Accessibility consultants are professionals who help organizations ensure that their products, services, and environments are accessible to people with disabilities. They work with organizations to identify and remove barriers to accessibility and ensure accessibility is considered throughout the design and development process. Whether it’s a website, a physical building, or a piece of software, accessibility consultants help ensure everyone can access and use it.
In this article, we will explore the role of an accessibility consultant, including their duties and responsibilities, job requirements, skills, and career prospects.
Accessibility Consultant Duties and Responsibilities
Accessibility consultants have a wide range of duties and responsibilities, varying depending on the organization and the specific project they are working on. However, some common duties and responsibilities of an accessibility consultant include the following:
- Assessing the accessibility of existing products, services, and environments: Accessibility consultants conduct audits and assessments of existing products, services, and environments to identify barriers to accessibility and make recommendations for removing those barriers.
- Developing accessibility standards and guidelines: Accessibility consultants help organizations develop and implement accessibility standards and guidelines that are tailored to their specific needs.
- Providing training and education: Accessibility consultants often provide training and education to organizations and individuals on how to design, develop, and implement accessible products, services, and environments.
- Collaborating with design and development teams: Accessibility consultants work closely with design and development teams to ensure that accessibility is considered throughout the design and development process.
- Conducting user testing with people with disabilities: Accessibility consultants conduct user testing with people with disabilities to identify any issues with the accessibility of a product, service, or environment and make recommendations for improving it.
- Staying up-to-date with accessibility laws and regulations: Accessibility consultants stay informed of changes in laws and regulations related to accessibility, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), and ensure that the organization complies with them.
- Communicating with stakeholders: Accessibility consultants communicate with stakeholders such as management, developers, and users with disabilities to ensure that the recommendations are understood and implemented.
The specific duties and responsibilities of an accessibility consultant may vary depending on the organization, the type of project, and the level of experience required for the job.
Accessibility Consultant Job Requirements
Here are some common job requirements for an accessibility consultant:
- Education: Many organizations require an accessibility consultant to have a degree in a relevant field, such as computer science, human-computer interaction, or accessibility/universal design.
- Experience: Most organizations require an accessibility consultant to have a certain level of experience in accessibility, web development, or software development.
- Technical skills: Accessibility consultants should have a strong understanding of web development, software development, and accessibility best practices, as well as knowledge of accessibility guidelines and laws.
- Communication skills: Accessibility consultants should have strong communication skills and be able to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders clearly.
- Attention to detail: Accessibility consultants should have strong attention to detail and be able to identify and document accessibility barriers.
- Problem-solving skills: Accessibility consultants should have strong problem-solving skills and be able to develop solutions to accessibility issues.
- Ability to work independently: Accessibility consultants should have the ability to work independently and manage their own time and workload.
- Certifications: Some organizations may prefer or require that accessibility consultant have certifications such as the Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) or the Web Accessibility Specialist (WAS) credential.
It’s important to note that the specific job requirements for an accessibility consultant may vary depending on the organization, the type of project, and the level of experience required for the job.
Accessibility Consultant Skills
Accessibility consultants have a wide range of skills necessary to succeed in their roles. Here are some common skills required for an accessibility consultant:
- Technical skills: Accessibility consultants should have a strong understanding of web development, software development, and accessibility best practices, as well as knowledge of accessibility guidelines and laws such as WCAG, ADA, and Section 508.
- Communication skills: Accessibility consultants should have strong communication skills and clearly explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
- Attention to detail: Accessibility consultants should have strong attention to detail and be able to identify and document accessibility barriers.
- Problem-solving skills: Accessibility consultants should have strong problem-solving skills and be able to develop solutions to accessibility issues.
- Project management skills: Accessibility consultants should have the ability to manage their own time and workload and coordinate with other team members to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.
- Empathy: Accessibility consultants should have the ability to understand and empathize with people with disabilities and the challenges they face in order to identify and address accessibility barriers.
- Creativity: Accessibility consultants should have the ability to think creatively to find solutions to accessibility issues and to adapt to new technologies and trends.
- Adaptability: Accessibility consultants should be able to adapt to new technologies and trends and learn new skills as necessary.
- Interpersonal skills: Accessibility consultants should be able to work in a team environment and have good interpersonal skills, as they will be working with a variety of stakeholders such as management, developers, and users with disabilities
Accessibility Consultant Salary
The salary for an accessibility consultant can vary depending on several factors, including the location, the organization’s size, and the consultant’s level of experience. According to data from PayScale, the average salary for an accessibility consultant in the United States is around $64,000 per year. However, this can range from around $43,000 to $88,000 per year, depending on the abovementioned factors.
It’s important to note that other factors, such as certifications, specific skills, and the type of industry, can also affect an accessibility consultant’s salary. For example, accessibility consultants in the IT industry tend to have higher salaries than those in the non-profit sector. Additionally, accessibility consultants with certifications such as the Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) or the Web Accessibility Specialist (WAS) credential tend to have higher salaries.
It is also important to consider other benefits that an organization may offer, such as health insurance, retirement savings plans, and paid time off.
Accessibility Consultant Work Environment
Accessibility consultants typically work in an office environment and may work for a variety of organizations, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private companies. They may work as part of a larger team, or they may work independently. Some accessibility consultants work as freelancers or consultants and may work remotely or travel to different locations for different projects.
The work environment for an accessibility consultant can vary depending on the organization, the specific project, and the consultant’s level of experience. Accessibility consultants who work for larger organizations may have a more structured and formal work environment, while those who work for smaller organizations or as freelancers may have a more flexible and informal work environment.
Accessibility consultants may work in a variety of industries, including IT, finance, healthcare, and retail. They work closely with design and development teams, stakeholders, and users with disabilities, to ensure that products, services, and environments are accessible.
Accessibility consultants may spend a significant amount of time working on computers and reviewing documentation. They may also spend time in meetings with stakeholders and visiting different locations to conduct assessments and audits.
It’s important to note that the specific work environment for an accessibility consultant may vary depending on the organization, the type of project, and the level of experience required for the job.
Accessibility Consultant Trends
The field of accessibility consulting is constantly evolving, and new trends and technologies are always emerging. Here are a few of the latest trends in accessibility consulting:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): AI and ML are becoming increasingly important in accessibility consulting, as they are used to improve the accessibility of products and services by providing more personalized and adaptive experiences for users with disabilities.
- Virtual and Augmented Reality: Virtual and Augmented Reality technologies are becoming more popular in accessibility consulting as they provide new ways to make products, services, and environments more accessible to users with disabilities.
- Mobile Accessibility: As mobile technology evolves, accessibility consultants are increasingly focused on ensuring that mobile apps and websites are accessible to users with disabilities.
- Accessibility in the Cloud: Cloud computing is becoming increasingly popular, and accessibility consultants focus on ensuring that cloud-based products and services are accessible to users with disabilities.
- Inclusive Design: Inclusive design is the approach that considers the needs of all users, including those with disabilities, from the beginning of the design process. This approach is becoming more popular in accessibility consulting as it helps to create more accessible products and services.
- Accessibility in Gaming: The gaming industry is growing rapidly, and accessibility consultants are increasingly focused on ensuring that video games are accessible to users with disabilities.
- Automated Testing: Automated testing tools are becoming more popular in accessibility consulting, as they help organizations quickly and easily identify and fix accessibility issues in their products, services, and environments.
The specific trends in accessibility consulting may vary depending on the organization, the type of project, and the level of experience required for the job.
How to Become an Accessibility Consultant
To become an accessibility consultant, you will typically need a combination of education and experience in the field. Here are some steps you can take to become an accessibility consultant:
- Get a degree in a relevant field such as computer science, web development, or design.
- Gain experience working on accessibility projects, either through internships or by working on your own projects.
- Learn about accessibility laws and guidelines, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
- Get certified in accessibility by organizations such as the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) or the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM).
- Build a portfolio of your accessibility work to showcase to potential clients.
- Network with other accessibility professionals to learn about job opportunities and stay up-to-date on industry trends.
- Continuously stay current with the latest technologies and guidelines in the field.
Remember that the specific requirements for becoming an accessibility consultant may vary depending on the employer or location.
Accessibility Consultant Advancement Prospects
The advancement prospects for accessibility consultants can vary depending on the employer and their specific role. However, in general, accessibility consultants can advance in their careers in several ways:
- By gaining more experience and expertise in the field, they may be able to take on more responsibilities and lead larger projects.
- By building a strong reputation and portfolio of work, they may be able to attract higher-paying clients or take on more senior roles within a company.
- By networking with other accessibility professionals, they may be able to learn about new job opportunities or advance to leadership roles within professional organizations.
- By developing specialized skills, such as expertise in a specific accessibility guideline or technology, they may be able to command higher rates or take on more challenging projects.
- By earning advanced certifications or degrees, they can become subject matter experts and be able to take on leadership roles within the organization.
Ultimately, the advancement prospects for accessibility consultants will depend on their own ambition, skills, and the opportunities available to them in their specific field.
Accessibility Consultant Job Description Example
Below you will find an example job description for an Accessibility Consultant position.
Job Title: Accessibility Consultant
Company Overview: Our company is a leading provider of digital solutions for businesses of all sizes, with a focus on creating inclusive experiences for all users. We believe that accessibility should be at the forefront of all digital products, and we are committed to helping our clients achieve this goal.
Job Overview: We are seeking an experienced Accessibility Consultant to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing guidance and expertise to clients on all aspects of digital accessibility. This includes conducting audits and assessments, developing accessibility strategies, and implementing solutions to ensure compliance with industry standards and guidelines.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conducting accessibility audits and assessments to identify potential barriers for users with disabilities
- Developing comprehensive accessibility strategies and roadmaps to ensure compliance with industry standards and guidelines
- Providing guidance and recommendations to clients on how to improve accessibility across all digital products, including websites, mobile apps, and software applications
- Working closely with cross-functional teams, including designers, developers, and content creators, to ensure accessibility is incorporated into all aspects of the product development process
- Keeping up-to-date with industry trends and best practices related to digital accessibility
- Participating in the development and delivery of training programs to promote awareness and understanding of accessibility best practices among clients and internal teams
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as computer science, information technology, or human-computer interaction
- At least 3 years of experience in digital accessibility, with a focus on web and mobile applications
- Strong understanding of accessibility guidelines and standards, including WCAG 2.1 and Section 508
- Experience with accessibility testing tools and assistive technologies
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex accessibility concepts to technical and non-technical audiences
- Experience working in a client-facing role, with the ability to build strong relationships and effectively manage client expectations
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Certification in accessibility (e.g., IAAP Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies) is a plus
