Position Summary
The Accessibility Coordinator plays an integral role in supporting the success and retention of current Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) students with barriers, such as disabilities. They do this through reducing barriers, advocacy, assessment, case management, and the provision of accommodations. Accessibility Coordinators also work with prospective students in support of their transition to higher education. The Accessibility Coordinator promotes an accessible, inclusive, equitable and supportive learning environment for students.
The Accessibility Coordinator, reporting to the Associate Dean, Work-integrated Learning and Learner Access, is part of the Student Supports team at RDP. Student Supports work to cultivate mental health and overall well-being within the RDP learning community through counselling, capacity building, stigma-reduction, accessibility and inclusion services, skill building, promotion, and education.
Position Responsibilities
Assessment of Need and Coordination of Accessible Services and Accommodations
- Identify and assess the impacting barriers and needs of students and collaborate with them to develop action plans, accommodations, and recommendations to support their success as a learner at RDP.
- Gather and file necessary information for each student registered with Accessibility Services (i.e., documentation, observations, background history).
- Determine the need for individualized emergency planning and/or medical support for students while on campus and communicate requirements to appropriate service areas and Instructors.
- Assess student aid disability funding eligibility, provide information on eligible funding options and support current students in applying for funding (i.e., federal and provincial Schedule 4 grant funding, Bursaries, Awards, Disability Tax Credit).
- Represent Red Deer Polytechnic as a designated school official/reviewer for Schedule 4 applications by adhering to the Schedule 4 guidelines, reviewing applications and documents, and reconciling previous submissions.
- Collaborate and liaise with other RDP staff as a multi-disciplinary team to support students with multiple barriers (Circle of Care).
- Use evidence-based screening tools to support needs assessment and referrals.
- Review medical, psychological, and educational intervention documentation to assess the impacting barriers and needs of the student.
- Provide information and support to prospective students with barriers to learning, including support in navigating application processes and the transition to higher education.
- Support students to anticipate potential difficulties achieving their program requirements and identify strategies to address related challenges.
- Support students to develop self-advocacy and navigation skills to support themselves in an academic setting.
- Collaborate with Testing Services to create and regularly review standard offering of testing accommodations available through the Test Centre.
- Assess the rationale for equipment and services; identify any implications for an approved reduced courseload.
- Provide exam/testing accommodations for students with acute needs or complex situations as necessary.
Data and Information Management
- Maintain appropriate and confidential file management practices following FOIP guidelines and other legal requirements.
- Develop and implement reports in data system.
- Liaise with IT Services and software developers to efficiently troubleshoot errors and update the database.
- Assist with the collection, organization, and provision of data in responding to FOIP and other requests for data.
- Develop and maintain efficient communication, file management, data collection, and change management process.
Identification and application of appropriate assistive technologies, equipment, and services
- Understand and appropriately recommend a variety of low and high intensity assistive technologies, resources, referrals, and reference materials to support diverse learner needs.
- Stay current with knowledge and understanding of applications and trends regarding assistive technologies.
- Support a smooth integration for accommodated students utilizing Testing Services by developing and maintaining an efficient communication, data collection, and change management process.
Provision of Expertise and Collaboration with the Polytechnic Community and External Partners
- Participate in the recruitment and selection of Support Services staff such as Sign Language Interpreters and Academic Aides and provide guidance and training to staff when they provide direct service to students with accommodations.
- Participate and contribute to the review of contract proposals for assistive service provision such as Sign Language Interpreters, CART services, etc.
- Monitor and report outcomes of accessibility initiatives and projects in line with operational goals.
- Collaborate with the Centre for Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship to support the number of instructors implementing universal design for learning.
- Liaise with other Polytechnic departments to ensure campus accessibility and smooth integration of services.
- Collaborate with instructors and staff to determine the parameters for accommodations in specific courses and programs.
- Facilitate presentations, webinars, videos, and discussions on diversity and difference as well as services and resources available for employees and students, including topics such as principles of Universal Design and Alberta Human Rights Duty to Accommodate legislation.
- Engage in educational and celebratory initiatives and events aimed at reducing stigma for diverse student populations. (International Day of Disabilities etc.)
- Review institutional information with the lens of accessibility, equity, and the value of diversity and provide feedback and suggestions.
- Collaborate and consult with external services, learning communities, and professional organizations
Participation in professional growth and the acquisition of new skills
- Actively participate in training and professional development activities as they become available, as well as offer such activities in their areas of expertise.
- Seek learning opportunities from other staff in the Division of Student Success.
- Actively acquire knowledge and regularly familiarize self with policy and procedure to meet user needs immediately.
- Seek roles on relevant internal and external committees (e.g., PADRA).
- Maintain knowledge and understanding of mental and physical health diagnoses and how they may impact learning.
Required Qualifications
- Four (4) year undergraduate degree, or three (3) year undergraduate degree plus one full additional year of university in a related program representing four years of study or equivalent in Education, Psychology, Social Work, Health Science, Rehabilitation or related field.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree or equivalent in Education, Psychology, Social Work, Health Science, Rehabilitation or related field.
- Knowledge of Alberta and Canadian Human Rights legislation and Duty to Accommodate
- Experience working with students with barriers and/or disabilities in a post-secondary environment and the integration of accommodations that do not violate the integrity of the course/program outcomes.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and advising skills.
- Expertise in the inclusion of exceptional learners and accommodations for students
- Proven team player with excellent collaboration skills
- Problem-solving attitude to approaching issues, while exercising independent judgment and ethical decision-making with a minimum amount of supervision
- Knowledge of tools, services, and technologies that can enhance learning.
- Knowledge of various disabilities, and neurodiversities, assessment techniques and psycho-educational assessments.
- Knowledge about the academic, social, and emotional impact of functional limitations.
- Familiarity with funding policies and procedures
- Maintain a student-centered approach to service as well as fostering an atmosphere of trust and integrity.
Benefits and Compensation Information
Red Deer Polytechnic offers a comprehensive benefits package including extended health and dental care through Blue Cross, access to a health spending account, pension plan, Employee & Family Assistance Program, generous vacation allotments, credit tuition waivers and opportunities for professional development funding. Additional time off due to Institution closures between Christmas and New Year general holidays.
*Eligibility to access the above mentioned benefits is dependent upon the AUPE Collective Agreement and related RDP policies.
Desired Start Date
November 16, 2026
Hours of work
From 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week
Note to Applicant
Red Deer Polytechnic fosters an inclusive learning and working environment where everyone can bring their full selves and share their unique talents. We are committed to being responsive to the evolving needs and expectations of our diverse community.
To enrich the intellectual, economic, cultural, and social development of Central Alberta, we value the contributions of individuals with diverse perspectives and experiences. We encourage applications from Indigenous persons, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, individuals of all sexual orientations, and persons of any gender identity or expression.
Red Deer Polytechnic will provide job applicants with accommodations in accordance with the Alberta Human Rights Code. To request an accommodation, please contact peopleandculture@rdpolytech.ca
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
Special Instructions to Applicants
- Position is open until filled, however, the first review of applicants will be on Oct 23, 2026
- Vulnerable Sector Check is required
