Accessibility Specialist

Job Summary

This is your opportunity to join a dynamic and exciting team that plays a critical role in advancing accessibility across the City of Mississauga. As the Accessibility Specialist, you will contribute meaningfully to corporate accessibility initiatives by providing strategic advice, policy interpretation and technical accessibility expertise to support accessible facilities, transportation, employment, programs, services and communications.

Reporting to the Manager, Accessibility, Policy & Compliance, the Accessibility Specialist will assist in implementing the City's Multi-Year Accessibility Plan and provide strategic advice to City departments to ensure compliance with provincially mandated accessibility legislation and the City’s accessibility standards. The successful candidate will assist in identifying, removing and preventing barriers to accessibility through policy development, accessibility planning, stakeholder engagement and project coordination. 

You will develop and implement policies, procedures and guidelines and corporate standards; provide legislative interpretation and technical guidance, coordinate accessibility initiatives and projects; prepare reports and recommendations; monitor compliance; and champion accessibility across the organization and within the community.

This position operates in a hybrid work environment, with a combination of remote work and in-office attendance.

Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting to the Manager, Accessibility, Policy & Compliance, the Accessibility Specialist will be responsible for:

• Assisting in the development, implementation and evaluation of the City’s Multi-Year Accessibility Plan and annual status updates
• Supporting the coordination and implementation of corporate accessibility initiatives to meet Council priorities and legislated requirements by providing accessibility expertise and legislative guidance
• Acting as a subject matter expert on the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), the Ontario Human Rights Code, accessibility best practices and the City's accessibility standards
• Assist in developing, implementing and evaluating corporate accessibility policies, procedures, guidelines and standards to support legislative compliance and continuous improvement
• Coordinate accessibility projects and corporate initiatives by developing work plans, monitoring deliverables and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across the corporation
• Provide strategic advice and accessibility recommendations to City departments, project teams and corporate stakeholders
• Attending and participating in Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) meetings and other internal and external committees as required
• Assisting in providing guidance to the Corporate Staff Accessibility Resource Team (StART), including chairing team meetings, assigning tasks, establishing schedules and deliverables
• Develop collaborative relationships with internal departments, community organizations, government partners and accessibility stakeholders
• Respond to public inquiries, accessibility concerns and requests for information
• Maintain, interpret and support implementation of the City's Facility Accessibility Design Standards (FADS), providing technical advice during planning, design, construction and renovation projects
• Conducting accessibility reviews and assessments of facilities, projects, policies, programs and services, identifying barriers and recommending solutions
• Provide accessibility advice and technical guidance throughout the planning, design and implementation of capital projects to support compliance with legislation and City accessibility standards
• Support implementation of accessible document standards and other corporate accessibility initiatives through training, guidance and resource development
• Develop and deliver accessibility awareness, education and training programs for staff and stakeholders
• Review, prepare and support applications for accessibility-related awards, grants and funding opportunities
• Prepare reports, briefing notes, presentations and recommendations for senior leadership, committees and City Council
• Promote accessibility, universal design and inclusive service delivery throughout the corporation and the community

Skills and Qualifications

The successful candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• Post-secondary education in public administration, planning, architecture, engineering, community development, accessibility, social sciences or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
• Experience developing and promoting accessibility policies, programs or corporate initiatives supporting compliance with legislated requirements. Experience with project coordination, stakeholder engagement and policy development is considered a strong asset
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), the Ontario Human Rights Code and accessibility legislation.
• Knowledge of the Ontario Building Code, universal design principles, accessible design standards and accessibility best practices is considered an asset.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing reports, briefing notes, presentations and recommendations for senior leadership and City Council.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret legislation, assess complex issues and recommend practical solutions.
• Demonstrated project coordination and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting competing deadlines.
• Strong political acumen and interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish productive relationships and influence stakeholders across a large municipal organization.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Commitment to advancing accessibility, equity and inclusion through continuous improvement and service excellence