At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive accessibility best practices and conduct audits for inclusive digital experiences.
- Company: Join a leading Digital Experience agency in the UK, known for innovation and top talent.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work, flexible hours, healthcare perks, and a personal L&D budget.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in digital accessibility while collaborating with a diverse team.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in digital accessibility with strong technical and communication skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity to present at industry events and engage with C-Level stakeholders.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Do you want to work for one of the leading Digital Experience agencies in the UK, working alongside the industry's top talent where you will have the opportunity to learn and grow professionally? In this role, you will work at the forefront of digital innovation, helping organisations create inclusive and accessible digital experiences that meet and exceed global accessibility standards. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, you will drive accessibility best practices, provide expert guidance, and ensure compliance with global standards (WCAG, EAA). This is a remote first UK-based role with occasional days in our London office.
We are looking for a Digital Accessibility Specialist who is passionate about inclusive user experience research to join our team. You will be responsible for planning and delivering manual accessibility audits, assistive technology usability testing projects, and consulting on accessibility industry standards and best practices on behalf of our clients. You must have a passion for inclusion and a proven ability to advocate for and implement accessibility practices. The ideal candidate will have deep technical expertise, outstanding communication skills, and a collaborative mindset to drive accessibility initiatives across various sectors. Your technical knowledge and ability to influence stakeholders at all levels will be crucial in expanding out a culture of accessibility for our clients. This is an exciting opportunity to make a tangible impact in a rapidly evolving field while working with a diverse and dynamic team.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide expert technical accessibility advice to product teams, UX designers, and developers, advocating for accessibility in the face of competing priorities.
- Conduct comprehensive accessibility audits of digital services, including manual, automated, and assistive technology testing.
- Plan, conduct, and manage usability research to deliver on inclusive user testing, with knowledge of the associated methods and data analysis techniques.
- Work closely with our recruitment partners to ensure that suitable participants are sourced.
- Work proactively with development teams to troubleshoot and resolve accessibility issues, documenting findings and proposing actionable solutions.
- Develop and deliver engaging accessibility training programmes, workshops, and e-learning modules for internal and external stakeholders.
- Contribute to the creation and refinement of internal accessibility guidelines and best practices.
- Work with third-party vendors and accessibility networks to ensure alignment with accessibility goals and objectives.
- Stay updated on the latest accessibility standards, tools, and technologies to continuously enhance practices and processes.
- Promote our research expertise to the wider market and present at industry events from time to time.
Requirements & Personal Characteristics
Mandatory Skills:
- Minimum 5+ years of experience in digital accessibility, with in-depth knowledge of WCAG 2.2 AA/AAA standards and assistive technologies (e.g., JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, TalkBack, Dragon NaturallySpeaking).
- Proficiency in web technologies, including front-end code (e.g., HTML, CSS, JavaScript), and mobile development technologies and accessibility specific technologies (e.g., WAI-ARIA), with the ability to guide teams in selecting and implementing appropriate technologies.
- Experience using accessibility evaluation tools such as Axe, WAVE, Accessibility Inspector, and browser developer tools.
- Exceptional communication skills with the ability to present complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
- Strong analytical skills with a systematic approach to identifying and resolving accessibility barriers.
- Knowledge of legal standards and accessibility regulations such as the ADA, Section 508, EAA, Equality Act 2010, and Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations (PSBAR).
- Experience of working with product teams and product owners.
- Data-driven, commercially minded and a problem solver.
Desirable Skills:
- Bachelors or Masters degree in Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field.
- IAAP certification (e.g., CPACC, WAS) or equivalent credentials.
- Consultancy/agency experience with the ability to adapt quickly to diverse platforms and products.
- Experience of agile working.
- Involvement in accessibility networks or champion groups to promote best practices.
Personal Characteristics:
- Enthusiastic and motivated with a genuine passion for accessibility and technology.
- Self-starter with excellent organisational and time-management skills.
- A continuous learner who stays informed about industry trends and innovations.
- Outstanding personal and communications skills both internally and externally.
- Detail-oriented.
- Comfortable presenting to an audience.
- Problem-solving skills and presence of mind.
- Diplomacy and ability to adapt social style according to audience.
- Ability to engage at C-Level with ease.
- Well-presented, confident and articulate.
- A person that demands respect and attention where required without offense.
The Benefits
- A competitive salary.
- 30 days off a year.
- Remote 1st working policy.
- Flexible working hours.
- Vitality Healthcare and benefits discounts on gym membership, Apple products, Amazon etc.
- Personal L&D budget.
- Dedicated L&D time.
- Enhanced Pension.
- Regular team socials and events.
Digital Accessibility Specialist employer: REO
Contact Detail:
REO Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Digital Accessibility Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest accessibility standards, especially WCAG 2.2 AA/AAA. Being well-versed in these guidelines will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to the role during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with online communities and forums focused on digital accessibility. Networking with professionals in the field can provide insights into current trends and challenges, which you can leverage in conversations with our team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've implemented accessibility practices in past roles. Real-world scenarios will showcase your expertise and problem-solving skills, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on assistive technologies and tools like JAWS, NVDA, and Axe. Being knowledgeable about these resources will help you effectively communicate their importance to stakeholders and enhance your credibility in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Digital Accessibility Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in digital accessibility, particularly your knowledge of WCAG standards and assistive technologies. Use specific examples that demonstrate your technical expertise and problem-solving skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for inclusive user experiences and detail how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the Digital Accessibility Specialist role. Mention any relevant projects or training you've undertaken.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since exceptional communication is crucial for this role, consider including examples of how you've effectively communicated complex technical concepts to diverse audiences in your application materials.
Highlight Continuous Learning: Demonstrate your commitment to staying updated on accessibility trends and technologies. Mention any recent courses, certifications, or involvement in accessibility networks that showcase your dedication to professional growth.
How to prepare for a job interview at REO
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your in-depth knowledge of WCAG 2.2 AA/AAA standards and assistive technologies. Highlight specific projects where you've successfully implemented accessibility practices, demonstrating your technical skills and understanding of web technologies.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
Since exceptional communication skills are crucial for this role, practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. Be ready to provide examples of how you've communicated accessibility needs to diverse audiences, including product teams and stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Inclusion
Share your personal experiences or motivations that drive your passion for accessibility. Discuss any involvement in accessibility networks or champion groups, as this shows your commitment to promoting best practices in the field.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle real-world accessibility challenges. Prepare examples of how you've identified and resolved accessibility barriers in previous roles, showcasing your analytical approach and collaborative mindset.