Accessibility Specialist

Under the guidance of the Director, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA), the Accessibility Specialist informs, plans, and facilitates the implementation of the museum's approach to accessibility. This position serves as the museum-wide collaborative partner, offering support and guidance on accommodations that provide equal access for everyone, including individuals with differing abilities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Inform the development and implementation of inclusive and equitable strategies that ensure accessible, and exceptional experiences.
Conduct internal reviews of museum policies, practices, and activities to identify potential improvements and make recommendations to responsible teams.
Act as subject matter expert for accessibility-related initiatives across functional areas, including, but not limited to physical space, programming, and technology.
Develop and recommend strategies that support visitors and caregivers for individuals with visible and invisible disabilities, including but not limited to ADD/ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, anxiety/depression, blind or low vision, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and physical and sensory disabilities.
Coordinate accessibility services such as ASL interpreters and CART for live events, captioning, image descriptions, large print labels, and other requested services and materials to make the museum accessible to individuals with differing abilities.
Manage accessibility mailbox, respond to incoming requests, and coordinate resources for visitors that may require support to experience the museum.
Partner with Learning and Development team on trainings to enhance team member response skills.
Partner with Human Resources Operations to advise on employee and volunteer accessibility matters.
Maintain knowledge of current disability-related federal and state laws and applicable civil rights provisions to ensure compliance with all federal and state laws requiring equal employment opportunities for individuals with differing abilities.
Document and communicate the status of accessibility activities through metric-based deliverables.
Collaborate with development team with research and recommend funding opportunities that support increased accessibility.
Work with leaders across the organization to ensure accessibility and accommodations services are captured in museum budgets.
Establish and maintain positive working relationships with organizations that advocate for individuals with differing abilities.
Apply DIA values to interactions that support a culture of belonging among internal and external stakeholders.
Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree in education, disability studies or related field required. Six (6) years of experience with accessibility and disability services. Must have experience recommending equitable and accessible facilities, programming, and educational material improvements. Additional years of experience may be substituted for the degree requirement.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Demonstrated collaboration skills to work across departments and divisions internally and with diverse stakeholders externally.
Demonstrated ability to speak publicly, including presenting or sharing information in a clear, effective, and engaging manner suited to the audience.
Must have demonstrated professional and operational knowledge of State and Federal Disability, ADA, ADAAA, Section 504 and 508 guidelines and other appropriate laws.
Must have experience creating programming and educational materials for individuals with differing abilities.
Ability to identify challenges and opportunities, engage others in their resolution, and recommend appropriate course of action
Demonstrated research and analysis skills to identify critical information and complete projects and goals.
Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability to changes in priorities based on operational need.
Demonstrated ability to share complex information, ideas, and instructions clearly, effectively, and professionally to diverse audiences through talking or writing.
Demonstrated organizational skills to plan, manage, prioritize, and complete multiple on-going projects to meet deadlines and goals.
Knowledge of interpretive practices that support individuals with differing abilities.
Experience with developing and tracking budgets for projects, assuring adherence to approved budgets.
Must possess a demonstrated understanding of ethical business conduct and professional practices including maintenance and protection of confidential and sensitive information.
Must be proficient in the latest version of Microsoft Office 365.
Must have proficiency in the use of remote work technology such as scheduling with, connecting to, and using digital collaboration platforms such as Microsoft Teams.
Must be able to establish and maintain professional, productive and courteous interactions that promote positive teamwork. This encompasses going beyond giving and receiving instructions and includes but is not limited to (a) performing work activities requiring interacting or speaking with others; and (b) responding appropriately to constructive feedback or suggestions for improvement from a supervisor.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Upon receiving notice, reasonable accommodations may be made, if possible, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate and exchange accurate information using various methods including in-person, telephone, and email.