Assistive Technology Specialist - Disability Access

Assistive Technology Specialist – Disability Resources and Educational Services

University of Illinois at Urbana‑Champaign

The Assistive (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). is responsible for ensuring user technological access, as required under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and WCAG guidelines, through specialized hardware and software. The AT Specialist works directly with disabled students and DRES staff to provide appropriate technological access solutions.

• Oversees the development, installation, configuration, and maintenance of approved assistive technologies within DRES, for use by disabled students and DRES staff.
• Serves as lead for DRES data management modules across DRES areas.
• Interpret, integrate, and synthesize evaluative information to make recommendations for assistive technology interventions to provide access for disabled students and DRES.
• Provides administrative support and training on assistive technologies and use of third‑party software applications to disabled students and campus stakeholders working with disabled students.
• Prepares training materials, conducts workshops, and provides support related to assistive technologies.
• Verifies software and equipment is functional and escalates issues to the appropriate IT system area.
• Maintain proper inventory of software licenses, assistive technology, and other related equipment not managed directly by University IT.
• Collaborate with IT partners at the University in acquisitions of any new technology including hardware and software to maintain adherence to the division’s standard.
• Assist DRES with website updates and advise about accessibility; may pull together area experts in each DRES area to assist in gathering website information.
• Adhere to University policies and procedures regarding IT and safeguards University AT assets.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two (2) years of work experience in IT‑related functions such as hardware/software support, programming, network design, network engineering, IT systems integration, or closely related field. College coursework that includes Information Technology (IT), IT Management, Programming, IT systems, or a closely related discipline may be substituted as follows: 30 semester hours equals one (1) year;
  Associate’s Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen (18) months; 90 semester hours equals two (2) years;
  Bachelor’s Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years.
• Demonstrated experience with assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers, assistive listening devices, Braille translation technology, lecture‑capture technologies, accessible media formats, speech‑to‑text software, writing & reading applications for disabled students).

• Master’s Degree in instructional design, technology, OT, education, or a related field preferred.
• 1–3 years experience developing assistive technology plans for disabled students in post‑secondary education.
• Experience using assistive technology and web‑based instructional resources for teaching and learning.
• Experience using instructional technology to design and develop training materials in a variety of delivery modes, preferably in an educational environment.
• Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) Certification, Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC), or related certification.

• Knowledge of Windows and Macintosh operating systems and cross‑platform issues of application software.
• Ability to work in a changing environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Knowledge of effective uses of a variety of assistive computer technologies such as screen readers for blind, Braille translation software, large print display systems, speech recognition systems as well as writing and productivity tools for students with learning disabilities.
• One‑on‑one student interaction skills.
• Ability to develop and assess the tasks involved in educational experiences.
• Knowledge of instructional design and training development.
• Ability to manage a case load of disabled post‑secondary students.
• Knowledge of academic issues…