Learning and Assistive Technology Strategist

About Toronto Metropolitan

At the intersection of mind and action, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) is on a transformative path to become Canada's leading comprehensive innovation university. Integral to this path is the placement of equity, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our institutional culture. Our current academic plan outlines each as core values and we work to embed them in all that we do.

TMU welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us in realizing the benefits of embedding these values into the work at every level and in every unit of the university. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada and to bring lived experiences to the work, we encourage applications from members of equity deserving groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit Peoples in Canada, First Nations Peoples in the United States, racialized people, Black people, persons with disabilities, women, and  2SLGBTQ+ people. Preference will be given to candidates with lived experiences as people from equity deserving groups, as well as experience working with these communities with which the University works every day. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and we welcome newcomers and immigrants to Canada.

In April 2022, the university announced its new name of Toronto Metropolitan University. Learn more about our next chapter.

The team

Part of Student Wellbeing, the Academic Accommodation Support (AAS) team facilitates and supports accessibility and inclusion through education and academic accommodation for the diverse mix of students with disabilities in order for each to fully participate in their academic experience at Toronto Metropolitan University.

TMU students with disabilities connect with AAS services to learn about and implement individualized academic accommodation plans while also exploring learning strategies, assistive technology, and other resources that can support them in more fully participating in their studies.

The Learning & Assistive Technology Strategist (LATS) is part of the Inclusive Learning team within AAS and reports to the Manager of Inclusive Learning. The LATS collaborates with their Inclusive Learning team members to explore creative approaches to supporting inclusive learning practices within the TMU community. 

The Opportunity

The Learning & Assistive Technology Strategist is responsible for supporting students with disabilities to integrate learning strategies (LS) and assistive technology (AT) into their learning environments through individual appointments and group programming such as workshops.

During one-on-one appointments, the LATS uses a student-centered approach to explore and offer guidance and training on learning strategies and assistive technology tools to help students develop an approach to their studies that is tailored to their accessibility needs. The incumbent is responsive to individual student needs and prepared to discuss: procrastination, motivation, time management, reading, writing essays, studying for and writing tests, note-taking, and assistive technology with students.

In collaboration with the Inclusive Learning team, the LATS guides service delivery and program planning by drawing from the lived experiences of students with disabilities, evidence-based resources from a variety of disciplines, and the social issues affecting students today.
Additionally, the successful candidate will promote and act as a resource to students, staff, and faculty regarding current and future uses of inclusive learning practices and assistive technology for students with disabilities in the educational setting. 

Key Responsibilities

• Student Appointments:
• Create a safe, empathetic environment for students to identify, explore, and work towards their learning goals
• Assess students' assistive technology needs and eligibility for the Bursary for Students with Disabilities & the Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment - Students with
• Disabilities (BSWD/CDG-DSE) by connecting with students about disability-related impacts and reviewing and interpreting medical documentation and psychoeducational assessment reports  
• Consult and collaborate with team members in providing assistive technology recommendations
• Refer students to appropriate on-campus supports, as needed.

Program Delivery:

• Research, design and deliver inclusive and accessible workshops and programs to students with disabilities focused on guiding students through key aspects of their learning experience.

Technology Liaison:

• Contribute to maintaining an inventory of available assistive technology
• Stay current with emerging research, trends, and assistive technology relevant to the disabled student experience.

Qualifications 

To help us learn more about you, please provide a cover letter and resume describing how you meet the following required qualifications:

• Successful completion of a post-graduate Master's degree program in education or related field required with an emphasis on planning and implementing learning strategy skills and assistive technology support with students with disabilities
• A minimum of 2 years of relevant experience
• Strong understanding of inclusive and accessible communication practices 
• Knowledge of disability and its impacts on learning and academic participation
• Experience with program planning and assessment is considered an asset
• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Creative problem-solving skills, ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines, and work collaboratively
• Knowledge of specialized adaptive technology and available funding resources (e.g., BSWD/CSG-DSE, ADP, etc.)
• Excellent understanding of the complex learning needs of a diverse student population, including relevant campus resources, processes, and policies
• Demonstrated commitment to upholding the recommendations outlined in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)

Additional Information

Notes: 

• Applicants who do not meet all of the posted qualifications may, upon the University's sole discretion, be considered to fill a vacancy on an underfill basis.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion are core values of TMU's academic plan as such we are committed to hiring candidates that reflect the diverse lived experiences of TMU's student community. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply however; applications from members of groups that have been historically marginalized, including, persons with disabilities, First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous Peoples of North America, racialized persons, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+ will be given priority. 

As part of the selection process, candidates may be required to complete an occupational assessment.  Applications will only be accepted online through Toronto Metropolitan University's career site.

Toronto Metropolitan University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and aims to ensure that independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity are embedded in all aspects of the university culture.
 
We will provide an accessible experience for applicants, students, employees, and members of the Toronto Metropolitan University community. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, beginning with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process, please submit your request through the AskHR webform.. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.