Accessibility Specialist

Part I. Summary

The Accessibility Specialist is required to lead accessibility development, analysis, documentation, and remediation of instructional materials and to perform the duties stated in this job descriptions. Responsibility for overseeing accessibility validation, staff training and guidance involved in the development of materials, media, and technology.

Part II. Qualifications: The following qualifications are required for the Accessibility Specialist:

§2.1 Required Certifications and/or Licenses. None

§2.2 Required Educational Diploma or Degree(s).

• §2.2.1 Bachelor’s degree in Education or equivalent experience producing Accessible Instructional Materials;
• §2.2.2 CPACC, WAS or other web accessibility certification(s); and/or
• §2.2.3 Equivalent experience utilizing assistive technology will also be considered.
  
  

§2.3 Required Experience. Experience that is sufficient to enable the employee to use assistive technology effectively and efficiently and to enable the "customers" of the Intermediate Unit to benefit.  More specifically, the Intermediate Unit expects candidates to have the following experiences:

• §2.3.1 Prior experience supporting individuals with disabilities
• §2.3.2 A working Knowledge of: (a) the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; (b) the Americans with Disabilities Act; and (c)  and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act;
• §2.3.3 Familiarity and ability to use various technology and database systems;
• §2.3.4 a demonstrated Ability to analyze and communicate effectively data and reports to a wide range of project stakeholders, e.g., Executives, Managers, Designers, Developers, and Administrators;
• §2.3.5 a demonstrated ability to identify and suggest potential solutions to deliver accessible content on web and mobile devices;
• §2.3.6 experience utilizing assistive technologies such as screen readers; and
• §2.3.7 experience producing or assessing digital instructional materials that adhere to accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1, Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, WAI-ARIA, UAAG, and ATAG).

§2.4 Communication Skills. Effective verbal and written communication skills and decision-making that is documented or provable.  Must be courteous and able to deal effectively with people at all levels.

Part III. Essential Functions and Duties: The Accessibility Specialist must be able to perform the following functions with or without reasonable accommodations:

§3.1 Independent and Collaborative Work. To work both independently and collaboratively to fulfill these essential functions, including but not limited to the following;

• §3.1.1 To work collaboratively with other Intermediate Unit administrators to ensure that all employees in the AEM Center are properly supervised and managed; and
• §3.1.2 To work collaboratively with teachers and administrators and others to ensure that the work for which the Accessibility Specialist is responsible  is performed properly;  and
• §3.1.3 To ensure that all employees that the Accessibility Specialist supervises are performing their jobs properly and in accordance with Applicable Law and Intermediate Unit Requirements.

§3.2 Governing Documents. To read, understand and implement the following “governing documents” of the Intermediate Unit and to implement those provision that are applicable to the Accessibility Specialist:

• §3.2.1 the School Board’s Policy Manual;
• §3.2.2 the Intermediate Unit’s Administrative Regulations;
• §3.2.3 the Intermediate Unit’s Comprehensive Plan;
• §3.2.4 the Intermediate Unit’s Code of Employee Conduct;
• §3.2.5 the collective bargaining agreements that apply to any of the employees in the AEM Center;
• §3.2.6 the Intermediate Unit’s emergency plan(s);
• §3.2.7 the Terms of Use, Terms and Conditions and any other applicable rules regarding any software systems utilized by the employee; and
• §3.2.8 those contracts entered into by the Intermediate Unit that are within the area of responsibility of the Accessibility Specialist and that are applicable to the work of the AEM Center or the employees in the AEM Center.

§3.3 Work Year; Workday. To work approximately Two Hundred Sixty-One (261) days per year, five (5) days per week, seven and one-half (7 ½)  hours per day as assigned, subject to lawful and/or contractual leave rights.

§3.4 Additional Work. To work additional hours outside of the normal work schedule when the needs, exigencies and emergencies of the Intermediate Unit require or when required by Intermediate Unit Requirements.

§3.5 Compliance with Law and Intermediate Unit Requirements. To perform all functions and fulfill all duties stated in this job description in accordance with Applicable Law and Intermediate Unit Requirements, Including the following:

• §3.5.1 The Accessibility Specialist shall maintain high levels of competence;

• §3.5.2 The Accessibility Specialist shall exhibit consistent and equitable treatment of students, employees, parents and other visitors to the Intermediate Unit, including contractors and their employees;

• §3.5.3 The Accessibility Specialist shall accept the value of diversity at the Intermediate Unit;

• §3.5.4 The Accessibility Specialist shall exhibit acceptable and professional language and communication skills;

• §3.5.5 The Accessibility Specialist’s verbal and written communications with parents, students and staff shall reflect sensitivity to the fundamental human rights of dignity, privacy and respect;

• §3.5.6 The Accessibility Specialist shall be open-minded, knowledgeable and use appropriate judgment and communication skills at all times, Including when responding to stressful issue;

• §3.5.7 The Accessibility Specialist shall keep confidential information confidentially unless required to be disclosed by Applicable Law or by clear and compelling necessity;

• §3.5.8 The Accessibility Specialist may not accept gratuities, gifts or favors that might impair or appear to impair his/her professional judgment or exploit a professional relationship for personal gain or advantage;

• §3.5.9 The Accessibility Specialist may not knowingly or intentionally distort or misrepresent evaluations of staff;

• §3.5.10 The Accessibility Specialist may not knowingly or intentionally withhold evidence from the proper authorities about violations of Applicable Law;

• §3.5.11 The Accessibility Specialist may not use coercive means or promise special treatment to influence employees; and

• §3.5.12 The Accessibility Specialist may not threaten, coerce or discriminate against a colleague, employee, contractor or student who in good faith reports or discloses to a governing agency actual or suspected violation of Applicable Law or Intermediate Unit Requirements.

§3.6 Civil Rights. The Accessibility Specialist shall ensure that the civil rights of employees supervised are protected and enforced and shall collaborate with the applicable Compliance Officer or Coordinator to ensure that complaints are promptly investigated and prompt and effective action is taken to prohibit all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation, hazing, or bullying.  The Accessibility Specialist shall comply with directives of the Executive Director, applicable Compliance Officer or Coordinator and the Solicitor or other legal counsel retained to conduct investigations and recommend appropriate actions.

§3.7 Positive Culture. The Accessibility Specialist shall promote and ensure a positive work environment for all employees and others in the AEM Center.

§3.8 Self-improvement. The Accessibility Specialist shall remain current on “best practices” regarding the administration, management and supervision of employees in the AEM Center. The Accessibility Specialist is to remain current in on these subject through reading, study and professional development.

§3.9 General Leadership. The Accessibility Specialist shall provide leadership in all aspects of the of the Accessibility Specialist’s work.

§3.10 Meetings. The Accessibility Specialist shall attend meetings with the administration and School Board when scheduled and/or as requested.

§3.11 Organization and Cleanliness. The Accessibility Specialist shall ensure that all spaces and areas in which the Accessibility Special is responsible are kept neat and orderly.

§3.12 Mandated Reports. The Accessibility Specialist shall make all reports to law enforcement, Childline, and the Executive Director as required by Applicable Law and Intermediate Unit Requirements.

§3.13 Safety. The Accessibility Specialist shall ensure that the employment environment for employees in the Accessibility Specialist’s area of work is free of dangerous hazards, unlawful harassment, improper conduct and unlawful discrimination.

§3.14 Timely Performance. The Accessibility Specialist shall perform and complete all functions and duties on a timely basis and to submit all reports and other deliverables accurately and in a professional manner.

§3.15 Interviews. The Accessibility Specialist shall assist the Accessibility Specialist with interviews for vacant positions or conduct such interviews independently when directed;

§3.16 Budget. The Accessibility Specialist shall:

• §3.16.1 Prepare such budgets as requested;
• §3.16.2 Prepare and approve requisitions for work orders for repairs, replacements, and improvements;
• §3.16.3 Keep accurate and up-to-date records to furnish statistical data, cost data, and other information in order to prepare accurate supply and equipment reports for the Intermediate Unit;
• §3.16.4 Maintain a schedule of equipment warranties to avoid unnecessary costs to the district for repairs;
• §3.16.5 Present contracts for services, supplies and equipment to be approved by the school board to the Business Administrator; and
• §3.16.6 Establish and coordinate the inventory records for supplies and equipment.

§3.17 Evaluations.  The Accessibility Specialist shall evaluate and ensure that employees supervised are properly evaluated no less frequently than annually.

§3.18 Training. The Accessibility Specialist shall ensure that training is provided for employees supervised regarding all aspects of their jobs, Including safety awareness, use of hazardous materials and safe operation of equipment.

§3.19 Use of Technology. The Accessibility Specialist shall use and be efficient in the use of the Intermediate Unit technology systems and software as it relates to his/her job.

§3.20 Language Skills. As applicable to job, the Accessibility Specialist shall read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals; write reports and correspondence; and speak and present information effectively to employees or vendors in person or on the telephone.

§3.21 Mathematical Skills. As applicable to the job, the Accessibility Specialist shall add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals and shall calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, area, circumference and volume.

§3.22 Reasoning Ability. As applicable to the job, the Accessibility Specialist shall define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions and interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

§3.23 Sensory Abilities. The Accessibility Specialist must have sufficient visual acuity, with or without reasonable accommodations, and auditory acuity, with or without reasonable accommodations, to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.

§3.24 Temperament.  The Accessibility Specialist must possess excellent interpersonal skills and must be cooperative, congenial, and service-oriented. The Accessibility Specialist must be able to work in an environment with frequent interruptions.

§3.25 Specific Duties. The Accessibility Specialist shall perform the following duties and functions:

• §3.25.1 Ensure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to accessibility standards;
• §3.25.2 Remediate digital content developed by PaTTAN (documents, presentations, spreadsheets, videos, social media posts, and website);
• §3.25.3 Support PaTTAN AEM Center in the development of accessible educational materials;
• §3.25.4 Work with PaTTAN Educational Consultants across PaTTAN initiative areas to implement accessibility solutions;
• §3.25.5 Train and mentor individuals on accessibility best practices;
• §3.25.6 Collaborate with web developers on WCAG compliant designs;
• §3.25.7 Assess, maintain, and report on effective services provided by other state instructional material centers in the United States;
• §3.25.8 Utilize the POUR principles (Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust) to produce, design, or assist in the development of digital learning materials; and
• §3.25.9 Prepare such reports and presentations are requested.

Part IV. Definitions: When the following terms are capitalized in this job description, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, they shall have the following meaning:

§4.1 “Applicable Law” means any federal or state statute or regulation, any local ordinance or rule, and any school board policy that is applicable to the situation under consideration, including controlling case law interpreting any applicable statute, regulation, ordinance or policy.

§4.2 “Including” means by way of example and not limitation or includes but not limited to.

§4.3 “School Board” means the board of school directors of the BLaST Intermediate Unit. .

§4.4 “Intermediate Unit Requirements” means any requirements, rules, or duties imposed by: (1) the School Board through a motion or resolution, (2)  the Executive Director or Director of the Accessibility Specialist through directive or Administrative Regulation, (3) any agreement, contract or Memorandum of Understanding adopted by the Intermediate Unit applicable to the Facility Director’s job; and (4) any plan applicable to the Facility Director’s job, Including emergency plans.

§4.5 “Executive Director” means the Executive Director, a substitute Executive Director, an acting Executive Director or the designee of any of them.

Note: This job description reflects the details necessary to describe the primary function of the job and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the job.

Part V. Reasonable Accommodations. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Intermediate Unit will provide reasonable accommodations to the Accessibility Specialist if he/she is disabled, subject to the terms, conditions and limitations in Applicable Law, Including the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The BLaST Intermediate Unit is an equal opportunity employment, educational and service organization.