Assistive Technology and Accessibility Specialist - Community Access & Accessibility

The Institute on Disabilities at Temple University serves as Pennsylvania’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities and administers TechOWL – the Commonwealth’s Assistive Technology Act Program. The program improves access to assistive technology, digital accessibility and inclusive participation across education, employment, health care and community living. This position provides direct assistive technology services, accessibility consultation, training and outreach to individuals with disabilities, family members, service providers and community partners across Pennsylvania.

This role functions as a generalist AT practitioner with developing or advanced expertise in one or more practice areas such as aging, early intervention, mobility and positioning, fabrication and modification or digital accessibility. The specialist conducts AT demonstrations, works with consumers to identify solutions, develops training, collaborates with interdisciplinary teams and contributes to statewide initiatives including emergency preparedness, health equity and information accessibility. The specialist participates in Assistive Technology Act activities including device demonstration, reuse, fabrication, community outreach and consumer education. Responsibilities also include documentation, outcomes reporting, procedure development, grant‑funded program implementation and staffing the TechOWL Community Space, combining hands‑on service delivery, education and systems‑level accessibility work.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation, assistive technology, disability studies, education, occupational therapy, speech‑language pathology, physical therapy, human services, rehabilitation engineering, UX/accessibility or a related field and three (3) years of relevant experience supporting individuals with disabilities; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree Certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) or Web Accessibility Specialist (WAS), CPWA, ADS, or UX Accessibility certification or eligibility Lived experience with disability or close connection to the disability community.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of assistive technology devices, services and service delivery models
• Understanding of disability culture and person‑centered practices
• Ability to collaborate with consumers to identify functional needs and solutions
• Strong training and presentation skills for diverse audiences
• Ability to manage multiple cases and projects simultaneously
• Effective written documentation and communication skills
• Ability to work independently in community environments

Required Background Checks & Clearances

• PA Child Abuse Clearance
• FBI Fingerprint Background Check
• PA State Police Criminal Background Check
• Cash Handling clearance

Equal Opportunity Statement

Temple University is a committed participant in a policy of equal opportunity for all in every aspect of its operations, including employment, service, and educational programs. The university has pledged not to discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, marital status, national origin or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or veteran status.