Manager, Student Accessibility Services - Oshawa - Ontario Tech University

Description

Job Summary

The Manager, Student Accessibility Services leads in the development and implementation of a comprehensive strategy to support students with disabilities at Ontario Tech University to meet legislative requirements. Reporting to the Director, Student Support Services the Manager is responsible for the design and implementation of accessibility programs and services within Student Accessibility Services unit to promote student development and success at Ontario Tech.

The Manager works in close collaboration with students, staff and faculty members across the university to oversee the development, implementation and assessment of accessibility programs, services and resources for their students. The Manager also liaises with other university offices, shared service areas and other local agencies to facilitate the effective and timely delivery of services to students with disabilities.

Responsibilities/Accountabilities

1. Leadership and Management
   • Providing leadership within the Office of the Deputy Provost team for the management of Student Accessibility Services to serve the needs of students with disabilities at both the north and downtown campus locations.
   • Developing and implementing short and long-term operational plans for the StudentAccessibility Centre consistent with overall accessibility policies and priorities, legislative requirements, the mandate and goals of the Office of the Deputy Provost, and the vision and mission of the university.
   • Developing policies, procedures and protocols for the provision of academic accommodations and student support that are consistent with the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), including the provision and review of medical and/or psychological documentation, privacy and confidentiality, alternative testing, alternative education resources, in-class assistance, and complaints resolution.
   • Leading a staff of specialists, as well as student staff, peer mentors and volunteers to maintain a high level of performance within the centre through effective hiring, supervision, performance review and development, and ongoing coaching and mentoring.
   • Managing the Student Accessibility Centre budget, tracking special accounts and preparation of reports (e.g., MTCU grants, special projects), and developing budget submissions to ensure appropriate management and accountability of funds.
   • Designing and implementing tools to assess accessibility programs, analyze student needs, promote continuous improvement, and demonstrate program effectiveness and success.
   • Keeping abreast of current developments and emerging trends in accessibility, human rights and student support through active participation in conferences and workshops, professional organizations, and research/literature.
   • Undertaking new strategic initiatives within the Office of the Deputy Provost as requested.
2. Academic Accommodations
   • Oversees the provision of academic accommodations for students with disabilities that meet their needs in the context of course and program requirements. This includes:
   • Facilitating partnerships between disabilities services, faculty, staff and students in providing academic accommodations for students with disabilities that complies with legislative requirements.
   • Overseeing the provision of advising and ongoing case management for students with disabilities, some of whom will have highly complex accessibility needs, including the interpretation of medical and/or psychological documentation, the coordination of psycho-educational assessments, the development and implementation of individual accommodation plans, student responsibilities and complaints resolution.
   • Work closely with the Manager of the Test Centre and Integrated Services to coordinate the provision of alternate examinations and tests for students with disabilities and the timely and effective provision of assistive technology services and resources to support students with disabilities in the classroom.
   • Facilitating student access to financial support in collaboration with the financial aid office, including the OSAP Bursary for Students with a Disability (BSWD), and the Ontario Special Bursary Program (OSBP).
3. Student Development and Support
   • Leads in the administration, delivery and assessment of the full range of services to promote and support development and success among students with disabilities. This includes:
   • Overseeing the design and delivery of student development programming, services and university-wide events to address the unique needs of students with disabilities, including transition programs, career development workshops, discussion groups and other activities, both online and in person.
   • Overseeing and growing a peer support program for students with disabilities.
   • Facilitating positive working relations with campus service providers, and external agencies to develop collaborative programs and initiatives that support the ongoing engagement and persistence of students with disabilities throughout their course of study and ensure access to the appropriate services and support.
4. Outreach and Advocacy
   • Oversees the development, implementation and assessment of programming to promote awareness and engagement across the university on issues related to inclusiveness and accessibility. This includes:
   • Overseeing the design and delivery of programs and resources to cultivate awareness and understanding among faculty and staff of their responsibilities in dealing with the specialized needs of students with disabilities and the ways that they can facilitate their success.
   • Ensuring that students are informed of accessibility services and accommodations procedures by developing materials and information for instructors, service providers and promotional material.
   • Overseeing the development and delivery of information sessions to prospective students.
   • Identifying opportunities to highlight the student support that the Student Accessibility Centre provides through participation in on-campus, community and sector events.
   • Advocating for the development of an accessible and inclusive campus, while actively working to identify, remove and prevent barriers for students with disabilities.

Required Skills

• Demonstrated success in providing disabilities services and programs within a postsecondary environment
• Proven leadership in the AODA and Human Rights legislation and inclusive design for learning
• Experienced people manager with excellent communication, organizational and project and budget management skills
• Demonstrated ability to conceptualize and implement new programs, interact at all levels within the organization, and effectively manage budget and human resource issues
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex student problems in a collaborative team environment
• Excellent coaching skills to guide students, staff and faculty through complex student issues
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships both inside and outside of the organization
• Excellent tact, diplomacy and judgement are required in working with student, staff, faculty and external agencies

Required Education

• Master's degree in psychology, education, social work, critical disability studies, or equivalent or a related field
• An equivalent combination of education and related experience may be considered

* Verification of Academic credentials may be required

Required Experience

• Five or more years of related experience

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit in electronic format a covering letter and their resume. Applications will be accepted until February 11, 2026 or until a suitable candidate is found. We appreciate all applications received; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Ontario Tech University is actively committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, indigenization and decolonization (EDIID), and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, while especially encouraging applications from First Nations, Metis, Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents, Indigenous Peoples in Canada, and those eligible to work in Canada, will be given priority.

Ontario Tech University respects people\'s different needs and therefore will take all reasonable steps to ensure accommodation for applicants where appropriate. The University is also committed to ensuring that confidentiality is maintained throughout all aspects of the recruitment cycle.

If you require accommodation, please contact Julie Day, Health and Disability Management Specialist. For more information about the university\'s policies for accommodating employees with disabilities please review the university's Accessibility Policy.

The university acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation which is covered under the Williams Treaties. We are situated on the Traditional Territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation which includes Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi.

Job Location: Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

Expected Start Date: 2/23/2026

Expected End Date: 9/3/2027