Disability And Inclusion Officer - Assistive Technology at United States International University - USIU Africa

Job Purpose

Reporting to the Principal Officer, Disability Inclusion, the Disability and Inclusion Officer - Assistive Technology provides specialist support and leadership in assistive technologies to promote accessibility, inclusion, and equity for students with disabilities. This role ensures that students can fully participate in the university’s digital and physical learning environments, while also advising the institution on policy, compliance, and innovation in assistive technology. It bridges student-centered service delivery with institutional strategy, fostering a culture of inclusion and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

 Student Support and Empowerment

• Assess individual needs of students with disabilities and recommend appropriate assistive technology solutions.
• Provide direct, hands-on training and support to students, faculty, and staff in the use of assistive devices, software, and accessibility tools.
• Empower students to build confidence and independence in using technology to enhance learning and participation.
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure a respectful, empathetic approach to student support.

Research, Innovation, and Continuous Improvement

• Keep abreast of global trends, tools, and best practices in assistive technology and digital accessibility.
• Pilot and evaluate emerging technologies with students and staff, documenting outcomes and recommendations.
• Develop and share technical briefs, research updates, and reports to guide institutional adoption and improvement.

Technology Management and Compliance

• Manage, maintain, and update the inventory of assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers, Braille devices, speech-to-text tools, adaptive keyboards, screen magnifiers).
• Monitor system performance, reliability, and user experience; coordinate repairs, upgrades, and maintenance.
• Collaborate with IT Services, Academic Departments, and Facilities to ensure learning spaces and digital platforms meet accessibility and universal design standards.
• Ensure compliance with institutional accessibility policies and international guidelines
• Support implementation of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with vendors and service providers to guarantee quality and accountability.

Institutional Support and Planning

• Provide technical and strategic input in the planning, procurement, and implementation of inclusive technologies across the university.
• Support the budgeting process by identifying and costing assistive technology needs to ensure adequate resourcing.
• Contribute to institutional policy development, ensuring accessibility and inclusion are embedded in digital and learning strategies.

Awareness, Training, and Advocacy

• Conduct awareness sessions, demonstrations, and workshops to promote accessibility and inclusive technology practices.
• Facilitate student and staff feedback sessions on assistive technology use and satisfaction.
• Promote a culture of inclusion, empathy, and collaboration across the university community through regular engagement and advocacy.

Resource Center Support

• Ensure the Disability Resource Center is well-equipped, functional, and welcoming to students.
• Provide user support and assist in creating a dynamic hub for accessibility resources, peer learning, and innovation.

Other Duties

• Undertake any other duties assigned by the supervisor in line with the role’s scope and institutional priorities.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, Educational Technology, Special Needs Education (with IT specialization), Disability Studies, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in disability services, assistive technology support, student support services, or educational technology roles.
• Strong technical knowledge of assistive technologies, digital accessibility standards, and universal design principles.
• Experience in training and mentoring students and staff in technology use.
• Familiarity with procurement and budgeting processes is an added advantage.

Key Competencies / Soft Skills

• Empathy, patience, and cultural sensitivity in supporting diverse student populations.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to translate technical information into practical guidance.
• Research-minded, adaptable, and open to emerging technologies.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to engage students, faculty, IT staff, and administrators effectively.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusion, equity, and student success.