WebAIM - Web Accessibility In Mind

E-mail List Archives

Re: new blind digital accessibility consultant seeking business mentorship/guidance

for

From: Josua Muheim
Date: Mar 13, 2023 1:04PM

This is so kind of you, Leonie. Thank you for offering help to Victoria.

I'm also in the process of becoming a freelancer right now, but probably in quite a different “formula” than you, Victoria. But if you like, I'm happy to exchange experiences every now and then, if you like to have a sparring partner. Just approach me offlist.

Cheers
Josua (Accessify.me)


> On 13 Mar 2023, at 19:22, Léonie Watson < <EMAIL REMOVED> > wrote:
>
> Victoria,
>
>
> I'm blind and I started a business just over four years ago. I also mentor a limited number of people in the industry at no chargeand would be happy to offer my help.
>
>
> If you're interested, just reply offlist and we can figure it out from there.
>
>
> Léonie.
>
>
> On 13/03/2023 12:06 AM, Victoria Chan wrote:
>> 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
>>
>> >> >> >> >
> --
> Léonie Watson (she/her)
> Director
> https://tetralogical.com
>
> > > >