UK Career Advice

Web Accessibility Specialist: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path

Career Overview
Interview Questions

What is a Web Accessibility Specialist?

A Web Accessibility Specialist is responsible for ensuring that a website is designed in such a way that it can be easily used by individuals with varying abilities, including those with disabilities. They test web features to make sure they can be accessed via screen readers or other assistive tech, and adjust design elements like color contrast, button sizes, or content layout to improve site navigation.

How do I become a Web Accessibility Specialist?

A Web Accessibility Specialist is responsible for ensuring that a website is designed in such a way that it can be easily used by individuals with varying abilities, including those with disabilities. They test web features to make sure they can be accessed via screen readers or other assistive tech, and adjust design elements like color contrast, button sizes, or content layout to improve site navigation.

What would you like to know?

What does it take to become an Web Accessibility Specialist?

Skills, education, personality, career progression

Job demand for an Web Accessibility Specialist

Job ads, popular location, season to apply



Skills

  • Proficiency in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
  • Knowledge of web accessibility standards and guidelines (e.g., WCAG
  • Experience in conducting accessibility audits and testing
  • Ability to implement accessible design principles and techniques
  • Familiarity with assistive technologies and their usage
  • Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
  • Excellent attention to detail and ability to ensure compliance with accessibility requirements
  • Effective communication and collaboration skills with clients and team members
  • Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest web accessibility trends and techniques

Qualifications & Education

  • Possession of a degree or equivalent qualification
  • Entry with other academic qualifications and/or significant relevant experience is possible
  • Availability of relevant vocational qualifications
  • Availability of relevant professional qualifications
  • Availability of relevant postgraduate qualifications

Career Path

Web Accessibility Specialist
Web Accessibility Consultant
Accessibility Analyst
User Experience Designer
Digital Accessibility Manager
Front-end Developer
UI/UX Designer
Web Developer
Software Engineer
Digital Marketing Specialist
SEO Specialist
Content Manager
Digital Strategist
Project Manager
Product Owner
Business Analyst
Operations Manager

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a job in accessibility?

To get a job in accessibility, it is recommended to start by earning a bachelor's degree in information technology (IT) or computer science. Specializing in areas like human-computer interaction (HCI) or information design can also be beneficial. For hardware developers working on accessibility, a degree in computer engineering is required.

What is a web accessibility engineer?

A web accessibility engineer is a professional who provides guidance and recommendations to clients on how to ensure their digital platforms meet accessibility standards and are user-friendly for individuals with disabilities.

What is an accessibility specialist?

An accessibility specialist is someone who identifies and resolves barriers that prevent people with disabilities from accessing instructional material and websites. They also provide support for captioning services to ensure accessibility.

What is the role of a web accessibility specialist?

The role of a web accessibility specialist is to audit websites and web applications, testing user interfaces against the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). They also provide consultation on how to effectively implement remediations to improve accessibility.

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