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Re: Advice for those interested in accessibility

for

From: chagnon
Date: Jan 21, 2020 9:00AM

Good question!
For starters, accessibility is about more than websites, so someone needs to
have at least a basic understanding of all media: websites, PDFs, Office
documents, EPUBs, social media, apps for mobile, apps for online education,
and new future technologies. Then they can focus on one or two for their
specialization.
Any certifications in these technologies is very useful as well, such as MOS
(Microsoft Office Specialist) and Adobe's PDF accessibility certification.
And, of course, accessibility certificates such as those from IAAP and DHS'
Trusted Tester.
Working directly with people who use assistive technologies is also
invaluable.
Degrees in computer science are good, but they focus mainly on programming
and leave out accessibility and basic functionality for the humans that use
computer technologies. Wish that wasn't the case!
Regarding the standards, I don't know how helpful they actually are today.
Too long, complex, and overwhelming. Over-engineered to the point that those
who must use them are stymied. The KISS principal has been lost!

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