Assistant Director, Alternative Access

Engineering a world of possibilities

Disability Support Services (DSS) at Colorado School of Mines seeks a dynamic and innovative Assistant Director for Alternative Access to lead efforts in providing accessible learning solutions and testing accommodations for students with disabilities. With effective collaboration and forward-thinking skills, the Assistant Director for Alternative Access ensures students registered with DSS receive equitable access to course materials, assistive technology, and testing services.

In this role, the Assistant Director will oversee assistive technology operations, including managing vendor contracts, researching and evaluating new technologies, and implementing training programs. This position will serve as a resource and advocate for students and staff and other internal and external stakeholders on issues relating to assistive technology that impact students.

As a member of Disability Support Services, this position receives a high level of cross-training and will be responsible for supporting disability registration, coordinating accommodations, and managing a student caseload. Responsibilities include approving and coordinating accommodations to address a range of disability-related barriers including but not limited to, real-time captioning, sign language interpreting, assistive technology, note-taking assistance, and alternative format texts.

Additionally, they will support assistive technology needs at the Mines Testing Center, including text-to-speech (TTS) conversion. In accordance with the Rehabilitation Act Section 504, Section 508, Americans with Disabilities Amendment Act (ADAA), Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.2), and Family Educational Right to Privacy Act (FERPA), the Assistant Director will demonstrate a commitment to equity and inclusion.

This is a full-time, 12-month position based on the Mines campus in Golden, Colorado. The role requires on campus work and flexibility to ensure adequate staffing during peak periods, such as the start of semesters and final exams.

Primary Responsibilities

ASSISSTIVE TECHNOLOGY TRAINING, CONSULTATION, AND MANAGMENT/OVERSIGHT

• Provide comprehensive support to DSS around technology and accessibility, including digital and web accessibility.
• Provide ongoing technological support, training, and education related to equipment, software, and tools designed to support students registered with DSS.
• Monitor student needs to support budget forecasting and assistive technology planning.
• Stay informed of the latest developments in the field of assistive technology specific to student disabilities in higher education and STEM.
• Collaborate with campus IT departments to implement adaptive technology solutions for students with disabilities and plan for growth by exploring staffing and training opportunities.
• Monitor legislative and technological developments, including WCAG 2.2 and Section 508, to ensure DSS compliance and advise on innovations, cost efficiencies, and budget impacts.
• Oversee editing, updating, and maintenance of the DSS website to ensure adherence to relevant legal requirements.
• Participate in professional development opportunities relevant to alternative access such as the annual Accessing Higher Ground conference and webinars offered through Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD).
• Assist the department with conducting ongoing needs assessment for internal training in assistive technology.
• Manage assistive technology hardware and software inventory, maintenance, and procurement for DSS.
• Oversee accessible print, adaptive technology, and communication access to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Oversee contracts, scheduling, and invoicing of third-party vendors, including the Request for Proposal (RFP) processes.
• Provides supervision to potential interns or student employees who support alternative access for the department.
• Evaluate new technologies and current best practices for teaching and learning adaptive technology.
• Provide guidance on complex accessibility issues and implement service improvements based on best practices.
• Consult with students, faculty, and DSS to address complex or unusual situations.
• Develop, analyze, and review processes, procedures, and efficient workflows for the department.
• Report data and statistics to support the effectiveness of technology and make recommendations for future technology needs.

DSS REGISTRATION AND ACCOMMODATION COORDINATION

• Maintain a caseload of students and conduct intake and accommodation review meetings with students in various formats (in-person, virtual, phone).
• Engage in the interactive process to determine eligibility for academic, housing, dining, and other accommodat