Accessibility Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of digital inclusivity, the role of Accessibility Specialists has never been more crucial.

As technology advances, the demand for skilled professionals who can ensure, maintain, and enhance the accessibility of our digital platforms escalates.

But what is really expected of an Accessibility Specialist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the ins and outs of digital accessibility,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Accessibility Specialist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Accessibility Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Accessibility Specialists work to ensure that products, services, and facilities are accessible to individuals with disabilities.

They apply knowledge of disability laws, accessibility standards, and universal design principles to make recommendations for accessibility improvements.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Evaluating current products, services, and facilities for accessibility
• Developing and implementing accessibility standards and policies
• Providing training and guidance to staff on accessibility best practices
• Working with software developers and web designers to ensure digital products are accessible
• Conducting accessibility audits and making recommendations for improvement
• Collaborating with individuals with disabilities to understand their needs and barriers
• Keeping up-to-date with changing laws and regulations related to accessibility
• Creating reports detailing accessibility evaluations, recommendations, and progress
• Assisting in the procurement of accessible technology and equipment
• Advocating for inclusive design and accessibility at all levels of the organization

 

Accessibility Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking an Accessibility Specialist to ensure that our products and services are fully accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.

The Accessibility Specialist will be responsible for implementing and maintaining accessibility standards and regulations, testing and evaluating our products and services, and providing guidance and recommendations to improve accessibility.

The ideal candidate will have a thorough understanding of accessibility standards and regulations, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), and experience in conducting accessibility evaluations and usability testing.

 

Responsibilities

• Ensure that all products and services are compliant with accessibility standards and regulations
• Conduct regular accessibility audits and usability tests
• Provide recommendations for improving the accessibility of products and services
• Collaborate with product and development teams to implement accessibility improvements
• Provide training and guidance on accessibility best practices
• Stay up-to-date with advancements in accessibility and related areas
• Advocate for accessibility across the organization

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Accessibility Specialist or similar role
• Knowledge of accessibility standards and regulations, such as WCAG
• Experience conducting accessibility audits and usability testing
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information in a clear and concise manner
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Experience with assistive technologies and inclusive design
• 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 Specialist
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for team meetings or client consultations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Accessibility Manager or Product Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $130,000 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 Specialist Do?

Accessibility Specialists work across various industries, helping to ensure that products, services, and facilities are accessible to people with disabilities.

They may work in-house for organizations, as consultants, or as part of an agency.

A significant part of their role is to review and evaluate accessibility features, ensuring that they comply with accessibility standards and regulations.

They may be involved in the design and development stages of digital interfaces, built environments, or services to ensure that accessibility is considered from the outset.

They often conduct accessibility audits or assessments, identifying barriers that may prevent people with disabilities from fully using a product or service.

They work closely with designers, developers, and management to recommend and implement solutions to these issues.

Accessibility Specialists also often provide training and guidance to other staff members on accessibility best practices and how to create inclusive designs and environments.

Another crucial aspect of their work is to stay up to date with the latest accessibility standards, legislation, and technology advancements.

This ensures they can provide the most current and effective recommendations to improve accessibility.

Finally, Accessibility Specialists might also advocate for individuals with disabilities, ensuring their needs and rights are considered and met in the design and provision of products, services, and facilities.

 

Accessibility Specialist Qualifications and Skills

An Accessibility Specialist should have a combination of technical skills and advocacy expertise to ensure that products, services, and environments are accessible to all, including:

• Knowledge of accessibility standards and laws, such as the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), and Section 508.
• Understanding of user experience design and how to incorporate accessibility into the design process.
• Experience with assistive technologies like screen readers, magnifiers, and voice recognition software.
• Ability to evaluate environments, products, and services for accessibility issues and propose solutions.
• Strong communication skills to effectively communicate accessibility needs and strategies to a wide range of audiences, including developers, designers, and business leaders.
• Advocacy skills to promote the importance of accessibility and inclusivity within the organization and beyond.
• Problem-solving skills to identify barriers to accessibility and devise innovative solutions.
• Experience with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, or other programming languages to understand technical constraints and possibilities.

 

Accessibility Specialist Experience Requirements

Entry-level Accessibility Specialists usually have at least 1 to 2 years of experience working on accessibility in a technical or design role, often gained through internships or part-time positions.

They may also have a background in related fields such as User Experience (UX) Design, Web Development, or Assistive Technology, where they have learned to implement accessibility principles.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience in accessibility are expected to have a deeper understanding of accessibility standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and ADA standards.

They might have been involved in performing accessibility audits, creating accessible user interfaces, or developing accessibility strategies in their previous roles.

Accessibility Specialists with more than 5 years of experience often have strong leadership and project management skills.

They might have led accessibility initiatives, trained other staff members on accessibility practices, and have a proven record in creating inclusive digital environments.

At this level, they may be ready for a managerial role or leading an accessibility team.

In addition to job experience, a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) certification or similar credentials are often preferred, showcasing the specialist’s dedication and expertise in the field.

 

Accessibility Specialist Education and Training Requirements

Accessibility Specialists typically have a bachelor’s degree in fields like computer science, information technology, or a related discipline.

A strong understanding of accessibility standards and guidelines such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and Section 508 is essential.

In addition to the degree, experience in web development and design, user interface and user experience design, and testing methodologies is highly beneficial.

Some roles might require the specialist to have advanced training or a master’s degree in accessibility or a related field.

Certifications such as Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) or Web Accessibility Specialist (WAS) can enhance the credentials of an Accessibility Specialist.

Continued education in the field of accessibility is also important, as it keeps specialists up to date with the latest standards and technologies.

 

Accessibility Specialist Salary Expectations

The average salary for an Accessibility Specialist is around $71,000 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings may vary based on factors such as experience, the complexity of the project, location, and the type of employing organization.

 

Accessibility Specialist Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Accessibility Specialist need?

Accessibility Specialists should have a keen eye for detail and a solid understanding of accessibility standards, such as Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

They should have technical skills including coding in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are also necessary to collaborate with various teams and clearly articulate accessibility concerns and their solutions.

 

Do Accessibility Specialists need a degree?

While having a degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field can be beneficial, it’s not always necessary.

Most importantly, Accessibility Specialists should have comprehensive knowledge of accessibility standards and regulations, which can be gained through specialized training and certifications.

 

What should you look for in an Accessibility Specialist resume?

When reviewing a resume for an Accessibility Specialist, look for experience in creating accessible digital content, knowledge of assistive technologies, and familiarity with accessibility testing tools.

Certifications such as Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) or Web Accessibility Specialist (WAS) are also desirable.

Additionally, experience in web development or design, along with a robust understanding of WCAG guidelines, can be a strong indicator of a qualified candidate.

 

What qualities make a good Accessibility Specialist?

A good Accessibility Specialist is meticulous and patient, as testing for accessibility can often be a detailed and time-consuming process.

They should be able to empathize with users with disabilities to understand their needs better.

Strong problem-solving skills are also important, as they will often need to find innovative solutions to make digital content accessible to all users.

 

What are the daily duties of an Accessibility Specialist?

An Accessibility Specialist’s day typically involves reviewing digital content and applications for accessibility compliance, identifying barriers, and suggesting improvements.

They might also spend time providing training and guidance to other team members on accessibility best practices, testing digital content using assistive technologies, and staying updated with the latest trends and regulations in the field of digital accessibility.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

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

And guess what?

It’s not just about removing barriers.

It’s about shaping an inclusive digital world, one accessible feature at a time.

Equipped with our comprehensive Accessibility Specialist job description template and real-life examples, you’re now primed to make your move.

But why stop here?

Journey further with our job description generator. It’s your go-to resource for creating precision-crafted listings or for fine-tuning your resume to absolute perfection.

Remember:

Every accessible element contributes to a more inclusive digital landscape.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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