Director of Access and Disability Services

Job Description
The Director of Access and Disability Services ensures College-wide compliance with the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), serving the College's goal to advise, program, and collaborate with faculty and staff in support of undergraduate and graduate students. The Director reports to the Associate Dean and Director of the Sarah Lawrence College Learning Commons, and also is also a member of the Dean of Studies office serving as an assistant/associate dean.

Working collaboratively with several areas including Health and Wellness, Provost's office, Human Resources, Facilities, Residential Life, Student Life, Campus Safety, Registrar's office, and Information technology, the Director will engage in proactive institutional strategic planning and implementation of policies, programs and services for students with disabilities as prescribed by the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Essential Duties Summary
Responsibilities:Serve as a campus resource for students, faculty, staff, and prospective families. Evaluate, implement, coordinate, and monitor appropriate accommodations, services, and activities designed to create an accessible educational environment for students.

Work to foster conditions for academic access for students with disabilities by working closely with the staff at Health and Wellness, the Learning Commons and Residential Life. Review and interpret psycho-educational reports and other documentation and clinical recommendations relevant to determine appropriate academic accommodations and provide letters of accommodation to faculty.

Serve as primary academic advisor for students receiving accessibility services and collaborates with faculty and staff from various College departments.

Interpret and apply federal, state and local legislation related to access and accommodation for students, faculty, staff and visitors. Monitor campus compliance with federal, state and local legislation. Implement plans for access and accessibility improvements in collaboration with other administrators, faculty and staff.Consult with College administrators on electronic/web accessibility, provide guidance to managers, supervisors and faculty in implementing accommodations. The Director will play an integral role in shaping and defining the direction of the College’s comprehensive disability compliance plan.
Provide training, workshops for faculty, staff and students to create better understanding of accessibility services, rights and responsibilities, and universal design principles.

Design and facilitate a range of academic support workshops for undergraduate and graduate students, particularly as a component of program strategy for the Sarah Lawrence College Learning Commons.

Manage all aspects of disability services for student including maintaining confidential files, evaluating accommodation requests, providing accommodation letters, reviewing accessibility-related housing requests, managing provided services, supports and assistive technologies. This includes the acquisition of note-takers, interpreters, testing accommodations, memberships, etc.

Maintain a working knowledge of current and developing regulations and policies regarding persons with disabilities including, but not limited to, FERPA, the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and the ADA.

Required Qualifications
Qualifications:

• Master’s degree required; advanced degree preferred, with a major in education, psychology or related field; 3 to 6 years of experience in the field of accessibility services and working with students at the college level. Experience in Higher education setting highly preferred.

• An understanding of the purpose of a liberal arts education and the value of a small residential college.• A commitment to making the College welcoming to and supportive of a diverse student population.• Ability to understand and interpret adolescent and adult psycho-educational, neurological, and psychological testing and medical documentation.

• Knowledge of civil rights, state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to equal access for individuals with disabilities.

• Knowledge of a range of disabilities that impact learning, including physical and psychiatric disabilities, neurodiversity and learning disabilities, ADHD, head injuries, and various chronic medical conditions.

• Commitment to diversity and to serving the needs of a diverse population.• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.• Excellent oral and written communication skills and computer skills.• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a wide range of community constituencies.

Preferred Qualifications


Requirements for Employment
Effective October 15, 2021, all employees of Sarah Lawrence College must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Exceptions to this requirement will only be considered for documented medical reasons or sincerely held religious beliefs. Any offers of employment will be contingent on successful completion of a background check and submission of proof of vaccination.

Posting Number: S00269P
Open Date:
Close Date:
Open Until Filled: Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants


To apply, visit https://slc.peopleadmin.com/postings/1763


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