (Sympicity Accommodate)

• Review student documentation and meet with students through the interactive process to determine reasonable accommodations as needed

• Work closely with Library and Educational Technology Services

• Assist with disability awareness campaigns and departmental activities

• Build relationships with faculty, staff, and students

• Performs other duties as assigned

The Accessible Technology Specialist will lead the College community in accessible course materials, assistive technology, and web accessibility. The Accessible Technology Specialist must be a self-starter who is able to work in a fast-paced office that is student-centered. This position offers the candidate the opportunity to further accessibility efforts for members of liberal arts campus., * Bachelor Degree

• Minimum two years of experience in the field of digital accessibility with remediation, and documentation creation.

• Experience working with LMS and integrated tools (Brightspace knowledge a plus)

• Experience working with individuals with disabilities

• Expertise related directly to accessibility standards and guidelines (ADA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation ACT, and WCAG 2.1).

• Experience with assistive technology including multiple hardware and software platforms (e.g. Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android)

• Strong time management, organizational, and program management skills required

• Excellent communications and interpersonal skills

• Ability to work under tight deadlines, collaborate with others, and work under pressure

• Commitment to working with a diverse community of students.

Desired Skills

• Master’s Degree in Educational Technology, Assistive Technology, Instructional Design, or related field preferred

• Experience working with Symplicity Accommodate software

• Experience supervising student or professional staff

• Experience working in higher education environment

• A record of developing strategic partnerships/collaboration across functional work areas related to the field.

• Experience reviewing VPATS and HECVAT for online software and mobile applications

We are pleased to offer our full-time employees an excellent benefit package which includes; multiple health insurance options; TIAA retirement plans; generous vacation, sick, and personal time; and more. To learn more about employee benefits and eligibility at Bard College, please visit https://www.bard.edu/humanresources/benefits/.