Accessibility Consultant

Accessibility Consultants ensure that digital technologies are available to everyone, especially those with disabilities. They work with organizations to create websites, applications, and other digital content that is accessible to people with visual, auditory, cognitive, and physical disabilities.

Job Duties

Accessibility Consultants typically perform the following job duties:

• Evaluate digital content for accessibility
• Develop and implement accessibility solutions
• Train staff on accessibility best practices
• Work with stakeholders to ensure that accessibility requirements are met
• Stay up-to-date on accessibility standards and regulations

Skills and Qualifications

Accessibility Consultants typically have the following skills and qualifications:

• A strong understanding of web accessibility standards and regulations
• Experience in front-end web development
• Knowledge of assistive technologies
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• A commitment to accessibility and inclusion

Tools and Technologies

Accessibility Consultants typically use the following tools and technologies:

• Screen readers
• Keyboard accessibility tools
• Color contrast checkers
• Web accessibility evaluation tools
• Assistive technology simulators

Career Growth

Accessibility Consultants can advance their careers by specializing in a particular area of accessibility, such as web accessibility, mobile accessibility, or software accessibility. They can also move into management or consulting roles.

Transferable Skills

The skills and knowledge that Accessibility Consultants develop can be transferred to other careers in the field of information technology, such as web development, software engineering, and user experience design.

Day-to-Day

The day-to-day work of an Accessibility Consultant typically involves:

• Meeting with clients to discuss accessibility needs
• Evaluating digital content for accessibility
• Developing and implementing accessibility solutions
• Training staff on accessibility best practices
• Keeping up-to-date on accessibility standards and regulations

Challenges

The challenges that Accessibility Consultants typically face include:

• Convincing organizations to prioritize accessibility
• Keeping up with the constantly changing landscape of accessibility standards and regulations
• Designing accessible solutions that are also aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly

Projects

Some of the projects that Accessibility Consultants may work on include:

• Developing an accessibility policy for an organization
• Creating an accessible website or application
• Training staff on accessibility best practices
• Conducting an accessibility audit
• Providing expert witness testimony on accessibility issues

Personal Growth

Accessibility Consultants can experience personal growth in the following areas:

• Technical skills
• Communication skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Leadership skills
• Commitment to accessibility and inclusion

Personality Traits and Interests

People who are well-suited to a career as an Accessibility Consultant typically have the following personality traits and interests:

• Attention to detail
• Analytical skills
• Strong communication skills
• A passion for accessibility and inclusion
• A commitment to lifelong learning

Self-Guided Projects

Students who are interested in a career as an Accessibility Consultant can complete the following self-guided projects to better prepare themselves for this role:

• Create an accessible website or application
• Conduct an accessibility audit
• Write an accessibility policy
• Volunteer with an organization that supports people with disabilities
• Attend accessibility conferences and webinars

Online Courses

Online courses can be a helpful way to learn about accessibility and prepare for a career as an Accessibility Consultant. These courses can provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to evaluate digital content for accessibility, develop and implement accessibility solutions, and train staff on accessibility best practices.

Through lecture videos, projects, assignments, quizzes, exams, discussions, and interactive labs, online courses can help learners develop the following skills:

• Understanding of web accessibility standards and regulations
• Experience in front-end web development
• Knowledge of assistive technologies
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Commitment to accessibility and inclusion

While online courses can be a helpful learning tool, they are not enough on their own to prepare someone for a career as an Accessibility Consultant. In addition to taking online courses, students should also gain experience through internships, volunteer work, or personal projects.