Disability Services Coordinator

Career Guide
A Disability Services Coordinator helps students or clients access accommodations and support so they can participate fully in education, training, or community programs. The role blends case coordination, policy compliance, and relationship-building with students, families, faculty, and service providers.

Key Responsibilities

  • Meet with students or clients to understand functional needs and barriers
  • Review documentation to confirm eligibility for accommodations
  • Create accommodation plans and update them as needs change
  • Coordinate accommodations with instructors, testing centers, and program staff
  • Support assistive technology access and training referrals
  • Educate faculty and staff on inclusive practices and accommodation processes
  • Respond to accommodation concerns and help resolve conflicts
  • Maintain accurate, confidential records and case notes
  • Track deadlines, appointments, and follow-ups for ongoing support
  • Connect students or clients to campus and community resources
  • Support crisis response and referrals when needed
  • Monitor program outcomes and contribute to service improvements

Top Skills for Success

Empathy
Active Listening
Clear Writing
Conflict Resolution
Time Management
Recordkeeping
Case Coordination
Accommodation Planning
Accessibility Knowledge
Assistive Technology Familiarity
Student Advising
Confidentiality Practices
ADA Compliance
Section 504 Compliance
FERPA Compliance

Career Progression

Can Lead To
Senior Disability Services Coordinator
Disability Services Manager
Accessibility Services Director
Student Support Services Manager
Student Success Manager
Transition Opportunities
Academic Advisor
Career Services Counselor
Student Conduct Officer
Title IX Coordinator
Case Manager
Program Coordinator

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills
Documentation ReviewAssistive Technology FamiliarityData TrackingPolicy WritingDe escalation Skills
Development SuggestionsBuild confidence by shadowing accommodation intakes, practicing documentation review with a supervisor, taking introductory assistive technology training, and creating simple tracking habits for caseload and outcomes. Ask to co lead a faculty training session to strengthen communication and policy knowledge.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range
Entry LevelUSD 42,000 to 55,000
Mid LevelUSD 55,000 to 72,000
Senior LevelUSD 72,000 to 95,000
Growth Trend
Steady demand, driven by increased awareness of accessibility needs, stronger compliance expectations, and expanding student support services in higher education and workforce programs.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers
Colleges and UniversitiesCommunity CollegesK to 12 School DistrictsVocational Rehabilitation AgenciesWorkforce Development BoardsNonprofit Disability Service ProvidersHealthcare Systems with Education Programs
Industry Sectors
Higher EducationK to 12 EducationGovernmentNonprofitWorkforce DevelopmentHealthcare

Recommended Next Steps

1
Review accommodation policies and standard templates used by your organization
2
Complete training in ADA Compliance and Section 504 Compliance
3
Learn your institution record system and improve Recordkeeping consistency
4
Take an introductory course in Assistive Technology Familiarity
5
Practice writing clear accommodation letters with supervisor feedback
6
Build a referral list of campus and community resources and keep it updated
7
Create a simple caseload tracking dashboard for follow-ups and deadlines
8
Join a professional association in accessibility services and attend a local meeting