Accessibility Assistant

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director of Learning Commons & Academic Success Centre (or other designated Manager) and in close collaboration with the Accessibility Advisor, the Accessibility Assistant provides non-instructional support for students with disabilities in the classroom, on-campus settings, and during College-sponsored field trips. This role may also provide general clerical and logistical support related to a student’s accommodation and implementation of their plan.

Reporting to the Director of Learning Commons & Academic Success Centre (or other designated Manager) and in close collaboration with the Accessibility Advisor, the Accessibility Assistant provides non-instructional support for students with disabilities in the classroom, on-campus settings, and during College-sponsored field trips. This role may also provide general clerical and logistical support related to a student’s accommodation and implementation of their plan.

• Takes concise lecture notes and facilitates student participation in classroom activities.
• Acts as a reader and/or scribe for students as needed.
• Invigilates exams as required.
• Ensures the classroom environment and educational activities are accessible to students with disabilities.
• Identifies problems with students’ accommodation plan and refers concerns to the Accessibility Advisor.
• Assists the student with using and troubleshooting adaptive equipment and software and may also provide orientation in the use of such technologies.
• Creates accessible documents for students with disabilities.
• Performs a variety of clerical duties such as word processing, filing, researching/compiling/summarizing/relaying information, appointment scheduling related to student accommodation planning and implementation.
• Connecting the student with the appropriate support resources in the College, including to ensure there are adequate safety and security plans in place, if appropriate.
• You will be part of a team actively engaged in contributing to and accomplishing the vision, mission, and goals of the College and in supporting the aspirations and needs of our learners.
• You will promote a positive work atmosphere by interacting and communicating in a professional manner that demonstrates mutual respect with students and colleagues.
• Other duties as assigned.

• High School completion plus additional advanced courses in supporting individuals with disabilities. Preference given to applicants with a relevant certificate (e.g. Social Service Worker or Education Assistant).
• 6 months or more Experience working with individuals with disabilities, or an equivalent combination of training and/or experience may be considered.
• Proven interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively as a member of a team and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, faculty and the general public.
• Good organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage several time-sensitive tasks at any given time.
• Experience working with people with multiple disabilities and disabling conditions such as learning disabilities, visual impairments, chronic health impairment, and mental health conditions.
• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to, and understanding of, the challenges faced by students with disabilities.
• Good written and oral communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively with various groups including individuals with diverse abilities, cultures, and language levels.
• Ability to take high-quality notes based on class lectures, discussions and activities.
• Ability to act as a reader or scribe.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and act with diplomacy and tact when dealing with issues of a sensitive nature.
• Knowledge of adaptive technologies available to students with disabilities and best practices for physical interaction with students with disabilities is considered an asset.
• Maintaining professional boundaries while building rapport with the student receiving supports.
• Computer experience and proficiency with MS Office.
• Demonstrated ability to perform touch typing, with a minimum speed of at least 30 wpm is preferred.