Instructional Designer for Accessibility

Description

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package which can be viewed at: Faculty & Staff Benefits.

Location - Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Position

The Instructional Designer for Accessibility is a shared position between the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) and the Dean of Students (DoS) unit supporting accessibility. Positioned within the Centre for Teaching and Learning, this specialist fosters an inclusive educational environment by empowering instructors and staff to implement Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and accessibility principles that support inclusive teaching and learning practices across diverse learning settings at the University of Alberta. The successful candidate ensures that educational practices are accessible, engaging, and effective for all students, particularly those with diverse learning needs and disabilities.

This role involves a proactive approach to instructional design, integrating expertise in educational theory, technology, and accessibility compliance. The Instructional Designer collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to enhance curriculum design, deploy innovative teaching tools, and facilitate professional development. Through thorough needs assessments, leading practices, and cutting-edge educational technologies, this position addresses accessibility gaps and promotes equity and diversity in learning.

The specialist is responsible for ensuring that all learning materials and teaching strategies meet the highest standards of inclusivity and comply with institutional, provincial, national, and web content accessibility guidelines. By offering dedicated support and ongoing consultation to faculty and staff, the Instructional Designer for Accessibility is pivotal in creating an educational environment where every student at the U of A can excel and fully participate in their learning journey. This role is crucial in guiding the institution towards a more adaptive, inclusive, and learner-centered approach, significantly enhancing students' academic and social success.

Duties

1.Learning Design Support 20%

Advocate for and support instructors in implementing Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles in course materials to ensure they are accessible and inclusive to students with diverse learning needs.
Provide ongoing support and consultation to instructors and educational staff in integrating accessibility features and inclusive practices into their courses.
Serve as a resource/consultant on student accommodation cases to address barriers in course design.
Collaborate with faculty to design or revise curricula incorporating best practices in accessibility and using innovative methods to enhance learning outcomes.

2.Instructional Design Operations 30%

Develop a repository of instructional tools, templates, and guidelines for faculty and staff that illustrate best practices in accessible and inclusive education, ensuring resources meet Web Content Accessibility (WCAG) guidelines.
Stay updated with provincial and national accessibility laws and standards, ensuring that all educational content developed meets these requirements.
Conduct robust needs assessments to identify barriers within existing course designs and develop strategies to address these challenges.
Implement systems to gather and analyze feedback from students and staff on the effectiveness of accessibility measures and UDL applications.

3. Programming 30%

Develop and facilitate training and programming for instructional staff focused on inclusive teaching strategies and the practical application of accessibility tools and resources.
Provide regular in-service training for DoS accessibility advisors to ensure they are up-to-date with best practices and tools.
Support CTL Educational Developers in developing and facilitating workshops and programming to ensure accessible program design.
Assess the effectiveness of training and programming through feedback mechanisms and data analysis, and make recommendations for continuous improvement.

4. Operational Needs 10%

Contribute to CTL's operational effectiveness by participating in committees, meetings, strategic planning, and reporting.
Attend DoS unit meetings quarterly to discuss current and emerging trends in teaching and accessibility/universal learning.
Provide biannual reports to highlight cross-unit collaborations between DoS and CTL.
Contribute to/participate in developing and implementing CTL's communication plans regarding the incumbent's portfolio.

5. Professional Practice 10%

Engage in ongoing professional development to enhance skills and knowledge in accessibility standards, educational technology, and inclusive pedagogy.
Maintain a high standard of professional practice in the post-secondary environment.

Qualifications

Undergraduate degree in educational technology, adult education, information science, or a related field required; A master’s degree preferred.
Minimum of 3 years in instructional design and facilitation in a post-secondary context.
Practical knowledge of adult learning principles, accessibility pedagogies, and diverse learning-centered teaching strategies.
Knowledge of new and emerging digital learning tools and technologies; ability to integrate them into the learning environment.
Demonstrated effectiveness in presenting information clearly and adapting communication styles.
Strong consultative skills; ability to make confident instructional design recommendations.
Exceptional interpersonal skills; ability to positively influence stakeholders and build trust.
Strong organizational skills; ability to manage resources and meet deadlines effectively.
Advanced computer skills, including proficiency in multimedia applications, video, and graphics editing, would be an asset.
Familiarity with U of A institutional policies and learning management systems, particularly Canvas and Moodle.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

The University of Alberta is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women; First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons; members of visible minority groups; persons with disabilities; persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression; and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.