Assistive Technologist

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

Accessibility Resource Center

Job Description

Job Summary

The Assistive Technologist is responsible for providing expert-level support in the deployment, integration, and optimization of assistive technologies to ensure that students with disabilities and diverse learning needs can fully engage with Smith College’s academic offerings. This role requires a deep understanding of both assistive and academic technologies, working at the intersection of technology and education to create an inclusive and accessible learning environment that fosters equity and participation for all students.

In close collaboration with Information Technology Services (ITS) and the Accessibility Resource Center (ARC), the Assistive Technologist will assess technology needs, develop individualized solutions that respect the diverse abilities of students, and lead the advancement of assistive technology infrastructure across the college. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background, experience with a broad range of assistive technologies, and a commitment to leveraging technology to enhance accessibility, inclusion, and student success.

Essential Functions

Technology Consultation (45%)

• Engage with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds to assess their technology needs and implement customized, inclusive assistive technology solutions that promote academic equity.
• Collaborate with instructors to integrate assistive technologies into courses, offering technical expertise on accessible digital tools, such as screen readers, voice recognition software, and content management systems.
• Partner with the ITS to ensure the seamless functioning of assistive technology hardware and software into physical and virtual environments, addressing diverse needs with flexibility and sensitivity.
• Provide expert guidance on the latest developments in assistive technology, advising campus stakeholders on best practices for integrating emerging technologies that prioritize inclusivity and accessibility.
• Serve as a liaison with external technology vendors and academic technology consortia, ensuring Smith College remains a leader in assistive technology innovation for all students.

Instructional Design, Training, & Implementation (35%)

• Lead accessible workshops and training sessions for students, faculty, and staff on the effective use of assistive technologies, such as JAWS, Kurzweil/Firefly, VoiceOver, Glean, Dragon NaturallySpeaking, and other specialized software, ensuring inclusivity in all instructional approaches.
• Offer tailored instructional support by preparing and configuring assistive technology for student projects and assessments, ensuring technical tools meet pedagogical and accessibility needs for a diverse student population.
• Research and recommend inclusive enhancements to Smith’s digital infrastructure to improve accessibility of academic resources and ensure compliance with ADA/504 and other relevant regulations.
• Develop workflows for accessible content creation, including converting academic materials into alternative formats, providing audio descriptions, and creating digital content that accommodates diverse learning styles and abilities.
• Collaborate with ITS on inclusive, technology-driven initiatives, contributing to the design and deployment of accessible learning environments through cutting-edge assistive technologies.

Assessment & Data-Driven Development (10%)

• Develop and implement comprehensive assessment strategies to evaluate the effectiveness of assistive technologies in improving student outcomes, focusing on inclusion, engagement, retention, and academic success for students with diverse needs.
• Analyze and report on data related to the usage and impact of assistive technologies, making evidence-based recommendations to ensure future technology investments align with accessibility and inclusion goals.
• Participate in cross-campus initiatives aimed at advancing accessibility, aligning Smith College’s efforts with regional and national consortia to continuously improve inclusive assistive technology offerings

Other Responsibilities (10%):

• Manage and configure assistive technology hardware and software systems, ensuring optimal performance, security, and ease of use to meet the diverse needs of the campus community.
• Lead efforts in evaluating and adopting new technologies to address the evolving needs of the student body, including pilot programs and vendor demos for innovative, inclusive tools.
• Facilitate the conversion of academic documents into accessible formats using specialized software and tools, working closely with faculty and staff to meet accommodation needs for students of all abilities.
• Supervise student staff involved in the operation and maintenance of assistive technology equipment, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and efficient work environment.
• Stay current on trends in assistive technology and digital accessibility, participating in professional development opportunities and industry conferences to ensure the college remains a leader in creating accessible and inclusive learning environments.

Minimum Qualifications (knowledge, skills, education, experience, certifications, licenses)

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in assistive technology, instructional design, information technology, or a related field.
• Two to four years of experience working with assistive technologies and individuals with disabilities or diverse learning needs, with a proven track record of using technology to promote accessibility.
• Strong IT skillset, including experience with assistive technologies and general technology infrastructure (e.g., software installation, hardware troubleshooting, and systems integration).
• Demonstrated experience working with screen readers, dictation software, alternative input devices, and other assistive tools.
• Proven ability to collaborate with IT professionals, educators, and diverse student populations to integrate accessible technology into academic settings.
• Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Assistive Technology, IT, Instructional Design, or a related field.
• Experience in higher education or a disability services setting.
• Familiarity with ADA/504 compliance, FERPA regulations, and accessibility standards in higher education.
• Project or program management experience, with the organizational and facilitation skills, and desire to untangle complex, subtle problems.

Skills

• Expertise in assistive technology systems and experience managing technology-driven accessibility projects.
• Strong skills in problem-solving and troubleshooting assistive technology hardware and software.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical information into accessible, user-friendly guidance for a diverse range of users.
• Ability to gather and analyze data on technology usage to drive continuous improvements that enhance accessibility and inclusivity.
• A commitment to advancing equitable technology access and creating inclusive learning environments for students, staff, and faculty of all backgrounds.
• Ability to approach technical collaboration and consultations with the discretion and care necessary to ensure a welcoming and effective experience for ARC clients.
• Ability to imagine, articulate and implement alternate technical solutions and processes when the best option may not be achievable right away.

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Review of applications will begin

October 30, 2024

Position Type:

Regular

About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts.  A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of  equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty.  The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.