Accessibility Consultant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

accessibility consultant job description

In the inclusive era of technology, the role of accessibility consultants has never been more critical.

As technology progresses, the need for skilled professionals who can enhance, adapt, and ensure our digital platforms are accessible for all increases.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from an accessibility consultant?

Whether you are:

  • A job seeker trying to understand the crux of this role,
  • A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
  • Or simply intrigued by the intricacies of digital accessibility,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable accessibility consultant job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Accessibility Consultant Duties and Responsibilities

Accessibility Consultants help businesses ensure that their products, services, and facilities are accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities.

They play a vital role in ensuring that businesses are inclusive and compliant with accessibility laws and regulations.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

  • Analyze and evaluate the accessibility of products, services, and facilities
  • Advise on the implementation of accessibility features in the design and development phases of product creation
  • Recommend accessibility improvements for existing products, services, and facilities
  • Work closely with designers, engineers, and product managers to ensure accessibility standards are met
  • Create and implement accessibility guidelines and policies
  • Conduct training sessions on accessibility standards and best practices
  • Prepare reports detailing accessibility evaluations and recommendations
  • Keep updated with current accessibility laws and regulations
  • Assist in handling accessibility-related customer complaints and inquiries
  • Collaborate with a variety of stakeholders, including users with disabilities, to understand their needs and ensure their requirements are met

 

Accessibility Consultant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are in search of a proficient Accessibility Consultant who can ensure our digital platforms and products are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.

The role includes understanding user requirements, defining accessibility standards, and developing solutions for potential accessibility barriers.

The ideal candidate will be experienced in the field of accessibility and web standards, understand the requirements set out by the WCAG, and have the ability to diagnose and suggest remedies for accessibility problems.

 

Responsibilities

  • Develop, implement, and oversee the company’s digital accessibility standards and strategies
  • Analyze and evaluate client websites and applications for accessibility issues
  • Recommend specific measures to improve product accessibility
  • Provide expert advice and guidance to internal teams on accessibility
  • Provide training and awareness sessions on accessibility to staff
  • Create and maintain documentation related to accessibility standards and guidelines
  • Stay current with accessibility standards, guidelines and related legislation
  • Collaborate with various teams to ensure accessibility is considered throughout the product lifecycle

 

Qualifications

  • Proven work experience in digital accessibility or a related role
  • Familiarity with WCAG, ADA, and other relevant accessibility standards and laws
  • Experience working with assistive technology tools
  • Knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript and understanding of web development process
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills
  • Detail-oriented and strong analytical skills
  • Relevant certification in accessibility (CPACC, WAS, CPWA, etc.) is preferred
  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science, human-computer interaction, or a related field

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

  • Job Title: Accessibility Consultant
  • Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for meetings or client consultations.
  • Reporting Structure: Reports to the Accessibility Program Manager.
  • Salary: Salary is based on candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
  • Pay Range: $60,000 minimum to $95,000 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 Consultant Do?

Accessibility Consultants are specialists who work to ensure that products, services, and environments are accessible to all people, including those with disabilities.

They work with various organizations, ranging from corporations to government agencies, to help design and implement accessible solutions.

This could involve evaluating existing systems, services, or infrastructures and recommending modifications to improve accessibility.

Their job includes conducting audits and assessments to identify potential barriers to accessibility, such as physical obstructions, difficult-to-navigate websites, or poorly designed public spaces.

They then develop strategies and recommendations to address these issues.

Accessibility Consultants also provide guidance on compliance with various laws and regulations relating to accessibility, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

In addition to their technical work, they often play a crucial role in promoting awareness of accessibility issues, providing training and education to staff, and advocating for the inclusion and participation of people with disabilities.

Their work ultimately contributes to creating an inclusive society where individuals with different abilities can fully participate and engage in all aspects of life.

 

Accessibility Consultant Qualifications and Skills

An Accessibility Consultant should possess a unique combination of technical knowledge, practical skills and a deep understanding of accessibility standards and regulations.

These are some of the key skills and qualifications that an Accessibility Consultant should have:

  • Comprehensive knowledge of accessibility standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), Section 508, ADA, and other relevant regulations.
  • Technical expertise in web and software development, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and understanding of various content management systems.
  • Excellent analytical skills to evaluate and audit the accessibility of websites, applications, and other digital platforms.
  • Strong problem-solving skills to develop and implement practical and innovative solutions to meet accessibility requirements.
  • Effective communication skills to translate technical information into clear, concise, and actionable recommendations for various stakeholders, including developers, designers, and business leaders.
  • Awareness of assistive technologies, such as screen readers, magnifiers, and speech recognition software, and understanding how they interact with digital content.
  • Empathy and understanding for the user experience of people with diverse abilities, and a commitment to promoting inclusivity and equal access in the digital realm.
  • Project management skills to handle multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
  • Continual learning and staying updated with the latest trends, best practices, and technologies in the field of digital accessibility.

 

Accessibility Consultant Experience Requirements

Accessibility Consultants typically require a minimum of 2 to 3 years of experience in accessibility consulting, disability services, assistive technology, or a related field.

This experience should include practical application of accessibility guidelines and standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), Section 508, and ADA Compliance.

Entry-level candidates may gain relevant experience through internships or part-time roles in accessibility testing, web development, or digital design.

They can also gain useful experience by volunteering for disability advocacy organizations.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have a deeper understanding of accessibility requirements and have experience working with a variety of clients to improve their digital accessibility.

Those with more than 5 years of experience might have managerial or leadership experience, and are often capable of leading accessibility audits, coordinating with development teams to implement changes, and training staff on best accessibility practices.

In addition to this, a strong familiarity with screen readers, magnifiers, and other assistive technologies is crucial.

Those with backgrounds in computer science, web development, or a related field may also find their technical skills advantageous in this role.

 

Accessibility Consultant Education and Training Requirements

An Accessibility Consultant usually possesses a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field like computer science, information technology, or web development.

They need comprehensive understanding of accessibility standards and regulations such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), Section 508, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

In addition to these, they should have experience in conducting accessibility audits and creating detailed reports highlighting any issues and providing recommendations for improvements.

Knowledge of web technologies including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and understanding how they impact accessibility is also necessary.

While not always required, a Certified Professional in Web Accessibility (CPWA) certification or similar can demonstrate a candidate’s expertise in this specialized field.

Some roles may require additional qualifications such as experience in project management or UX design.

Continuous professional development is also important in this role, as web technologies and accessibility standards are constantly evolving.

Thus, an Accessibility Consultant should be committed to ongoing learning and staying updated with the latest developments in the field.

 

Accessibility Consultant Salary Expectations

An Accessibility Consultant typically earns an average salary of $74,000 (USD) per year.

The actual salary can vary depending on factors such as the level of experience, the scope of responsibilities, the size of the company, and the geographical location.

 

Accessibility Consultant Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Accessibility Consultant need?

Accessibility Consultants need strong problem-solving skills to identify and address accessibility issues.

They should have knowledge of current laws, standards, and guidelines regarding accessibility.

Additionally, they must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with team members and clients.

A strong understanding of user experience design is also essential, as they need to ensure that products are user-friendly and inclusive for all users.

 

Do Accessibility Consultants need a degree?

Most Accessibility Consultants have a degree in a related field such as Computer Science, Information Systems, or Web Design.

However, the most important aspect is having a strong understanding of accessibility standards such as WCAG and ADA, as well as experience in identifying and resolving accessibility issues.

Some employers may also prefer candidates with certifications such as Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC).

 

What should you look for in an Accessibility Consultant resume?

An Accessibility Consultant’s resume should highlight their experience in accessibility auditing and their knowledge of accessibility standards and laws.

Experience in user interface design or user experience would be a bonus.

Certifications related to accessibility can also be an advantage.

Make sure they have experience working with diverse teams and possess excellent communication skills.

 

What qualities make a good Accessibility Consultant?

A good Accessibility Consultant is proactive, detail-oriented, and empathetic.

They need to anticipate potential accessibility issues and address them before they become a problem.

Their attention to detail helps ensure all aspects of a product or service are accessible.

Empathy allows them to understand the user’s experience and advocate for inclusive design.

 

What are the daily duties of an Accessibility Consultant?

On a typical day, an Accessibility Consultant may review designs or products for accessibility, advise on best practices, and work with teams to implement changes.

They may conduct user testing with diverse groups to identify any potential issues.

They also stay up-to-date on new developments in accessibility standards and legislation.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the real role and responsibilities of an Accessibility Consultant.

Guess what?

It’s not only about making adjustments for people with disabilities.

It’s about creating an inclusive future, one step at a time.

With our handy Accessibility Consultant job description template and real-life examples, you’re fully equipped to take that leap.

But don’t limit yourself!

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for crafting detailed job listings or perfecting your resume.

Remember:

Every accessibility adaptation is a step towards a more inclusive world.

Let’s create that future. Together.

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