Assistive Technology Specialist

Assistive Technology Specialist

Disability Services

Elevate Your Career at UCCS: Innovate, Inspire, and Impact in the Rockies!

Who We Are

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is a premier educational institution that prides itself on academic excellence, research, and community engagement and is actively seeking a Assistive Technology Specialist to join our team! UCCS offers a diverse and inclusive learning environment that fosters innovation, growth, and the holistic development of its students. The work location for this position is on-site/hybrid eligible. This position is Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime provisions.

  At the base of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is captivated by its stunning landscapes, making it a paradise for nature lovers. This city is more than its scenery—a mosaic of history, arts, and a vibrant tech scene. We invite you to join a community that cherishes outdoor adventure as much as forward-thinking growth, an exceptional setting for both career and lifestyle.

Salary/Pay Range : $43,367 - $55,957 annually. Compensation will be commensurate upon experience and qualifications.

  Benefits at a Glance

At UCCS, our employees are our most valued asset. We're proud to offer:

• Generous Time Off : Enjoy 22 vacation days, 10 sick days, paid parental leave, 13 recognized holidays, and provisions for bereavement, jury duty, and FAMLI Leave.
• Robust Health Coverage : Our comprehensive medical plans cover preventative care at no cost, including a yearly mental health visit. Plus, benefit from affordable dental, vision plans, and competitive prescription drug prices.
• Financial & Retirement Benefits : Take advantage of our health savings, flexible spending accounts, and life and disability insurance. Plan for your future with our retirement options.
• Further Your Education : Avail nine waived credits per academic year for courses at any CU campus. We invest in your educational and professional growth.
• Wellness & More : From wellness programs aimed at achieving your best self to various additional benefits through CU Advantage, we prioritize well-being and holistic development.
•  Want to know your total compensation? Use our calculator to get the complete picture!

This position will address assistive technology concerns for students with disabilities enrolled in the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. This staff member is responsible for working directly with students with disabilities to assess barriers and determine reasonable technology solutions to fully participate in the programs offered by the university. This full-time exempt position, is located in the Disability Services Office.

Essential Functions

The duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Assess students with disabilities in a private, interactive setting to determine the best assistive technology options for academic access.
• Provide one-on-one student support for assistive technology such as, JAWS, Zoomtext, Read & Write, Dragon Naturally Speaking, smart pens, digital recorders, etc.
• Document assessments and interactions with students and other campus entities for the Disability Services Office’ records.
• Develop and maintain training classes for the various assistive technology for students with disabilities.
• Support students in testing center for testing needs with assistive technology. Training before and during testing as needed.
• Maintain a software and hardware equipment library, establishing and maintaining loan and return processes for students each semester. Work with the bursar’s office to charge student for consumable AT.

• Oversee the installation and maintenance of software in the Assistive Technology (AT) Lab, Disability Services Testing Computers, and across campus for students.
• Analyze compatibility of AT with current student technology on campus, working closely with OIT to determine timing of regular updates to software images and hardware upgrades.

• Create alternative format textbooks including Braille print, audio files, accessible digital texts as well as color and magnification tools for students with print disabilities.
• Convert inaccessible class handouts and exams to accessible version in a timely manner.
• Advise and train faculty on creating accessible formats of course materials and/or developing universally designed courses when there is requested accommodation.
• Work with UCCS Campus Store to ensure process is in place for students to receive accessible instructional materials.
• Coordinate using Accommodate to track student requests.

• Work closely with various campus entities including the UCCS bookstore, the Veterans Affairs office, the Faculty Resource Center, Kraemer Family Library, etc. by providing expertise and advice to maintain best practices in universal design. 
• Create and facilitate training to Disability Services and other professional staff as needed.
• In conjunction with the web development team, develop policies and procedures related to digital accessibility.

Program Development 5%

• Documents and tracks all note taking requests and student note takers. Communicate with note takers and students consistently throughout the semester. Manage note taker submission and coordinate incentive at end of each semester.
• Coordinate communication of early notification for captioning accommodations and collaborate with Faculty Resource Center and faculty.

• Hire, train, supervise and evaluate student employees.
• Maintain student employment paperwork, time collection and approval.

• Update and maintain changes to AT website.
• Documents administrative actions and interactions related to students, including in person meetings, phone calls, and emails with students, family, faculty, staff, and providers.

Professional Development/Research 5%

• Attends professional conferences, webinars, workshops, brown bags, seminars, training sessions, professional organizational meetings committees and community opportunities.
• Summarizes latest information to exchange with colleagues and the University community.
• Stays current with research in the field by reviewing publications, journals, OCR rulings, journals, technical information, and upcoming trends related to post-secondary disability issues and assistive technology. Promote campus wide digital accessibility by serving on various committees and task forces.
• Develop programming and campaigns to promote digital accessibility and assistive technology.
• Participate in committees addressing inclusion and accessibility on campus. Examples include Digital Accessibility committees, Open Educational Resources, college faculty groups and Accessibility Advisory Committee. 

Tentative Search Timeline

• Priority will be given to applications submitted by: 4/21/2024.
• Potential interview dates: 4/24/2024 - 4/30/2024.
• Potential start date: Mid May - Early June.

UCCS is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.  

In accordance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, UCCS does not discriminate based on sex in our employment or compensation practices.  

UCCS is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify our office at [email protected] .

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

• Education: Bachelor's Degree.
• Experience: Two years of professional experience working with adolescents and/or adults with disabilities in an educational or other comparable setting.
• Experience with alternative media production (conversation of textbooks to electronic books).
• Two years experience in working with and assessing assistive technology needs.

Preferred Qualifications

·        Master’s Degree in a field related to computer information systems, information technology, instructional technology, computer science or related field.

·       In-depth understanding of electronic and information technology (E&IT) accessibility and its convergence with assistive technologies