Accessibility Programming Coordinator

Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.

As part of the Student Experience portfolio, the Accessible Education team offers resources and supports to students with disabilities at Western. Team members work one-on-one with students to review documentation, understand needs, and recommend academic accommodations that help ensure equity, inclusion, and access to education.

The Accessibility Programming Coordinator will enhance the student experience for students with disabilities and support the development of a campus environment that is accessibility-friendly. The role will develop, implement, and evaluate programming that supports the expressed needs of students with disabilities in building community in a co-curricular context. In addition, the role will collaborate within Student Experience, and with partners across campus (as appropriate), to identify and remove barriers to participation for students with disabilities, ensuring that programming and events are wholly accessible.

Key Accountabilities:

• Collaborates with the Student Accessibility Advisory Committee (SAAC) to understand programming interests and needs, as well as program design requirements, to ensure accessibility for all students
• Develops a suite of programming that facilitates community building and meets the unique and expressed needs of students with disabilities (SWD), reflecting an intersectional understanding of disability, and alignment with the thriving framework
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with student government accessibility commissioners, and actively seeks feedback and engagement opportunities
• Receives and responds to inquiries, student feedback and requests for information related to accessibility in programming
• Engages in on-going professional development and training in order to stay abreast of emerging theory and best practices in the field
• Collaborates with Student Experience staff and leaders to evaluate existing programs and conduct relevant research in order to improve and grow services in a progressive and responsive manner
• Manages events, workshops and initiatives related to accessibility, or in support of students with disabilities, and for outreach and student recruitment activities as required
• Manages various relevant programs within Student Experience (e.g. Lecture Note Bank), and identifies opportunities to expand and improve programming

Role Requirements:

Education:

• Required: Undergraduate Degree in Disability Studies, Diversity and Social Justice Studies, Human Rights, Education, Occupational Therapy or other related field.
• Preferred: Post-Graduate Certificate in a relevant field.

Experience:

• Minimum required: 3 years' experience developing, implementing and evaluating programming to support individuals with disabilities.
• Preferred: experience developing and implementing programs in a postsecondary setting, specifically for individuals with disabilities. Experience working with advisory groups

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Attributes:

• Knowledge of social models of disability, relevant legislation and standards (e.g. Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, Ontario Human Rights Code), and comprehensive knowledge of a range of disabilities and their effects in a post-secondary setting
• Proven ability to take initiative and champion a project from conception through implementation and evaluation
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing learning and professional development
• Excellent ability to establish and maintain productive and collaborative relationships with individuals and groups and to be responsive to stakeholder needs
• Ability to work within a flexible schedule to accommodate the University's events and activities
• Knowledge of assistive technologies and other technical or non-technical solutions to address accessibility barriers
• Proven ability to multi-task and prioritize with an eye to consistently producing high-quality work and meeting deadlines in a demanding environment
• Ability to plan and manage events of various sizes
• Strong presentation skills (both creating and delivering presentations)
• Ability to provide solutions using imaginative approaches where constructive thinking and innovation are required
• Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Professional manner, tact, diplomacy and discretion in dealing with colleagues and stakeholders
• Strong record of teamwork with the motivation and ability to work independently with little supervision

Western offers a broad and exciting variety of part-time and temporary employment opportunities with ample room for job exploration and growth. Within our beautiful campus, you are part of a progressive work environment that promotes work/life balance including access to our state-of-the-art recreation centre. Apply for an opportunity to be part of the Western community and contribute to its success

To ensure that your application is given full consideration, please complete all relevant sections of the application. In addition, you can choose to supplement your application with a cover letter and current resume.

Consideration of applicants will include an assessment of previous performance, experience, and qualifications. Applicants should have oral communication skills in English.

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone

This position is an existing vacancy. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.