Junior Digital Accessibility Specialist – Technology Solutions (1028100)
Job Description Heading link
UIC is seeking a Junior Digital Accessibility Specialist to join our Technology Solutions team. This role will be responsible for ensuring that digital products, applications, websites, and services are designed and developed in a manner that is accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities. This role requires a strong understanding of accessibility guidelines, standards, and best practices to promote inclusivity and usability for diverse user groups.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Accessibility consultation services:
- Conduct comprehensive accessibility audits of digital assets, including websites, applications, software, and documents, to identify potential barriers and ensure compliance with accessibility standards such as WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) via UIC Digital Accessibility Consultation Services and other communication mechanism.
- Test digital assets using various assisting technologies (e.g., screen readers, magnifiers, voice recognition software) to ensure compatibility and optimal user experiences for individuals with disabilities.
- Participate in design and development reviews to proactively identify potential accessibility challenges and provide guidance on inclusive design principles. The Accessibility review also includes Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAG) and Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) shared by the vendors.
Provide UIC Digital Accessibility services which include:
- Digital Accessibility Consultations
- Digital Accessibility Exception Request
- Report a Digital Accessibility Problems
- Request for Accessibility score and reporting services.
Accessibility training and coordination:
- Provide training sessions and workshops to developers, designers, and other stakeholders to raise awareness and promote best practices for integrating accessibility into the development process.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including developers, designers, product managers, quality assurance, and content creators, to promote accessibility awareness and establish a culture of inclusivity.
Accessibility integration, improvement, and monitoring:
- Work closely with software development teams to integrate accessibility into the development lifecycle, from concept to release and beyond.
- Administer the University wide digital accessibility monitoring system and provide technical support.
- Assist to remediate accessibility problems and develop action plans and recommendations to address accessibility issues identified during audits, working closely with development teams to implement necessary changes and improvements.
- Engage with individuals with disabilities or accessibility needs to conduct user testing, gathering feedback and insights to inform ongoing improvements.
- Maintain accurate records of accessibility assessments, remediation efforts, and compliance status to support accountability and reporting requirements.
Accessibility Compliance:
- Collaborate with development teams and stakeholders to ensure that digital products adhere to relevant accessibility laws, regulations, and industry standards, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 in the United States.
- Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.