"Access Specialist for Sensory Disabilities - DRES"

Access Specialist for Sensory Disabilities - DRES

Disability Resources & Educational Services

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Job Summary

Position determines eligibility for academic adjustments and services for University of Illinois disabled students, across sensory disability areas, with a focus on visual disability and deafness. Position may have caseload involving other disability areas. Responsible for remaining current with federal and state mandates, as well as best practices, as relates to disabled college students; consults and serves as a resource for faculty and administrators regarding academic accommodations and equitable access issues impacting disabled students.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Advises disabled students in academic programs, and instructors in the planning, determination, and implementation of academic adjustments, modifications, and auxiliary aids and services as required by Section504 of the Rehab Act, the ADA, and the ADAAA.
• Counsels/advises disabled students in areas such as crisis management, academic coaching, vocational counseling, and transition planning related to their disability.
• Collaborates with faculty, other professionals, and disabled students across academic departments to make sure approved academic accommodations are reasonable and can be implemented.
• Advises other campus administrative and service units on the physical, programmatic, informational, and attitudinal access issues relating to the needs of disabled students.
• Serves as part of the team of DRES staff who facilitate auxiliary aids and services for disabled students, including Coordinator of Deaf Resources area, ASL Interpreters, CART, Business Services, AMS, and others.
• Collaborates with other DRES staff in the ongoing review and revision of internal service policies, procedures, and practices.
• Participates in the development and implementation of disability education training on the campus.
• Serves as DRES liaison to other campus departments/units as needed.
• Assists in maintaining current information on the DRES website and social media pages. Schedules, coordinates, and conducts tours of DRES to prospective students, visitors, alumni, interview candidates, courses, faculty/staff, and university officials.
• Conducts service responsibilities for the College of AHS (i.e., search committee work, subcommittee membership) as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in rehabilitation, education, disability studies, social work, or closely related field.
• Knowledge of and experience in the delivery of ADAAA/504 mandated post-secondary academic adjustments and services for disabled students.
• Experience working with students in the delivery of academic adjustments and services for students with disabilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge and previous experience in supporting students who have low vision/blindness and students who are Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Productive team player
• Ability to deliver high-level interactive services
• Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships within DRES and across stakeholders
• Ability to prioritize effectively
• Ability to proactively solve problems
• Ability to work well under pressure
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with a great deal of accuracy
• Strong communication skills
• Exceptional organizational skills
• Ability to work well with students, faculty, and staff at all levels
• Ability to thrive in a diverse, multi-cultural, collaborative environment

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements, and budget constraints. The salary range for this position is $55,000 to $67,000 with the final salary offer determined through a thorough assessment of these elements.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on November 21, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Bobbie Clegg at bjclegg@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.