Tips & Resources To Find a Job in Digital Accessibility Space
The digital accessibility space is a huge but a niche space in itself. Choosing this as a career is what one could call ‘The Road Not Taken’. This realm offers quite a lot to learn like WCAG2.0, WCAG2.1, WAI-ARIA concepts, understanding of HTML, CSS & JavaScript. But never forget, to land in a job in the accessibility space one must have understanding of different disability groups & the assistive technologies they use. In my experience, a lot of people read the stripped down versions of WCAG and a bit about screen readers when they start as accessibility testers. On the other hand, a number of passionate professionals who understand the need for accessibility read WCAG itself and understand assistive technology like screen readers; above all they understand the key to success which is “Empathy”. However, the people who start by chance eventually learn WCAG and other traits of the trade to transition into different role in the digital accessibility space.
Well! Whether you came into this unique world by chance or by choice, Here are some of the resources that might come in handy if you are looking for a job in digital accessibility canvas:
- Accessibility Interview Questions
These questions try to stay away from directly asking candidates to recite specifications, or rattle off screen reader hot keys. Those can easily be looked up on the job. Instead these questions try to act as conversation starters, to gain insight into how someone solves problems, and interprets accessible, inclusive user experiences. - Digital Accessibility Jobs, Employment | A11yjobs.com
A Digital Accessibility Job Board.
Need someone who knows digital accessibility? You have come to the right place. This is a job board that is focused on people who know Assistive Technology, Section 504, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and more. - Digital A11y Jobs (@a11yjobs) on Twitter
Tweeting digital accessibility job opportunities - IAAP Career Center
The IAAP Career Center hosts the latest open positions for careers in accessibility. It is a resource available for both career seekers and recruiting organizations.
Tips
There are number of strategies to land in a job or a freelance project. While traditional job portals do work in landing you in a job, it is best to separate yourself from the crowd… the digital accessibility space is niche & growing & it is the best time to make a footprint in this industry.
Such a resourceful article!! Thanjs for sharing this.Can you please share some suggestions for the those who are passionate to work in web accessibility space but with no prior experience in this field as particular as most companies want at least 1 to 3 years of experience in accessibility.
Hello Rashmi,
I would suggest you start with some of the free courses listed out here & then do either WAS certification or DHS Trusted Tester certified…. A credential from an association like IAAP will boost the career prospects in the accessibility space & everyone are asking for a minimum certification these days. You can also do small projects independently, collect customer reviews & showcase them on your LinkedIn profile/portfolio.
https://www.digitala11y.com/digital-accessibility-courses-roundup/
Hi Raghavendra,
Thanks a lot for your valuable guidance.
Hi, Raghavendra.
Do you feel and see that there is a strong demand for third party recruiters who specialize in digital accessibility?
Thank you for a very informative site and your committment to the community.
Joseph Melillo
Hello Joseph,
Yes, it is difficult to find good accessibility audit specialists & retain them. So, I see a niche there.