Student Accessibility Guide

and the job listing Expires on November 1, 2026

The Less Commonly Taught Language (LCTL) program within the Department of Linguistics, Languages, and Cultures (LiLaC) at Michigan State University seeks one or more student employees to serve as Accessibility Guides for an international Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) who is blind. This position will support the FLTA’s participation in campus, community, and cultural activities by providing way finding assistance, orientation to new environments, and guided travel to events and programs.

The goal of this position is to help facilitate full participation in the educational, cultural, and exchange opportunities that are central to the Fulbright FLTA experience. Guidance would be arranged directly with the FLTA, but hours are reported to the FLTA supervisor.

Because needs may vary throughout the year, we anticipate hiring one or more students who can provide flexible support and coverage. Additional details and parameters about guidance will be discussed with both the guide(s) and the FLTA.

Responsibilities may include:

• Providing guided travel and way finding assistance on campus and in the surrounding community
• Assisting with orientation to new buildings, event venues, and campus routes
• Assisting with orientation on public transit to places such as the grocery store (e.g., Meijer)
• Escorting the FLTA to outreach events, cultural programs, meetings, and student activities (mainly on campus, sometimes out in the Greater Lansing area via public transportation)
• Supporting participation in community engagement opportunities that are part of the Fulbright experience
• Assisting with navigation during inclement weather or other situations where travel may be more challenging
• Communicating regularly with the FLTA and program staff regarding schedules and support needs
• Maintaining professionalism, reliability, and confidentiality

Requirements:

• Current MSU undergraduate or graduate student
• Ability to walk with and guide an individual who is blind
• Willingness to complete orientation sessions and limited training
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Reliability, punctuality, and good judgment

Preferred qualifications include:

• Demonstrated interest in accessibility (especially related to low vision/blindness), disability advocacy, inclusive practices, international education, or intercultural engagement
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities is welcomed but not required

Some limited training and guidance regarding sighted-guide techniques and appropriate support practices will be provided. Students with previous accessibility-related training or experience are especially encouraged to apply.

• Flexible schedule based on the FLTA’s activities and needs
• Some evenings and occasional weekends may be required
• Hours will vary throughout the academic year
  • We anticipate more needs during the beginning of the year for orientation purposes and during winter weather for safe navigation
• Multiple students may be hired to provide coverage and scheduling flexibility

• $18.00 per hour
• Employment period:
  August 2026 – May 2027 (approximate)
• Hours are dependent on programming and support needs (as described above), but would be an average of 7-8 hours/week to be split among the students

The Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Program brings early-career educators from around the world to U.S. universities to teach their native languages, share their cultures, and participate in academic and community life. Student Accessibility Guides play an important role in helping ensure that participants can fully engage in these opportunities.