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Re: new blind digital accessibility consultant seekingbusiness mentorship/guidance

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From: David Engebretson Jr.
Date: Mar 12, 2023 7:51PM

In my opinion you've made an excellent choice for a career. The job market for digital accessibility specialists is booming, and the screen reader is an excellent tool for WCAG compliance analysis.

I've found that knowing how to fix the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript issues presented to folks is valuable if the audience is technically oriented. Sometimes I have to modify my technical speak when I give presentations. Someone told me once, "Always know your audience."

Plus, I'd suggest you have a good microphone, don't talk over your screen reader output when giving presentations, and don't expect too much for your services. I've only seen a couple of vendors request payment "per page". Then they disappear, unless they are a company that focuses on single document remediation. Personally, I'd charge per hour if salaried wasn't an option.

I work with folks who have multiple pages on their site. Most companies with multiple pages per site would probably rather pay you on an hourly contract than a per page contract.

Do you have a university in your region? If so, I'd suggest you talk with them (the webmaster and the disabled student resources technical folks) to see if they'd be willing to bring you on as a specialist.

Or, if you want to remain a contractor then check out all of the accessibility specialist jobs available at Microsoft, Google, Apple, Facebook, and many more large companies looking for your expertise. There's lots of opportunity out there. What's your dream job? Aim for that with the idea that it may take a few years at not so dreamy jobs before you get yours. 😊

Also, I'd be happy to talk to you offline if you want a real voice in your ear. My personal email is <EMAIL REMOVED>

Cheers,
David


-----Original Message-----
From: WebAIM-Forum < <EMAIL REMOVED> > On Behalf Of Victoria Chan
Sent: Sunday, March 12, 2023 5:06 PM
To: <EMAIL REMOVED>
Subject: [WebAIM] new blind digital accessibility consultant seeking business mentorship/guidance

Hi Y'all.



My name is Victoria, and I am trying to start my own business as a digital accessibility consultant. I test websites for accessibility with screen readers for the blind. Since I am actually blind myself, I have lived experience with accessibility. I prefer to sit down with my clients on a zoom call where we would go through their website together, and I would share my screen and sound so that they too can experience what it's like to navigate the website as a blind person. I truly believe that the client will get way more out of a practical experience rather than reading a boring report. The meeting will always be recorded, and if the client wants, I can also send them an email recapping our session. Furthermore, I have a friend who also does digital accessibility and can fix the websites to make them accessible. However, if the client prefers to do it themselves, I completely respect that. I've completed certifications from Deque University, and I'm currently in the process of completing the DHS trusted tester certification.
Eventually when I have the money, I would like to take the CPACC exam and become IAAP certified.



Here's the problem though. I am brand new to the business world and know absolutely nothing about marketing, branding, ETC. Most of all, I'm unsure as to how I should price my services. Ideally I'd love to charge $500-2000/page, but I understand that may not be realistic. I only just thought of this business idea over the Christmas break. One of the reasons I decided to start my own business is because the job market has not been kind. I need to start making money so that I am no longer dependent on my toxic narcissistic family for support and can divorce myself from that situation sooner rather than later. I guess my boyfriend wasn't kidding when he said that starting a business is hard. I guess right now I need somebody who can mentor me for free as I don't have any money to my name and give me some guidance on whether or not I'm being realistic.



I look forward to hearing from you soon.



Victoria