What is an Accessibility Coordinator?

When it comes to creating a more inclusive society, especially for individuals with disabilities, the role of an accessibility coordinator becomes crucial....

When it comes to creating a more inclusive society, especially for individuals with disabilities, the role of an accessibility coordinator becomes crucial. This position, also known under titles such as "ADA coordinator", ensures compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and addresses all accessibility issues, making places and digital platforms more accessible.

What does an Accessibility Manager do?

An accessibility manager, often interchangeably referred to as an accessibility coordinator, focuses on ensuring equal opportunity access for individuals with disabilities. Their role entails understanding the ADA regulations and ensuring that both physical spaces and digital platforms adhere to these requirements.

Duties of an ADA Coordinator:

1. Understanding ADA Regulations: ADA coordinators should be well-versed with the ADA Title II and other related ADA issues. This encompasses knowledge about the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which predates the ADA but shares its purpose.
2. Facilitating Reasonable Accommodation: The coordinator ensures that individuals with disabilities receive necessary accommodations, be it in alternative formats or through access services.
3. Handling Grievance Procedures: In case of ADA non-compliance, the coordinator oversees the grievance procedure, ensuring that complaints are heard and rectified.
4. Developing Transition Plans: They work on transition plans to move from non-compliant states to compliant ones, helping institutions or organizations move towards accessibility.
5. Technical Assistance: Offering technical assistance in understanding and implementing accessibility requirements.
6. Outreach and Advisory Committee: The coordinator might often be involved in outreach initiatives and may liaise with or be part of an advisory committee.
7. Self-Evaluation: Conducting periodic evaluations to determine areas of improvement in accessibility.

ADA Coordinator in College:

In higher education, an ADA coordinator’s job title may often be associated with ensuring that students, faculty, and staff with disabilities receive necessary accommodations. This includes:

• Ensuring digital accessibility in online courses.
• Providing alternative formats for learning materials.
• Collaborating with providers to ensure tools and apps used in the educational setting are accessible.

Duties of an Accessibility Manager:

While some duties overlap with an ADA coordinator, the accessibility manager focuses on broader accessibility issues, including:

1. Digital Accessibility: Ensuring websites, apps, and other digital tools comply with accessibility standards.
2. Engaging with Local Governments: They may work with local governments to ensure public spaces are accessible.
3. Professional Experience: Managers typically have prior experience in a related field, giving them a nuanced understanding of the subject matter.
4. Job Description and Contact Information: Making sure the organization’s job descriptions and contact information are available in accessible formats.

Top 8 Software or Apps for Accessibility:

1. JAWS: A screen reader for Windows that offers blind and visually impaired users a rich set of commands to navigate the internet.
2. NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access): A free screen reader which is community-driven.
3. VoiceOver: Integrated into Apple devices, this screen reader offers tactile feedback.
4. ZoomText: Combines screen magnification and visual adjustments with screen reading capabilities.
5. Magic: A screen magnification software suitable for low-vision users.
6. Dragon NaturallySpeaking: Voice recognition software allowing users to control their device.
7. Live Caption: Provides real-time captioning on Android devices.
8. Be My Eyes: Connects blind and low-vision users with volunteers to assist in everyday tasks.