Director, Accessibility Services

Director Of Accessibility Services

Reporting to the Senior Executive Director, the Director of Accessibility Services will provide strategic direction and leadership related to the administration and implementation of accessibility and accommodations services for students, other campus community members, and visitors with disabilities. They will facilitate equal access to the curriculum, campus facilities, and accessibility and accommodation services for programs and activities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, FERPA, and other federal and state laws pertaining to persons with disabilities. The incumbent will have primary oversight for the administration and implementation of accessibility and accommodations services related to housing accommodation services and assistance animals, assistive technology, American Sign Language interpretation (ASL), CART / captioning, electronic / alternate format textbooks and course materials, learning support services, and visitor access and accommodations for University programs and events. They will also oversee learning support services and 1 : 1 skills sessions. The Director will lead a team of staff to ensure the provision and implementation of non-exam accommodations and accessibility services and manage the administration and stewardship of university-wide resources and services for students and other campus community members and visitors with disabilities. This is an essential on-site role that requires occasional weekend and late evening hours during times of peak operational volume. Some hybrid work options may be considered.

Responsibilities :

Accessibility & Accommodation Services (60%) :

• Provides leadership and makes strategic decisions to ensure students and other campus community members and visitors with disabilities have consistently inclusive access to fully participate in all aspects of the University programs and activities.
• Provides strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for the provision and implementation of accessibility and accommodations services related to : housing accommodations, service and assistance animals, assistive technology, note-taking, accommodations for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals, ASL interpretation, CART / captioning, electronic / alternate format textbooks and course materials, learning support services and visitor access and accommodations for University programs and events and other related services.
• Manages quality assurance issues, providing feedback and education to staff to optimize performance and enhance the experience for students and faculty who interface with Disability Services.
• Proactively develops systems and services to determine and incorporate best practices; partners with the DS senior management team, University colleagues, and stakeholders to identify and eliminate barriers to continually innovate and deliver accessible services in the most inclusive manner.
• Manages accommodations and accessibility services for high needs students and works in consultation with the Senior Executive Director to resolve complex issues regarding accessibility and accommodations concerns.
• In collaboration with the Senior Executive Director, determines strategic priorities to develop, enhance, and maintain high-quality accommodations and accessibility services for individuals registered with Disability Services, evaluates services and initiatives to determine impact, recommends innovative opportunities, and advises the Senior Executive Director on emerging issues.
• Provides leadership and oversight for eligibility determination and provision of disability housing accommodations through a detailed, interactive, student-centered process in accordance with applicable regulations, laws and University guidelines.
• Chairs the Disability Housing Accommodations Committee and oversees the interactive process of determining eligibility for housing accommodations and assistance animals.
• Provides guidance and reviews service animal and emotional support animal requests for students and staff. Reviews and responds to student appeals of accommodations in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Oversees the facilitation and development of learning specialist sessions and learning support activities.
• Manages student complaints and resolutions; works with appropriate campus partners to resolve ADA issues?escalates complex issues to Senior Executive Director accordingly.
• Provides guidance relating to building, residential and campus accessibility and application of the ADA Accessibility Code. Works with University partners to resolve complaints or issues identified.

Leadership / Staff Management (25%) :

Compliance / Awareness (10%) :

Performs other duties as assigned (5%)

Minimum Qualifications :

Preferred Qualifications :

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.