Accessibility Advisor

**_Please note that internal job postings are open only to current permanent OPSEU Local 576 Unit 1 employees and temporary OPSEU Local 576 Unit 1 employees with one year of continuous service._**

Student Accessibility Services (SAS) is a program of the Student Wellness Centre at OCAD University (OCAD U), focused on providing support to students who require academic accommodations and/or disability support. Reporting to the Manager, Student Wellness Centre (SWC), the Accessibility Advisor works closely with students, staff and faculty to provide services in line with OCAD U’s policy on Academic Accommodations and the Ontario Human Rights Code’s (OHRC) policy on accessible education for students with disabilities. The Accessibility Advisor demonstrates a commitment to the principles of equity and diversity and will support students through culturally sensitive, accessible, responsive, high-quality accommodation services/supports based on a social model of disability.

**Summary of Responsibilities**:

- Facilitate timely accommodation planning meetings with students to identify relevant academic accommodations
- Facilitate the development of individualized accommodation plans for students based on an understanding of specific disability-related functional limitations; implement, evaluate and modify accommodations as appropriate
- Maintain on-going contact with students to assist students in self-monitoring the effectiveness of accommodations and supports, making referrals to internal and external services, as appropriate
- Actively engage in consultation with other SAS advisors, as well as the larger SWC team, to provide comprehensive student support
- Prepare and disseminate faculty communication and take appropriate action to support students and faculty experiencing challenges facilitating student accommodations in the studio/classroom
- Negotiate and act on sensitive and complex issues pertaining to student accommodations in a timely manner, initiating consultations and case conferences where necessary and with consent of the student
- Facilitate access to and provide documentation, as needed, for students to access funding for disability-related expenses through the Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD), in compliance with Ministry guidelines
- Attend weekly SWC meetings, supervision, and consultations; liaise with SWC staff and leadership regarding clinical practice, case management, professional development, consultation, and crisis management
- Participate in supporting student monitors, contracted note-takers, interpreters and invigilators, assigning and overseeing tasks, problem solving and checking work assignments as needed
- Maintain current knowledge and comprehensive understanding of relevant University policies, procedures and practices providing accurate information about the SWC to prospective and current students, faculty, staff and to the general public
- Develop, collaborate and maintain relationships of mutual support with colleagues within SWC, Student Services, academic departments and community professionals
- Maintain currency in field through association membership and engage in continual professional development activities to remain current and responsive in practice
- Collaborate with faculty and other OCAD U services to provide ongoing faculty education and support in participating in the OCAD U’s policy on Academic Accommodations and the OHRC’s policy on accessible education for students with disabilities
- Work in collaboration with key stakeholders in the development of Universal Design Learning (UDL) at OCAD U
- Participate in evening, or after-hours programming as required
- Collaborate on the development of resource materials and the delivery of outreach and engagement for staff, students, and faculty
- Assist the Manager, SWC and Dean of Students and work collaboratively with staff in other related tasks that contribute to the successful operation of the SWC

**Qualifications**:

- Post-secondary degree, Master’s preferred, in Higher Education, Teaching, Psychology, Counselling, Disability Studies, Social Work, Occupational Therapy or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Minimum of three (3) years of work or equivalent experience in community settings, advocacy, social justice, case management, education, teaching, service delivery, and/or disability studies
- Experience and understanding in UDL and Pedagogy
- Demonstrated understanding of the implications of disabilities as related to student success at university and in a broader context
- Working knowledge of the OHRC’s policy on accessible education for students with disabilities
- Ability to work from a strengths-based, anti-oppressive perspective and a well-developed understanding of factors that may impact student success such as intersectionality, gender, race/racism, disability/ableism, sex/sexuality
- Sound judgement and discretion in dealing with confidential and sensitive m