"Adaptive Services Specialist"

Under general supervision, to assist Accessible Education Center (AEC) students and faculty in utilizing adaptive/assistive technology, services and materials to assist students with sensory, physical, learning and other disabilities; to coordinate with AEC instructors and Information Technology on implementation and maintenance of adaptive technology; and to perform related duties as assigned.This classification functions under the auspices of the AEC department but requires knowledge and skill in the areas of both information technology and equipment, and the special needs, requirements and services utilized by individuals with disabilities. Positions in this class work closely with instructors, Information Technology, and AEC to coordinate and provide assistive and adaptive equipment and services for students.

Ideal Candidate:
An ideal candidate for the Adaptive Services Specialist position is a knowledgeable professional skilled in both adaptive/assistive technology and the specific needs of students with sensory, physical, learning, and other disability types. This individual must be adept at setting up, troubleshooting, providing training, and student support on a wide array of adaptive equipment, hardware, and software, including speech recognition, screen enlargement, and scan-and-read programs. A successful candidate will be highly effective at collaborating with faculty and the Accessible Education Center (AEC) instructors to identify suitable resources and provide input to Individual Educational Programs, while also serving as a crucial liaison with the Information Technology division for maintaining and troubleshooting adaptive technology and network functions within the AEC High Tech Center. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective relationships with students and staff are essential.

• Provides tutoring to students with sensory, physical and other disabilities;
• Assists faculty and program staff in identifying suitable equipment, technology, software, services, and materials for use by specific students, and in the AEC High Tech Center (HTC), and provides input to Individual Educational Programs;
• Recruits, evaluates, selects and trains student assistants and others providing American sign language, note taking and other direct student services;
• Provides American Sign Language interpreter services;
• Assists instructor with training of students on assistive devices, other equipment, and software including speech recognition, screen enlargement, and scan and read programs; provides assistance to instructors in classrooms, and with grading of papers and other support;
• With assistance of the Information Technology division, maintains and troubleshoots network functions for HTC and AEC staff computers; loads operating systems and computer software on computers; maintains and troubleshoots computers; provides liaison with the IT division regarding adaptive/assistive information technology;
• Scans and formats text for blind students, transposes to Braille using software, and prints Braille on embosser; transcribes papers;
• Coordinates on-campus transportation for AEC students, scheduling, and maintenance of equipment;
• Provides direct services to students such as American sign language interpretation, reading tests, transcribing papers, mobility assistance, etc.;
• Researches software and obtains pricing information on equipment purchases;
• Researches and prepares brochures and related materials regarding specific disabilities;
• Moves and arranges furniture and computer equipment in the HTC;
• Evaluates and recommends modification of assistive devices for specific student needs;
• Orders and maintains inventory of materials and supplies;
• Prepares and maintains a variety of records, correspondence and other written materials.

About Gavilan College
Located in the heart of California between San Jose and Monterey, Gavilan College’s main campus in Gilroy serves a diverse student population in a beautiful, park-like setting. In addition, we have campus centers located in Hollister, San Martin, and South San Jose, which offer students a variety of courses and programs. Gavilan College, a Hispanic Serving Institution with a 60% Latinx student population, is committed to achieving educational equity for all students.