We are proud to offer pathways for the blind and visually impaired to become accessibility professionals. As companies strive to implement accessibility efforts, the demand for individuals with first-hand lived experience and knowledge of accessibility software and hardware grow rapidly. Companies are searching for motivated individuals willing to share their first-hand lived experiences and are dedicated to leveling the field of access for all. Companies are now conscious that their products and services across all industries must be universally designed and accessible to all or they miss out on an untapped market—the Disabled. For the blind and visually impaired community, this means our skills are in demand. Companies choosing to create all-inclusive products are searching for accessibility professionals who are blind and visually impaired to work alongside their development teams, establishing a proactive, accessible content creation model that addresses the needs of all users.
The Accessibility Professional program covers a wide variety of topics. Students will study some of the core software that allows access to information, earning their expert certifications in JAWS, ZoomText/Fusion, and NVDA. Students will also become proficient in Windows Accessibility features, as well as the built-in accessibility features of IOS and Android devices.
The program then turns to the more general principles, models, and laws that make the accessibility industry what it is today. As students near the end of the Accessibility Professional program, they will register for and complete their major certification exam. The International Association of Accessibility Professionals offers the Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies exam and certification. The body of knowledge required for the CPACC certification will give students an understanding of principles of accessibility and disability, as well as the regulatory framework that supports access for individuals with disabilities worldwide. Therefore, upon completion of the Accessibility Professional course, students will be required to sit for and successfully complete their CPACC exam.
Individuals who complete the Accessibility Professional course will learn to identify a variety of disabilities and challenges, use assistive technologies, compare and contrast accessibility and usability, identify local and international standards, laws, and management strategies in order to develop plans and actions resulting in products and services universally designed for all in mind. Students in this course will also take part in a small business management course aiding graduates in weighing their options in future employment.
Potential Careers for Graduates
- Accessibility Specialist
- Accessibility Tester
- Accessibility Industry Specialist
- User Experience Auditor
- User interface Auditor
- Web Access Auditor
- Digital Accessibility Specialist
- Web Design Accessibility Specialist,
- Accessibility Engineer
- Digital Accessibility Subject Matter Expert
- Access Consultant
DURATION:
9-12 months
CERTIFICATION:
- International Association of Accessibility Professionals Certified Professionals in Accessibility Core Competencies (IAAP CPACC)
The mission of the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP), a division of the Global Initiative for Inclusive ICT’s (G3ict), is to define, promote, improve, and diversify the accessibility profession globally through certification, education, and networking in order to enable the creation of accessible products, content, services, and environments.
PREREQUISITES:
- Exemplify strong Assistive Technology skills in either JAWS, NVDA, Narrator, mobile screen readers Voice Over and Talk Back, or ZoomText, Windows Magnifier, and mobile magnification.
- Solve problems in a logical order
- Work in a position with minimal supervision
- Write clearly
- Speak clearly
- Possess a positive attitude and remain flexible to change
- Type at 35 words per minute
- 12th grade reading, writing, and math
For more information, including how to apply, please fill out this contact form or contact your LHOB case manager.