Accessibility Specialist

Understanding accessibility from a technical and creative angle requires the ability to combine technical knowledge and empathic design. For those who have a strong foundation in both design and accessibility, the role of Accessibility Specialist may be a fulfilling career path.

What Does an Accessibility Specialist Do?

Accessibility Specialists are responsible for ensuring that digital products, such as websites, mobile apps, and software, are accessible to people with disabilities. This means making sure that these products can be used by people with a wide range of abilities, including those who are blind, deaf, or have cognitive impairments.

Accessibility Specialists work with designers, developers, and other stakeholders to create accessible products. They may also provide training and support to other employees on accessibility issues.

How to Become an Accessibility Specialist

There are many ways to become an Accessibility Specialist. Some people start their careers in web design or development, while others come from fields such as special education or rehabilitation.

There are also a number of online courses and training programs that can help you learn about accessibility. Many of these courses are offered by colleges and universities.

No matter how you choose to get started, it is important to have a strong understanding of accessibility principles and best practices. You should also be able to work effectively with a variety of stakeholders, including designers, developers, and users.

What Skills Do Accessibility Specialists Need?

Accessibility Specialists need a variety of skills, including:

• A strong understanding of accessibility principles and best practices
• Experience with web design and development
• Experience with testing and evaluating accessibility
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team
• A commitment to diversity and inclusion

Career Growth for Accessibility Specialists

Accessibility Specialists can advance their careers by taking on more responsibilities, such as:

• Managing accessibility programs
• Conducting accessibility audits
• Providing training and support to other employees
• Developing new accessibility tools and technologies

Transferable Skills for Accessibility Specialists

The skills that Accessibility Specialists develop can be transferred to other careers, such as:

• User experience design
• Web design and development
• Technical writing
• Instructional design
• Project management

Day-to-Day for an Accessibility Specialist

The day-to-day work of an Accessibility Specialist can vary depending on the size and type of organization they work for. However, some common tasks include:

• Reviewing designs and code for accessibility issues
• Conducting accessibility testing
• Providing feedback to designers and developers
• Creating and delivering accessibility training
• Working with other stakeholders to ensure that accessibility is considered throughout the product development process

Challenges for Accessibility Specialists

One of the biggest challenges for Accessibility Specialists is the constantly changing landscape of technology. New technologies and trends can create new accessibility barriers, so Accessibility Specialists must stay up-to-date on the latest accessibility best practices.

Another challenge is the lack of awareness about accessibility among some stakeholders. Accessibility Specialists may need to educate others about the importance of accessibility and how to create accessible products.

Projects for Accessibility Specialists

Accessibility Specialists may work on a variety of projects, such as:

• Developing accessibility guidelines for an organization
• Conducting an accessibility audit of a website or mobile app
• Creating training materials on accessibility
• Developing new accessibility tools and technologies

Personal Growth Opportunities for Accessibility Specialists

Accessibility Specialists have the opportunity to grow their careers in a number of ways. They can take on more responsibilities, such as managing accessibility programs or conducting accessibility audits.

Accessibility Specialists can also develop new skills, such as learning how to use new accessibility tools and technologies. They can also stay up-to-date on the latest accessibility best practices by attending conferences and workshops.

Personality Traits and Personal Interests of Successful Accessibility Specialists

Successful Accessibility Specialists tend to be:

• Patient and detail-oriented
• Creative and innovative
• Empathetic and compassionate
• Collaborative and communicative
• Passionate about accessibility

Self-Guided Projects for Students Interested in Accessibility

Students who are interested in becoming Accessibility Specialists can complete a number of self-guided projects to better prepare themselves for this role. These projects might include:

• Conducting an accessibility audit of a website or mobile app
• Creating a presentation on accessibility for a class or group
• Developing an accessibility policy for an organization
• Volunteering with an organization that supports people with disabilities

How Online Courses Can Help Prepare for a Career as an Accessibility Specialist

Online courses can be a great way to learn about accessibility and prepare for a career as an Accessibility Specialist.

These courses can provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to:

• Understand accessibility principles and best practices
• Test and evaluate accessibility
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders about accessibility
• Work independently and as part of a team

Many online courses also offer opportunities to practice your skills through projects, assignments, and quizzes.

Are Online Courses Enough to Prepare You for a Career as an Accessibility Specialist?

While online courses can provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to become an Accessibility Specialist, they are not enough on their own. You will also need to gain practical experience by working on accessibility projects.

One way to gain practical experience is to volunteer with an organization that supports people with disabilities. You can also work on accessibility projects as part of your coursework or through internships.