Accessibility Advisor

Mandate

As a unit within the Division of Student Affairs, the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) is responsible for

providing institutional leadership in the delivery of a comprehensive student-focused accessible learning

model and delivers training and education to further the University’s commitment to provide equal access

to all academic programs.

The Accessibility Advisor provides advice and consultation on the University’s legal and regulatory

compliance with the BC Human Rights Code, the Ministry of Advanced Education, and University policy

and procedures. Keeping current with best professional practices, standards, and research, this position helps facilitate equal access to all university academic opportunities.

The work of this position is designed and guided by theories and knowledge of universally designed instruction, student learning and development, CAS Standards, and reflects developmental and demographic profiles while remaining responsive to relevant campus stakeholders. CAL is a core academic support unit for both students and faculty and the work of the Accessibility Advisor contributes to the recruitment and retention of students as well as their academic and personal success.

Objectives

Reporting to the Associate Director of the CAL, this role is responsible for the development and on-going delivery of programming for students with students with a disability or chronic health diagnoses. This includes:

• Academic accommodation planning in collaboration with students, faculty, and staff.
• Developing and delivering training to UVic community on inclusion, academic accessibility, and accommodation.
  
  

Occasionally this position may experience people who are adversarial, and challenging to communicate with. Additionally, the position may participate in responses to students in crisis, and/or legal or human rights proceedings on behalf of UVic that can be highly stressful and personally impactful.

There may be a requirement to work outside regular business hours, including evenings and weekends.

This position requires a relevant undergraduate degree such as Education, Psychology, Counselling, Social Work or discipline relevant to working with students with disabilities. In addition, the role requires a minimum of three (3) years of experience working with students with disabilities, including students with no/low vision, autism spectrum disorders, acquired brain injuries, ADHD, learning disability, chronic health, mental health, or d/Deaf or hard of hearing diagnoses.

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Include

• Demonstrated commitment to valuing the principles of truth, reconciliation and respect, equity diversity and inclusion, and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
• A demonstrated understanding of the implications of a diagnosis of vision disability, autism spectrum disorders, acquired brain injuries, and ADHD learning disability, chronic health, mental health, or d/Deaf or hard of hearing diagnoses, as they relate to a student’s success at university and the range of services/resources available both within the University and in the community.
• Experience in providing academic services to adults with disabilities in an educational setting. Post-secondary setting experience preferred.
• Knowledge of legal guidelines, regulations, case law, and policies governing the provision of services to persons with disabilities in a post-secondary environment.
• Ability to assess medical/psychological documentation, functional limitations, environmental barriers, and learning outcomes in a post-secondary academic environment.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to respond calmly and efficiently in crisis situations.
• Ability to integrate current research and evidence into professional practice.
• Knowledge of assessment and evaluation of programming.
• Superior communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to build and maintain productive working relationships with all interest holders.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse population and with all levels of university personnel.
• Demonstrated administrative and organizational skills.
  
  

Assets Or Preferences

• Relevant graduate degree.