Paraprofessional Employment Opportunities at the Learning Accommodations Center
The Learning Accommodations Center hires part-time paraprofessionals to work with students who are eligible for certain accommodations. Some positions are paid on an hourly rate.
Paraprofessional Primary role: to assist a student, who has a documented disability or is Deaf or hard of hearing, in class and/or during a testing situation. The classroom situation can create a communication, participation or learning barrier for the student. The accommodation is not there to provide an unfair advantage for the student utilizing it, but rather to assure equal access for someone with a different mode of learning. In an effort to minimize the barrier, a paraprofessional may be provided in the classroom. Training and supervision is provided by the Learning Accommodations Center.
There are several paraprofessional roles:
- Accommodations Assistant -assists a student with a physical disability in order to ensure equal participation in a classroom activity. E.g. an assistant may help hold an instrument during a lab activity but does not help with personal care duties, e.g. toileting. Positions listed below may be combined. E.g. a Notetaker may act as a Scribe when notetaking and scribing accommodations have been approved.
- Notetaker - takes notes in class, using a special Notetaker-Notebook, and NCR paper. “No Carbon required” paper allows the student to receive a copy of notes at the end of class. The paraprofessional Notetaker records whatever information is necessary to capture the important topics covered during the lecture, discussion, homework assignment, etc., while omitting any personal opinions.
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Scribe – writes down what the student dictates either in class or during a test. The Scribe must not reflect personal opinions in the writing material and must wait until the student instructs him/her to write the response.
- Reader - reads materials to a student, either for in class or during testing. May also read textbook chapters, syllabi and various handouts onto tapes, which would then be given to the student.
- Visual Assistant – describes objects, diagrams or lab material to someone with low vision or who is blind: may also act as a reader for reading material.
Instructor assistance may be sought to announce the need for a paraprofessional in a class, and in referring volunteers to the LA Center. Recommendations are welcome. All hiring must be confirmed at the LA Center.
Please contact the Learning Accommodations Center directly for information regarding Paraprofessionals; such as Notetakers or Accommodation Assistants:
Email: The Learning Accommodations Center
Voice: 978-556-3654; TTY: 978-556-3655
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