WebAIM - Web Accessibility In Mind

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Re: is digital accessibility the right path for me?

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From: Jonathan Cohn
Date: Dec 4, 2023 7:49AM

Well, while being an accessibility expert does require understanding how the application or web site is interacting with the screen reader, there is also a demand for screen reader users to make sure that the average screen reader can use the site. While screen reader users understand more fundamentals of web design then non-technical visual users since they know what a heading and a list are, most would have no idea what javascript is or even why a radio button works on one web site and not another.

Best wishes,

Jonathan Cohn



> On Dec 4, 2023, at 9:20 AM, Victoria Chan < <EMAIL REMOVED> > wrote:
>
> Hi there.
>
>
>
> Could someone be honest with me and tell me if I'm trying to fit a square
> peg into a round hole? I think I need a reality check and some help
> contemplating life. LOL
>
> For those of you who work in the digital accessibility field, is it
> important to have a background in web design and development?
>
> I've been trying to freelance as a digital accessibility consultant for the
> last year, but I'm not sure if this is working for me. I thought my personal
> experience and the courses that I took through Deque University were enough,
> but after talking to some people who have worked in digital accessibility
> for some time, I recognize that I don't have the knowledge and skills that
> is needed in order to perform proper accessibility audits and
> implementation. I have never been tech savvy to begin with. I mean I can
> easily tell if a platform is accessible based on my own personal needs and
> experiences with screen readers, but I could not for the life of me explain
> the problem, nor could I offer a solution. If you asked me a question about
> html and css, I would be totally lost. I honestly don't remember much from
> the Deque University courses, other than how different screen readers work.
> I also tried to take the section 508 trusted tester certification course
> through DHS, but I was completely out of my element and found it way too
> overwhelming, thus I was unable to complete the program. My friend's brother
> who is a business coach suggested that perhaps I could go on Upwork and try
> to find somebody who knows how to implement accessibility, and I have
> actually looked into it, but still... If I'm being completely honest with
> myself, a tech career is not for me. I just needed something to tie me over
> so that I could generate some passive income while studying to pursue my
> dream career as a certified sexual health and wellness coach. What are
> y'all's thoughts? I will admit that my decision to freelance as a digital
> accessibility consultant was rather impulsive. I went into this with the
> mindset that I'd be able to make money quickly as I've had a hard time
> finding steady employment.
>
>
>
> Thanks
>
>
>
> Victoria
>
> > > >