Accessibility Specialist

• Evaluates and interprets disability documentation and reviews student applications to affiliate with the Student Accessibility Center (SAC). Prepares for the initial interview and prepares questions about the functional impact of a student's disabilities in relation to their courses/academic program.
• Approves and facilitates reasonable accommodations consistent with current law and identified best practices within the field.
• Prepares a case notes summary of findings and recommendations after the interview, inputting these into the case-management system database. Maintains confidentiality of records.
• Meets individually with students to discuss current accommodations, assesses the need for reevaluation of accommodations, fosters student self-advocacy, and maintains communication with instructors/staff.
• Coordinates communication between faculty, staff, and prospective and enrolled students with disabilities. Provides on-going consultation and technical assistance to facilitate services and accommodations, some of which require a fundamental-alteration review to set limits on their usage, which requires faculty input.
• Provides referrals to students for practitioner evaluations and to on-campus academic and wellness resources.
• Works directly with students with disabilities including but not limited to Deaf and Hard of Hearing students, visually-impaired, learning-disabled and students with medical (such as chronic conditions) and mental health concerns. Re-evaluates accommodations when students move to field-based learning (e.g., internships, practicums, clinical rotations).
• Supports test proctoring logistics and operations as needed, especially during peak exam times (i.e., mid-term exams, final exams).
• In collaboration with SAC staff, plans and facilitates student and faculty workshops.
• Facilitates accessibility participation at various campus events (Student Organization Fair, Wellness Fair, Orientation Resource Fair, etc.) working closely with the campus planners and event organizers.
• While the main office is based at Loyola's Lake Shore Campus, Accessibility Specialists travel, as necessary, to work at the Water Tower Campus, Health Sciences Campus, and other campus locations.

• Supports logistics, operations, and communications for accommodated testing operations and proctoring at Lake Shore Campus, Water Tower Campus, and Health Sciences Campus, especially during peak exam times (i.e., mid-term exams, final exams).

• Serves as a member on internal and university-wide work groups and committees, as needed.
• Maintains liaison relationship with campus partners, and/or supports the delivery of other SAC services, including but not limited to communication services, notetaking, assistive technology, or alternate format materials.
• Works closely with the Department of Residence Life regarding housing, dining, and emotional support animal (ESA) accommodation needs for students with disabilities.
• Consults and collaborates with staff in other units, including but not limited to First and Second Year Academic Advising, Scholars Programs, undergraduate and graduate academic programs, Tutoring Center/Learning and Academic Success, New Student Programs, International Programs, the Wellness Center, the Office of the Dean of Students, and the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution.
• Serves as a liaison to the faculty and campus community on issues related to students with disabilities, classroom and curriculum accommodations, and ADA compliance for students.
• Participates in Student Academic Services signature programs, events, and activities, including but not limited to: Orientation, New Student Convocation, finals week proctoring, admission open houses, and student celebrations.
• Must be able to work some evening and weekend hours in a fast-paced environment.
• Performs other duties as required.

• Bachelor's degree and one-to-two years of related experience in services for students with disabilities; master's degree preferred in higher education, educational psychology, rehabilitation counseling, social work, special education, or related field.
• Knowledge of the needs of students with disabilities and diverse populations.
• Knowledge of relevant laws related to higher education/disability (ADA, FERPA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act) and accommodations.
• Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion