The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Specialist works with the Director of the Center for Academic Success and Achievement (CASA) to coordinate academic accommodations for students with disabilities across all five schools at Meharry Medical College (MMC). This role involves managing, planning, and evaluating reasonable academic accommodations and advocating for disability-related student services and resources. The ADA Specialist will educate faculty, staff, and administrators on ADA policies and best practices to foster an inclusive educational environment. The ADA Specialist must be agile, forward-thinking, innovative, and detail-oriented to develop and advance this unit.
Daily Operations
Accommodation Coordination: Manage diverse academic accommodation requests for students with disabilities. Work with students, faculty, and staff to ensure timely and proper implementation. Maintain accurate and confidential records. Analyze data to identify trends and facilitate organizational change. Produce detailed reports when necessary.
Compliance and Evaluation: Work with CASA Director and General Counsel to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of accommodations and services, ensuring compliance with the ADA and institutional policies. Partner with faculty and staff to ensure accurate implementation.
Advocacy and Support: Act as an intermediary and advocate for students with disabilities, addressing their needs and ensuring they receive the necessary academic resources. Oversee inclusive communication efforts and create a student accessibility advocacy group. Collaborate with local and national schools and programs to build community support. Attend and present at accessibility conferences. Find and apply to accessibility-related grants.
Education and Training: Educate faculty, staff, and administrators on ADA policies, legal requirements, and best practices to promote an inclusive environment. Facilitate events and programs related to student accessibility.
Policy Development: Expand and revise institutional policies related to disability services and accommodations.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Required Skills
Understand and empathize with health professional students with disabilities
Knowledge of the ADA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and other relevant disability laws
Knowledge of higher education policies and procedures related to accessibility and academic accommodations
Awareness of assistive technologies and auxiliary aids
Plan, direct, and manage work in a fast-paced environment
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
Effective verbal and written communication skills
Ability to facilitate workshops and presentations
Highly organized and able to establish priorities, set goals, and implement data-driven change
Able to work and think independently
Knowledge of media and marketing techniques
Experience with Microsoft Office and database management
Ability to operate a personal computer, audio-visual equipment, and other office equipment
Required Education and Experience
Master's degree in higher education administration, education, counseling, or human resources preferred
Bachelor's degree required
A minimum of three (3) years of experience in a similar or related position within a higher education, medical, or health-related setting
Prior experience with student accessibility is required
ADA Coordinator Training Certification Program (ACTCP) is preferred but not required
