6.6: Web and IT Accessibility Specialist

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Digital Education Strategies
The Chang School

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The web/IT accessibility specialist has a key role in the development of organizational accessibility culture. This person is often a manager with a technical background or a web developer, knowledgeable of accessibility and disability issues, whose role it is to oversee an organization’s web and IT accessibility efforts.

Much like web developers with accessibility expertise, accessibility specialists can also be difficult to find and they are often self-taught. They come from varied backgrounds and through experience working with people with disabilities and assistive technologies, they develop a unique awareness of accessibility and what that means from technical, social, economic, political, and educational perspectives.

Accessibility Specialist Knowledge and Skills

The range of skills and knowledge will vary from specialist to specialist, though there are some core characteristics to look for, and a range of additional skills that will be outlined here. Duties may also vary, depending on the organization’s requirements. The following is a generic list of duties and potential characteristics for a web/IT accessibility specialist. A variation of these characteristics may apply in different circumstances, whether you are working in the business or corporate world, in education, in government, or in the accessibility services field.

Duties

Manage and/or implement web accessibility efforts throughout the organization
Accessibility quality control of documents, websites, and IT systems
Train staff from varied backgrounds (e.g., customer service, sales, developers, and managers)
Develop documentation and training materials for diverse groups within the organization
Report accessibility/research efforts to senior management/stakeholders
Provide assistive technology guidance for clients or staff with disabilities
Present accessibility/research efforts at relevant conferences or meetings (this item is more specific to the educational sector)
Write and publish accessibility/research efforts (this item is more specific to the educational sector)
Participate in international standards working groups that promote accessibility

Minimum Core Knowledge

Strong background in web development
Expert knowledge of WCAG 2.0
Project management skills
Functional knowledge of WAI-ARIA (expertise would be an asset)
Knowledge of accessibility features across a full range of operating systems
Experience teaching or training adult learners
Familiarity with mobile and desktop screen readers
Familiarity with automated accessibility checkers
Graduate degree or better, in a related field or equivalent practical experience
Ability to interact effectively with junior and senior staff, government and the public
Strong oral communication skills
Technical writing skills

Additional Skills

Knowledge of a range of assistive technologies and devices
Knowledge of UI design, implementation and testing
Knowledge of disabilities, and disability sensitivity
Functional knowledge of ATAG 2.0 and UAAG 2.0 specifications
Familiarity with international accessibility and disability regulations
Well networked with the global accessibility community
Qualitative research background (user studies)

Readings & References: For examples of web/IT Accessibility Specialist job descriptions, review the following resources: