Assistive Technologist

Job Summary

The Assistive Technologist is responsible for providing expert-level support in the deployment, integration, and optimization of assistive technologies to ensure that students with disabilities and diverse learning needs can fully engage with Smith College’s academic offerings. This role requires a deep understanding of both assistive and academic technologies, working at the intersection of technology and education to create an inclusive and accessible learning environment that fosters equity and participation for all students.

• Technology Consultation (45%)

  Engage with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds to assess their technology needs and implement customized, inclusive assistive technology solutions that promote academic equity. Collaborate with instructors to integrate assistive technologies into courses, offering technical expertise on accessible digital tools such as screen readers, voice recognition software, and content management systems. Partner with ITS to ensure the seamless functioning of assistive technology hardware and software into physical and virtual environments, addressing diverse needs with flexibility and sensitivity.
  
  Provide expert guidance on the latest developments in assistive technology, advising campus stakeholders on best practices for integrating emerging technologies that prioritize inclusivity and accessibility. Serve as a liaison with external technology vendors and academic technology consortia, ensuring Smith College remains a leader in assistive technology innovation for all students.

• Instructional Design, Training, & Implementation (35%)

  Lead accessible workshops and training sessions for students, faculty, and staff on the effective use of assistive technologies such as JAWS, Kurzweil/Firefly, Voice Over, Glean, Dragon Naturally Speaking, and other specialized software, ensuring inclusivity in all instructional approaches. Offer tailored instructional support by preparing and configuring assistive technology for student projects and assessments, ensuring technical tools meet pedagogical and accessibility needs for a diverse student population.
  
  Research and recommend inclusive enhancements to Smith’s digital infrastructure to improve accessibility of academic resources and ensure compliance with ADA/504 and other relevant regulations. Develop workflows for accessible content creation, including converting academic materials into alternative formats, providing audio descriptions, and creating digital content that accommodates diverse learning styles and abilities. Collaborate with ITS on inclusive, technology-driven initiatives, contributing to the design and deployment of accessible learning environments through cutting-edge assistive technologies.

• Assessment & Data-Driven Development (10%)

  Develop and implement comprehensive assessment strategies to evaluate the effectiveness of assistive technologies in improving student outcomes, focusing on inclusion, engagement, retention, and academic success for students with diverse needs. Analyze and report on data related to the usage and impact of assistive technologies, making evidence-based recommendations to ensure future technology investments align with accessibility and inclusion goals. Participate in cross-campus initiatives aimed at advancing accessibility, aligning Smith College’s efforts with regional and national consortia to continuously improve inclusive assistive technology offerings.

Manage and configure assistive technology hardware and software systems, ensuring optimal performance, security, and ease of use to meet the diverse needs of the campus community. Lead efforts in evaluating and adopting new technologies to address the evolving needs of the student body, including pilot programs and vendor demos for innovative, inclusive tools. Facilitate the conversion of academic documents into accessible formats using specialized software and tools, working closely with faculty and staff to meet accommodation needs for students of all abilities.

Supervise student staff involved in the operation and maintenance of assistive…