How to Start as an Accessibility Auditor
Estimated Start Time: 4–8 Weeks
Overview
✨ An Accessibility Auditor reviews
websites, applications, and digital content to ensure they are usable by
people with disabilities, adhering to standards like WCAG and ADA
compliance.
Digital accessibility is not just a legal requirement (e.g., ADA
compliance); it's a moral imperative and good business practice. As an
accessibility auditor, you'll play a crucial role in making the digital
world inclusive for everyone. This niche requires a keen eye for detail,
an understanding of various disabilities, and proficiency in
accessibility guidelines and testing tools.
5 Steps to Start Your Accessibility Auditing Career
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Step 1: Learn WCAG Guidelines. The Web Content
Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are the international standard. Study
WCAG 2.1 and 2.2 thoroughly, understanding principles like
Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR).
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Step 2: Understand Assistive Technologies.
Familiarize yourself with screen readers (e.g., JAWS, NVDA,
VoiceOver), keyboard navigation, and other tools used by people with
disabilities.
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Step 3: Master Accessibility Testing Tools. Learn to
use automated testing tools (e.g., Lighthouse, axe DevTools) and
manual testing techniques (keyboard-only navigation, color contrast
checkers).
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Step 4: Build a Portfolio. Conduct accessibility
audits on publicly available websites or open-source projects. Create
detailed reports outlining issues and recommended solutions.
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Step 5: Get Certified & Find Clients. Consider
certifications like the IAAP's Certified Professional in Accessibility
Core Competencies (CPACC). Network with web development agencies,
government contractors, and large corporations.
Essential Tools for Accessibility Auditors
- Automated Scanners: axe DevTools, Lighthouse.
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Screen Readers: NVDA (Windows, free), VoiceOver
(Mac).
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Color Contrast Checkers: WebAIM Contrast Checker.
- Browser Extensions: WAVE Evaluation Tool.
- Reporting: Google Docs, Excel.
7-Day Starter Plan
Day 1
Read the "WCAG 2.1 Quick Reference" guide. Focus on understanding the
four POUR principles.
Day 2
Install the NVDA screen reader (if on Windows) or practice with
VoiceOver (Mac). Navigate a website using only a screen reader.
Day 3
Install the axe DevTools browser extension. Run an automated audit on
a website and review the reported issues.
Day 4
Practice navigating a website using only your keyboard (no mouse).
Identify any elements that are inaccessible.
Day 5
Use a color contrast checker to evaluate the text and background
colors on a website for WCAG compliance.
Day 6
Draft a simple accessibility audit report template, including sections
for issues, severity, and recommendations.
Day 7
Perform a mini-audit on a local business website. Document 3-5 key
accessibility issues you find.
Tips for Success
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Be Empathetic: Understand the challenges faced by
users with disabilities.
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Stay Updated: Accessibility standards and best
practices evolve.
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Communicate Clearly: Explain technical issues in
understandable terms to clients.
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Focus on Solutions: Provide actionable
recommendations, not just problem identification. */