Director of Disability Services

Director of Disability Services

The Director of Disability Services serves as Campus Compliance Officer, ensuring the College satisfies the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, its amendments, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and other related Acts including the Fair Housing Act for students. The Director serves as a resource for other College personnel concerning disability issues and policies. The Director is responsible for the leadership and operational direction of Disability Services consistent with the NEC mission and will lead institutional efforts to promote best practices in disability services.

This position has the primary responsibility to evaluate student's request for support, examine their documentation, and determine appropriate academic and physical accommodations. The Director meets with students and their families; interacts with high school counselors, faculty, independent counselors, and disability services agencies.

Ensures the College's compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and its amendments, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Fair Housing Act. Monitors current case law for guidance on providing accommodations. This includes residential campus, online and professional and graduate programs. Interpret Psychosocial and Medical reports to determine eligibility for services, assess disability related needs, and develop individual academic and housing and extracurricular accommodations.

Collect and analyze data to assess service effectiveness and to aid in planning and to prepare periodic reports and updates. Utilize technology and resources to provide digital accessibility for students including alternate text format and assistive technology. Coordinate and facilitate educational and disability awareness programming for students, faculty and staff through seminars, speaker series, workshops, print and web materials regarding accommodation approaches, including adaptive and assistive technology.

Provide training for faculty and staff about NEC policies and procedures for meeting ADA and 504 requirements. Promote instructional strategies to best engage students with learning disabilities in the classroom. Advise students on effective strategies for using academic and institutional resources including navigating judicial or academic hearings, job searches and graduate school applications, applying for resources through Vocational Rehabilitation Services, applying for accommodations on PRAXIS exams, information about policies and procedures, and the problem solving process for life issues.

Provide referrals to appropriate college resources for academic, health, and student life issues. Collaborate with other departments to develop programs and services as needed. Specifically, interact regularly with Residence Life & Housing, Admissions, Mentoring, Tutoring, and Student Development—and occasionally with Student Financial Services, the ESL Program, and the NEC judicial system.

Master's degree in education, counseling, or psychology Ability to work with a variety of constituencies: students, parents, faculty and staff 5-7 years' experience working in College Disability Support Services in a leadership position Teaching experience in higher education Program management experience in higher education Experience with providing auxiliary services and assistive technology

EdD or related Doctoral Degree Knowledge of pertinent mental health issues essential Strong research skills Strong budgetary skills Excellent verbal, written, and organizational skills Excellent Interpersonal skills Thorough knowledge of ADA/504 and FERPA including relevant case law Program management skills Excellent knowledge of learning development

New England College prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed or religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, pregnancy, veteran's status or disability in regard to treatment, access to or employment in its programs and activities, in accordance with federal and state laws and regulations. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), individuals with disabilities needing accommodation should contact the ADA Compliance Officer.