Director, ADA Coordinator - 1024431-6689

at University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois, United States

Job Description

• Provide advice, guidance, and oversight regarding compliance with the ADA, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other federal and state laws and regulations, at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus.

• Interpret current disability-related laws and regulations affecting University policies and procedures.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for external agencies in the area of disability compliance.

• Develop and maintain MOUs, protocols, and collaborative relationships with leadership and staff in key university offices (e.g. OAE, DRES, Housing, F&S, Technology Services, Human Resources) to ensure that accommodations processes and other services, policies, and procedures related to individuals with disabilities are in compliance with applicable laws and regulations and have the appropriate level of coordination and alignment.
• Lead, develop, and implement innovative approaches and best practices concerning disability and accessibility that distinguish the University of Illinois from other institutions.
• Facilitate the goal of programmatic access and equal opportunity in university employment, sponsored activities, and events, for all persons.
• Oversee the regular evaluation and updating of the university's ADA Transition Plan in consultation with relevant university offices and stakeholders.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge and awareness of developments in relevant areas of disability and accessibility law and policy and serve as a resource to campus on disability compliance issues.

• Ensure that complaints and grievances related to the rights of individuals with disabilities are handled appropriately, in coordination with other relevant offices and stakeholders, and that the appropriate processes are in place to provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of such complaints and inquiries.
• Where appropriate, provide advice and consultation on individual cases of alleged discrimination on the basis of disability, in coordination with the relevant office(s) responsible for the resolution of such cases.
• Create and disseminate educational materials to inform the university community about their rights and the available grievance processes.
• Facilitate the AAIR (Academic Accommodations Implementation Review) process and publicize the AAIR process among instructors and students.
• Receive and respond to appeals arising from the OAE accommodations process (as provided for in OAE's procedural guidelines) and other relevant escalations of concerns.
• Advise and collaborate with relevant offices including the Office of University Counsel and the Office for Access and Equity regarding complaints filed against the university with external agencies (e.g. EEOC, IDHR, OCR) alleging discrimination on the basis of disability or failure to comply with relevant laws or regulations.

• Lead, develop, implement, present, and review training programs for university faculty, staff, campus units, and other groups related to disability and accessibility issues.

• Publicize campus external training opportunities from relevant external organizations.

• Identify patterns of non-compliance exhibited by campus units, vendors, contractors, and other parties that create legal/compliance risk for the university and/or an unfavorable climate for individuals with disabilities and recommend corrective actions to senior leadership.

• Collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data regarding campus accessibility.

• Prepare regular reports and presentations to campus leadership and relevant stakeholders regarding the status of disability and accessibility compliance at the university, including areas of risk and corrective actions needed to maintain compliance and a supportive climate for individuals with disabilities.

• Serve on relevant committees at the campus and system level.

• Leverage relevant committee and governance structures in order to facilitate greater collaboration and engagement on accessibility issues.

• Supervise the ADA IT Coordinator and any other staff reporting to the ADA Coordinator.

• Assist in fundraising and grant writing activities for ADA compliance initiatives, facilities, and equipment as needed.

• Identify new grant funding opportunities and, where appropriate, author grant proposals and/or serve as administrator of grant(s).

• Five years of relevant professional experience and demonstrated success in handling conflicts in human relationships.

• Three or more years of relevant leadership experience.

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school

• Prior experience working as an ADA Coordinator or in a similar role.

• Knowledge of the ADA and other laws addressing the rights of people with disabilities, such as Section 504 of the
  Rehabilitation Action.

• Knowledge of various alternative formats and alternative technologies that enable people with disabilities to communicate,
  participate, and perform tasks.

• Experience working with people with a broad range of accessibility needs.

• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with campus leadership and employees.

• Strong organization planning and problem-solving skills.

• Demonstrated ability to manage high-volume and time-sensitive workload.

• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in a collaborative environment.