Use the Skills You Already Have with Accessibility Testing Jobs
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Use the Skills You Already Have with Accessibility Testing Jobs
Did you know that you, as someone with a disability, have a unique skill set that sets you apart when it comes to searching for jobs?
As the world becomes more connected via the internet, many people have noticed the need to make web pages and other areas more accessible for people with disabilities. Yet, fully-abled people might not know where to start. After all, people who are used to the world being accessible to them might not notice all the ways in which it is not accessible to others.
This has led to accessibility testing jobs.
But what are these careers, and how can you go about getting one?
Keep reading to learn more!
What Are Accessibility Testing Jobs?
Ever since the United States passed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), many people have become more aware of the need for accessibility in a variety of spheres. The requirement for American employers to make accommodations for employees with disabilities encourages employers to think about their company's accessibility.
Yet, the situation is still far from perfect. If you are someone with a disability, you can probably come up with a long list of ways in which the world still falls short of perfect accommodation. That's largely because abled people sometimes don't know which accommodations to make.
Some employers are taking this into consideration and have formed an entirely new job position to make sure their company is accessible. Essentially, they've formed accessibility testing jobs, in which they hire people with disabilities to test various aspects of their business.
What Value Does an Accessibility Testing Job Add to a Team?
Many people get jobs in order to make enough money to pay the bills and any other necessities. When possible, though, lots of people also want positions that make a difference.
When you become an accessibility tester, you have the unique opportunity to do both. Most companies pay their accessibility testers relatively well. In fact, Comparably estimates accessibility testers make anywhere from $84,000-$126,000 annually in the United States.
This salary demonstrates the value accessibility testers add to a company. Businesses who hire them realize that these people help them bridge the gap between their services and their clients.
You also become an active part of helping the world become more accessible. Your work will help people find the services or products they need, impacting their lives for the better.
Benefits of Working as an Accessibility Tester
Besides being able to help other people, there are a variety of other benefits to being an accessibility tester.
Foremost, you'll likely need to familiarize yourself with accessibility guidelines, such as the Website Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and Section 508. Your knowledge of these measures of accessibility could become a marketable skill set for you in the future.
In addition, you'll likely get experience working with web content, which is an invaluable resource for companies today. Most businesses have some kind of online presence, and employers prioritize hiring people with internet experience.
Not sure you want to leave your home to go to work every day, especially in the middle of a pandemic? That's not a problem. In fact, web accessibility testing jobs happen on a remote basis, making it easy for you to complete your tasks at home.
Worried about the prospect of having to work from home, away from the accommodations an employer might make? You can set up your own home office, complete with all of the accommodations you need. For instance, you can purchase an ergonomic chair or arrange your set up in a way that puts everything easily within your reach.
Staying at home actually gives you complete control over your workspace, which is a plus for many.
Job Description
So, what does the average accessibility tester do?
Of course, positions and responsibilities will vary from company to company. Yet, most accessibility testers use their knowledge of accessibility issues to test and audit an aspect of a business. Usually, this includes their web pages.
If you ever have a question about what exactly a job requires you to review, reach out to the employer.
Job Requirements
As we mentioned above, you already have the unique ability to use your experience with inaccessibility to provide valuable feedback.
That, in and of itself, sets you apart from other job candidates and makes you more qualified for the position.
It's important to note that, as mentioned above, some employers may also want you to either be or be willing to become familiar with the guidelines governing accessibility audits. Emphasizing your knowledge might also help you stand out.
Some employers may also ask that you have experience working with the internet or mobile apps in the past.
Get Certified
Want to really dazzle your future potential employers?
Consider seeking certification as an accessibility job tester. Many different organizations offer certificate programs for this job field and having one will demonstrate your professional skills and dedication.
It might also open more job opportunities to you, as some employers require the certification in order to consider candidates.
Plus, it will make you more confident that you know what you're doing as you head into your career!
Ready to Become an Accessibility Tester?
Many people find accessibility testing jobs an exciting and rewarding career path.
For once, it's a career built specifically for people with disabilities. It allows you to use your skill set to change the way a company presents itself to people with disabilities, and it helps those people gain access to the resources they want or need. It also gives you marketable experience in the internet and technology fields.
Want to learn more about becoming a professional as a person with disabilities? Contact us to learn more!