Accessibility Compliance Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In this digital era, the emphasis on Accessibility Compliance Specialists is more crucial than ever.

As technology advances, the demand for skilled individuals who can ensure, enhance, and uphold digital accessibility is rapidly growing.

But let’s delve deeper: What is the real expectation from an Accessibility Compliance Specialist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the nuances of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the specifics of accessibility compliance,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we reveal a customizable Accessibility Compliance Specialist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Accessibility Compliance Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Accessibility Compliance Specialists ensure that organizations adhere to accessibility regulations and standards in order to provide inclusive services to all customers, including those with disabilities.

Their daily duties and responsibilities include:

• Reviewing and evaluating existing services, products, facilities, and digital content for accessibility
• Developing and implementing strategies to improve accessibility compliance across the organization
• Providing guidance to teams and departments on how to incorporate accessibility into their workflows and processes
• Identifying potential accessibility issues and recommending solutions
• Conducting accessibility training for staff and management
• Keeping up-to-date with changing accessibility laws and standards
• Collaborating with IT teams to ensure digital content and systems are accessible to all users
• Preparing and presenting reports on the organization’s accessibility compliance
• Working with external auditors to validate the organization’s accessibility compliance

 

Accessibility Compliance Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking an Accessibility Compliance Specialist to ensure our company’s products and services meet accessibility standards.

The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of accessibility regulations, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to advocate for inclusive design principles.

The role will involve conducting audits, providing recommendations, and working closely with various teams to implement changes.

In addition to compliance, the Accessibility Compliance Specialist will also be responsible for promoting a culture of inclusion within the organization.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct accessibility audits of products, services, and digital content
• Provide actionable recommendations for achieving accessibility compliance
• Collaborate with designers, developers, and product managers to implement changes
• Stay updated with latest accessibility laws, guidelines, and best practices
• Develop and maintain accessibility documentation
• Provide training and awareness sessions on accessibility standards and best practices
• Assist in the development of accessibility policies and procedures
• Ensure compliance with various accessibility regulations and standards, such as WCAG 2.1 and ADA

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience in accessibility compliance or similar role
• Strong knowledge of accessibility laws and regulations, such as Section 508, ADA, and WCAG 2.1
• Experience with accessibility evaluation tools
• Ability to interpret and advise on complex accessibility legislation
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field is preferred
• Professional certification in accessibility (e.g., CPACC, WAS, or CPWA) is a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Accessibility Compliance Specialist
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for meetings or training sessions.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Compliance Manager or Head of Compliance.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $100,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Accessibility Compliance Specialist Do?

An Accessibility Compliance Specialist primarily works to ensure that an organization’s products, services, and facilities are accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities.

Their role involves conducting regular audits of company websites, applications, and physical locations to identify any areas of non-compliance with accessibility regulations and standards such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

They work closely with developers, designers, and other team members to implement changes aimed at improving accessibility.

This can include altering color schemes for better visibility, ensuring website functionality with assistive technologies, or making modifications to building layouts.

Accessibility Compliance Specialists also provide guidance and training to staff on accessibility requirements and best practices.

They may develop and oversee the implementation of an organization’s accessibility policy and procedures.

Additionally, they often act as a liaison between the organization and external bodies or individuals, responding to accessibility complaints and collaborating with legal teams to mitigate risks of non-compliance.

In all aspects of their role, the Accessibility Compliance Specialist is focused on promoting inclusivity and ensuring equal access for all.

 

Accessibility Compliance Specialist Qualifications and Skills

An Accessibility Compliance Specialist should have the skills and qualifications that align with the job’s demands, such as:

• Strong understanding of accessibility guidelines and standards such as ADA, Section 508, WCAG 2.0 and 2.1, as well as other relevant accessibility laws and policies.
• Ability to conduct thorough accessibility audits and assessments of websites, applications, and other digital interfaces using both manual and automated tools.
• Excellent problem-solving skills to identify, analyze, and resolve accessibility issues.
• Strong technical skills, including proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and understanding of other web technologies.
• Strong communication skills to effectively convey accessibility requirements to designers, developers, and stakeholders, and to provide clear recommendations for remediation.
• Experience in developing, implementing, and managing an organization’s accessibility compliance strategy and roadmap.
• Ability to train and guide teams on accessibility best practices to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure all aspects of work are compliant with the relevant accessibility standards.
• Demonstrated empathy and understanding of the user experience for people with disabilities.

 

Accessibility Compliance Specialist Experience Requirements

Entry-level Accessibility Compliance Specialists often have a minimum of 1 to 2 years of experience, which can be gained through internships or part-time roles in accessibility testing, software development, or other roles related to web accessibility and compliance.

A background in IT, particularly with a focus on web development, is also beneficial.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience are usually expected to have a deeper understanding of accessibility regulations and standards, such as WCAG and ADA.

They likely have experience working with various accessibility testing tools and assistive technologies, and have a proven track record in ensuring products are compliant with accessibility standards.

Individuals with more than 5 years of experience often have extensive knowledge in developing and implementing accessibility strategies and plans.

They may also have leadership experience, having managed teams or projects related to accessibility compliance.

These seasoned professionals are usually responsible for guiding and training junior staff and ensuring that all company products and services are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.

 

Accessibility Compliance Specialist Education and Training Requirements

Accessibility Compliance Specialists typically require a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a similar field.

They need to have a strong understanding of digital accessibility standards and guidelines, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Having technical skills in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, or other web development languages is a significant advantage, as the specialist will need to understand and identify accessibility issues in web and mobile applications.

Most positions require experience with accessibility testing tools and assistive technologies like screen readers, keyboard-only navigation, and speech recognition software.

Some positions may also require a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) or Web Accessibility Specialist (WAS) certification.

These certifications, provided by the International Association of Accessibility Professionals, demonstrate a specialist’s understanding of digital accessibility requirements and commitment to inclusive design.

In addition, a strong background in project management and communication skills is often necessary as Accessibility Compliance Specialists often need to collaborate with various departments to implement and monitor accessibility compliance strategies.

Continued education and staying updated with evolving accessibility standards and technologies is also important in this role.

 

Accessibility Compliance Specialist Salary Expectations

The average salary for an Accessibility Compliance Specialist is $70,000 (USD) per year.

The actual salary may vary based on factors such as years of experience, industry-specific knowledge, and the region in which the specialist is employed.

 

Accessibility Compliance Specialist Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Accessibility Compliance Specialist need?

An Accessibility Compliance Specialist needs to have a strong understanding of accessibility standards and guidelines, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and Section 508.

They should also have strong communication skills to effectively convey accessibility requirements to different stakeholders.

Knowledge of various assistive technologies and their application in different contexts is crucial.

The ability to conduct accessibility audits and familiarity with accessibility testing tools is also necessary.

 

Do Accessibility Compliance Specialists need a degree?

While not always required, a degree in computer science, web development, or a related field can be beneficial for an Accessibility Compliance Specialist.

However, practical experience with accessibility compliance, certification from recognized bodies like the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP), and a deep understanding of relevant laws and guidelines can often be more important than formal education.

 

What should you look for in an Accessibility Compliance Specialist resume?

A strong resume for an Accessibility Compliance Specialist should showcase a solid understanding of accessibility standards and laws, such as WCAG and Section 508.

Look for experience in conducting accessibility audits, implementing accessible design, and working with assistive technologies.

Familiarity with web development languages (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and accessibility testing tools is a plus.

Certifications related to accessibility can also be a strong indicator of a candidate’s qualifications.

 

What qualities make a good Accessibility Compliance Specialist?

A good Accessibility Compliance Specialist is detail-oriented, with a keen eye for identifying potential accessibility barriers.

They should be capable of thinking empathetically, understanding the needs of users with different disabilities.

Excellent problem-solving skills are crucial, as they will often need to find innovative ways to make content accessible.

Good communication skills are also important, as they will need to convey complex accessibility requirements to different stakeholders.

 

Is it difficult to hire Accessibility Compliance Specialists?

Hiring an Accessibility Compliance Specialist can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the role.

It requires a unique combination of technical skills, knowledge of accessibility laws and guidelines, and the ability to think empathetically about user needs.

As businesses increasingly recognize the importance of digital accessibility, demand for these professionals is growing, making it a competitive field.

Offering competitive salaries, opportunities for professional development, and a commitment to accessibility can help attract strong candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve shed light on the profound role of an Accessibility Compliance Specialist.

Surprise, surprise!

It’s not just about checking off compliance lists.

It’s about creating an inclusive digital environment, one guideline at a time.

Equipped with our comprehensive Accessibility Compliance Specialist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why limit yourself?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for creating precision-crafted listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Each compliance guideline is a step towards a more accessible world.

Let’s create this world. Together.

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