Assistive Technology Specialist

The Assistive Technology (AT) Specialist will work with students with various types of disabilities to provide assistive technology set up, training, and to assist them in determining appropriate alternate media and/or alternative assistive technologies to meet their individual needs and preferences. The position will also provide functional support to colleagues within the University to ensure effective implementation and use of assistive technologies. The position will perform a variety of technical duties involved in the production, delivery, and end-user training of assistive technology and alternative media for students with disabilities to ensure equal access to all programs, activities, and facilities for students with disabilities. Responsibilities include liaison activities with colleagues, other colleges, and the statewide agencies contracted to provide material in alternate formats. Additionally, the position involves developing guidelines and providing technical support for access to curricula, distance education courses, student support services, web page and other electronic information sources under federal and state laws, regulations, and professional guidelines.

• Graduation from an accredited college with a bachelor's degree in a related field, and at least one year (1) of responsible experience in working with disabled students that provided familiarity with determining appropriate alternate media and assistive technologies to meet their needs; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Experience working with people with disabilities a plus.
• Experience with Adobe, instructional design, digital accessibility, and alternative formatting a plus.
• Knowledge of different types of assistive technology and how they are used for accessibility purposes.
• Knowledge of software to produce materials in alternate media formats along with the use of associated assistive technology tools such as screen readers and text-to-speech software.
• Knowledge of the use of AI and its limitations. Ideas for how to use it safely in an academic setting to enhance accessibility.
• Knowledge of accessibility guidelines and laws for individuals with disabilities such as Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Sections 504 and 508 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA web content accessibility standards.
• Ability to demonstrate various technologies and best practices for usage.
• Ability to analyze situations, evaluate alternatives and adopt effective courses of action.
• Ability to organize, set priorities and exercise sound, independent judgment within area of assigned responsibility.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with students and colleagues from diverse backgrounds who have differing types of disabilities and comfort with technologies.
   

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college with a bachelor's degree in a related field, and at least one year (1) of responsible experience in working with disabled students that provided familiarity with determining appropriate alternate media and assistive technologies to meet their needs; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Experience working with people with disabilities a plus.
• Experience with Adobe, instructional design, digital accessibility, and alternative formatting a plus.
• Knowledge of different types of assistive technology and how they are used for accessibility purposes.
• Knowledge of software to produce materials in alternate media formats along with the use of associated assistive technology tools such as screen readers and text-to-speech software.
• Knowledge of the use of AI and its limitations. Ideas for how to use it safely in an academic setting to enhance accessibility.
• Knowledge of accessibility guidelines and laws for individuals with disabilities such as Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Sections 504 and 508 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA web content accessibility standards.
• Ability to demonstrate various technologies and best practices for usage.
• Ability to analyze situations, evaluate alternatives and adopt effective courses of action.
• Ability to organize, set priorities and exercise sound, independent judgment within area of assigned responsibility.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with students and colleagues from diverse backgrounds who have differing types of disabilities and comfort with technologies.

About Iona University/EEO language

 Founded in 1940, Iona University is a master's-granting private, Catholic, coeducational institution of learning in the tradition of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers. Iona's 45-acre New Rochelle campus and 28-acre Bronxville campus are just 20 miles north of Midtown Manhattan. With a total enrollment of nearly 4,000 students and an alumni base of more than 50,000 around the world, Iona is a diverse community of learners and scholars dedicated to academic excellence and the values of justice, peace and service. Iona is highly accredited, offering undergraduate degrees in liberal arts, science, nursing, and business administration, as well as Master of Arts, Master of Science, and Master of Business Administration degrees and numerous advanced certificate programs. Iona students enjoy small class sizes, engaged professors and a wide array of academic programs across the School of Arts & Science; LaPenta School of Business; NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences; and Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. Iona is widely recognized in prestigious rankings, including The Princeton Review’s 2024 national list of “The Best 389 Colleges” and The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse’s “2024 Best Colleges in America,” which ranked Iona at #66 in the nation overall and #8 in the nation among Catholic schools. Iona's LaPenta School of Business is also accredited AACSB International, a recognition awarded to just 6 percent of business schools worldwide.

Iona offers a comprehensive benefits package to all full-time employees that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement plans; life insurance; short and long-term disability; employee assistance program (EAP); tuition remission; and generous time off. For more information on our benefits and working at Iona visit the Human Resources section of our website.

Iona University values and celebrates diversity and is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all of our employees and does not tolerate discrimination based on any legally protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local laws. As an equal opportunity employer, Iona University encourages applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live, and in particular from historically underrepresented groups.