Accessible Design Consultant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of inclusivity, the focus on Accessible Design Consultants has never been more pronounced.

As society evolves towards total accessibility, the demand for innovative minds who can create, enhance, and promote inclusive design principles grows ever stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an Accessible Design Consultant?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker aiming to grasp the core of this role,
• A hiring manager drawing up the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply captivated by the realm of accessible design,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a tailor-made Accessible Design Consultant job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Accessible Design Consultant Duties and Responsibilities

Accessible Design Consultants work to ensure that products, services, and environments are accessible and usable by all people, including those with disabilities or other impairments.

They provide expert knowledge and advice on accessibility standards and best practices.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Evaluating current designs and providing recommendations to improve accessibility
• Consulting with product designers, architects, or planners to provide solutions that increase usability for all individuals
• Developing, implementing, and managing accessibility programs and initiatives
• Conducting training and workshops on accessible design principles and practices
• Creating and maintaining documentation related to accessible design projects and initiatives
• Keeping updated on current trends and advancements in accessible design
• Working with various stakeholders, including clients, team members, and end-users to ensure accessibility needs are met
• Reviewing and verifying that products, services, and environments comply with relevant accessibility standards and regulations
• Collaborating with disability organizations and advocacy groups to understand and incorporate their feedback into designs
• Promoting the importance and benefits of accessible design within the organization and to clients

 

Accessible Design Consultant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Accessible Design Consultant to join our team.

The ideal candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing inclusive design principles that make our products and services accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.

The Accessible Design Consultant should have a deep understanding of accessibility standards and regulations, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), Section 508, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The role involves working closely with design and product teams to ensure that all digital and physical interfaces are accessible and user-friendly.

 

Responsibilities

• Evaluating existing products, services, and environments for accessibility and usability
• Developing and implementing inclusive design strategies and standards
• Working with product and design teams to incorporate accessibility from the earliest stages of product development
• Conducting accessibility audits and providing recommendations for improvement
• Providing training and guidance to internal teams on accessibility best practices
• Keeping up-to-date with the latest accessibility standards, guidelines, and trends
• Advocating for accessibility and inclusive design across the organization

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience in accessible and inclusive design
• Thorough understanding of WCAG, Section 508, ADA, and other relevant accessibility standards and regulations
• Experience conducting accessibility audits and usability tests
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Ability to educate and influence others about the importance of accessibility
• Experience working with cross-functional teams
• Knowledge of assistive technologies (screen readers, magnifiers, etc.) and their use
• Bachelor’s degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Accessible Design Consultant
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for client consultations or team meetings.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Design or Product Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $80,000 minimum to $120,000 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 portfolio showcasing your experience and skills in accessible design to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Accessible Design Consultant Do?

An Accessible Design Consultant primarily works with organizations, businesses, architects, and interior designers to ensure that their designs are inclusive and accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities.

They review and evaluate designs, blueprints, and products, offering expert advice on how to make them more accessible and inclusive.

This could include suggesting the installation of ramps for wheelchair users, recommending the use of larger fonts for those with visual impairments, or advising on the use of colors that are easily distinguishable for people with color vision deficiencies.

In addition, they often conduct accessibility audits and assessments to identify any barriers in existing designs or infrastructures that could prevent people with disabilities from using them.

They also work closely with designers to develop accessibility plans and provide training on accessibility standards and best practices.

Their ultimate goal is to ensure equal access and usability for all people, regardless of their physical abilities or limitations.

In certain cases, Accessible Design Consultants may also advocate for accessibility rights and work with policymakers to enhance existing accessibility laws and regulations.

 

Accessible Design Consultant Qualifications and Skills

An Accessible Design Consultant should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Knowledge of accessibility principles and guidelines such as WCAG, ADA, Section 508, and ARIA.
• Experience with accessibility testing tools and techniques, including manual testing and automated testing tools.
• Strong understanding of how to design for various disabilities including visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive, and neurological disabilities.
• Strong communication and presentation skills to effectively advocate for accessibility and inclusive design principles to clients and stakeholders.
• Ability to provide accessibility solutions and recommendations to designers, developers, and other team members.
• Experience in creating and maintaining accessibility documentation, including accessibility audits, reports, and guidelines.
• A keen eye for detail and a strong understanding of user interface and user experience design principles.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team and build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders.

 

Accessible Design Consultant Experience Requirements

Entry-level Accessible Design Consultants should ideally have 1 to 2 years of experience in the field of accessibility, universal design, or a related area such as architecture or product design.

This experience can often be acquired through internships, part-time roles or relevant academic projects.

These professionals can also gain beneficial experience in roles such as an Accessibility Auditor, Assistive Technology Specialist or in inclusive product design teams.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience usually demonstrate a deeper understanding of accessible design principles, regulations and standards such as ADA and WCAG.

They might also have experience developing, implementing, and evaluating accessibility strategies, solutions, and programs.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often possess strong advocacy and leadership skills, with a proven track record in influencing the adoption of accessibility best practices within an organization or in client projects.

These individuals may also have experience training and guiding teams on accessibility requirements and are likely ready for senior consulting or management roles in accessible design.

 

Accessible Design Consultant Education and Training Requirements

Accessible Design Consultants typically have a bachelor’s degree in design, architecture, engineering, or a related field.

A strong foundation in universal design principles, user experience, and accessibility standards is necessary.

They should have a thorough understanding of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 standards to ensure designs meet legal requirements.

Knowledge in tools and technologies used for creating and testing accessible designs, such as screen readers, color contrast analyzers, and assistive technology devices, is crucial.

Some positions may require a master’s degree in specialized areas like Assistive Technology, Rehabilitation Engineering, or Inclusive Design.

Certifications, such as Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) or Web Accessibility Specialist (WAS), although not mandatory, can significantly improve job prospects.

These professionals often engage in continuous learning to keep up with the evolving technology and standards in the field of accessible design.

 

Accessible Design Consultant Salary Expectations

An Accessible Design Consultant earns an average salary of $80,000 (USD) per year.

However, the salary can significantly vary based on the consultant’s experience, education, specialization, and geographic location.

Factors such as the complexity of the project and the employing company’s size also contribute to the total compensation.

 

Accessible Design Consultant Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Accessible Design Consultant need?

An Accessible Design Consultant should have a deep understanding of accessibility laws and standards, as well as experience in design and software development.

They should possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills to review designs and identify barriers to accessibility.

They must also be proficient in communication to effectively explain complex design concepts and the importance of accessibility to clients.

 

Do Accessible Design Consultants need a degree?

While there isn’t a specific degree requirement for this role, a background in Computer Science, Design, or a related field can be beneficial.

However, what’s more critical is having a strong understanding of accessibility standards like WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), and Section 508.

Many consultants also have certifications in accessibility.

 

What should you look for in an Accessible Design Consultant resume?

Look for a deep understanding and experience with accessibility standards and laws, as well as a background in design or software development.

Certifications in accessibility, such as Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) or Web Accessibility Specialist (WAS), are a big plus.

Experience in conducting accessibility audits and user testing with individuals with disabilities can also be beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Accessible Design Consultant?

A good Accessible Design Consultant is passionate about inclusivity and understands the importance of making products accessible to everyone.

They should be detail-oriented, capable of identifying even the smallest accessibility issues, and solution-oriented, able to provide practical, implementable fixes.

Communication skills are key as they often need to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

 

Is it difficult to hire Accessible Design Consultants?

As the awareness and need for accessibility grows, the demand for Accessible Design Consultants has increased.

However, it can be challenging to find candidates with the right combination of technical skills, understanding of accessibility, and passion for inclusivity.

Offering competitive compensation, opportunities for professional development, and a strong commitment to inclusivity can attract top talent.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve taken a close look at what it truly means to be an Accessible Design Consultant.

Here’s the scoop:

It’s not just about creating designs.

It’s about paving the way to an inclusive future, one design at a time.

With our ready-to-go Accessible Design Consultant job description template and real-world examples, you’re primed and ready to make your move.

But don’t limit yourself just yet.

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your next step towards creating precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every design is a step towards a more accessible world.

Let’s make that future possible. Together.

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