POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Assistive Technology Specialist will provide direct support to persons with disabilities of all ages and their families, particularly in the use of a wide variety of assistive technology devices including equipment and software for telecommunication, computer access, activities of daily living, communication, and more. The AT Specialist addresses the needs of individuals of all ages with sensory, physical, and intellectual disabilities through device demonstrations, device loans, AT trainings, technical assistance, and information assistance. The Assistive Technology Specialist job responsibilities include, but not limited to:

 

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

§  Provide assistive technology demonstrations, training, and technical assistance to persons with disabilities, family members, advocates, service providers and other stakeholders.

§  Render assistive technology related information and referral assistance to persons with disabilities, family members, service providers and other stakeholders.

§  Perform comprehensive assessments of individuals with a full range of disabilities to

determine need for assistive technologies and recommend items that meet the individual’s AT needs.

§  Install and configure computers, equipment, and software. Troubleshoot any problems and contact manufacturers for necessary repairs. Monitor and update revision changes of software.

 

§  Maintain the assistive technology device loan program and update an AT equipment tracking database.

§  Coordinate with AT providers to introduce new AT technology options to public.

§  Work with staff/consultant in the design, maintenance, and evaluations of ATPDC websites/social media platforms to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities.

§  Serve as staff liaison through participation on specialized community and national groups on assistive technology issues.

§  Make presentations at local, regional, and national meetings and conferences.

§  Completes all necessary reports, meets established deadlines, and assists with compiling reports from subcontractors for state and federal reporting.

§  Prepare and deliver, in-person and online, training sessions on a variety of topics related to AT; and assist in training activities and preparation of training materials.

§  Create content for use in DCATP’s blog, newsletter, social media, and YouTube channel for the purpose of raising awareness of AT software, devices, and concepts.

§  Develop and implement a training calendar to for targeted populations in the District of Columbia.

 

COMPENSATION

The Assistive Technology Specialist will work full-time for a competitive salary, based on qualifications and related experience. There is an opportunity for two days of telework.

University Legal Services offers an excellent employee benefit package including full medical insurance, vacation, sick leave, and other benefits.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

§  Bachelor’s degree in human services, education, or technology domain and three years’ experience providing services in assistive technology.

§  Preference is given to individuals who have an AT credential from an institution of higher education or other legitimate accrediting body.

§  Three (3) or more years relevant experience working with persons with disabilities.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

§  Three (3) or more years of demonstrated knowledge of assistive technology devices, such as computer hardware and software; telecommunication; computer access; augmentative communication; devices for those with sensory impairments and accessible electronic and information technologies.

§  Knowledge of device features and set-up functions.

§  Demonstrated computer skills and proficiency in both Macintosh and Windows platforms including the ability to complete basic troubleshooting and repairs of both platforms.

§  Experience of multimedia and internet technology

§  Demonstrated experience designing and delivering training for professionals, individuals with disabilities, and family members.

 

§  Demonstrated skill in written and oral communication.

·       Ability to travel to off-site locations that may not be accessible via public transportation. (Some overnight travel may be required).

·       Ability to lift/move equipment and other materials of 40lbs in weight.

 

HOW TO APPLY

All applicants should email your resume and list of references electronically to the Program Manager listed below. (Subject Line: DCATP AT Specialist Job) Please include a cover letter providing examples of your assistive technology experience.

Alicia C. Johns Program Manager

DC Assistive Technology Program ajohns@uls-dc.org

 Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDOD) is pleased to announce the release of the Ethan Saylor Alliance Law Enforcement Training Curriculum, designed to train officers on how to safely and appropriately interact with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

 

More than 50 curriculum sets have been distributed to local law enforcement agencies. Kits include a PowerPoint presentation with corresponding materials to be offered by training directors and coordinators for entry-level or in-service members. This training meets the minimum training objectives identified by the MD Police and Correctional Training Commissions. A key component of the training is the inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the training of law enforcement. 

 

“This curriculum is the result of the tremendous efforts of both disability advocates and law enforcement,” says MDOD Secretary Carol A. Beatty. “The collaborative nature of the process has produced a curriculum that is rich in content and easy to implement for any agency.”

 

In 2013 Ethan Saylor, young man with Down Syndrome, died after an altercation with police at a Maryland movie theater. Three sheriff’s deputies who were working as mall security officers approached him at a movie theater in Frederick County, where he had watched a movie and then returned, without a ticket, to watch the movie again. The deputies forcibly removed him from the seat and he was later pronounced dead at a hospital. His death was ruled a homicide as a result of asphyxia.

 

The Ethan Saylor Alliance was passed in April of 2015 and was aimed at providing increased training for members of law enforcement and other public service entities on specific needs of those with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The premise of the alliance is that self-advocates take the central role in educating and informing the community in regard to the specific needs of those with disabilities. MDOD was tasked with forming an alliance of self-advocates, family members, disability related professionals, educators and members of law enforcement. The alliance meets regularly and meetings are open to the public.

 

For more information on the Ethan Saylor Alliance visit MDOD’s website: http://mdod.maryland.gov/about/Pages/Saylor-Alliance.aspx