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

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Number of posts in this thread: 11 (In chronological order)

From: Victoria Chan
Date: Sun, Mar 12 2023 6:06PM
Subject: new blind digital accessibility consultant seeking business mentorship/guidance
No previous message | Next message →

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

From: Uniquely Abled
Date: Sun, Mar 12 2023 6:11PM
Subject: Re: new blind digital accessibility consultant seeking business mentorship/guidance
← Previous message | Next message →

I'm meeting with someone this week to apply for Voc Rehab services.
There is a course from Abler 360. The course is here in Greensboro.
abler360.com
Do you have a podcast?


On 3/12/23, Victoria Chan < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > 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
>
> > > > >


--
"If you want lightning to strike twice, you need to plant more
lightning rods,"-Keven J. Anderson

From: Uniquely Abled
Date: Sun, Mar 12 2023 6:16PM
Subject: Re: new blind digital accessibility consultant seeking business mentorship/guidance
← Previous message | Next message →

I only have Microsoft certification but this course will give the
other certifications.
Literally sitting with a client whil you use Jaws sounds like a good
idea. I should do that too along with offering an indepth report. It
wouldn't be via Zoom but through freeconferencecalling.com

On 3/12/23, Uniquely Abled < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
> I'm meeting with someone this week to apply for Voc Rehab services.
> There is a course from Abler 360. The course is here in Greensboro.
> abler360.com
> Do you have a podcast?
>
>
> On 3/12/23, Victoria Chan < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > 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
>>
>> >> >> >> >>
>
>
> --
> "If you want lightning to strike twice, you need to plant more
> lightning rods,"-Keven J. Anderson
>


--
"If you want lightning to strike twice, you need to plant more
lightning rods,"-Keven J. Anderson

From: Dean.Vasile@outlook.com
Date: Sun, Mar 12 2023 6:51PM
Subject: Re: new blind digital accessibility consultant seeking business mentorship/guidance
← Previous message | Next message →

Victoria
Why don’t you look into the Blind Institute of technology they are out of Denver Colorado
They offer free training and if you do well in their classes they will find a job for you.
There’s also the Carroll Center For The Blind in Newton Massachusetts that has a screen reader user tester training program
And if you don’t want to take that course
You may be able to get some pricing ideas from them
I think those prices might be a little high for screen reader testing
But I’m not exactly sure they might also be in the wheelhouse.
However, I think experience is a must in order to charge those prices.
Good luck I hope this information helps.

Dino

617-799-1162

Dino's Canteen 1618
11 Eglin St,
Hanscom AFB
Bedford, MA

> On Mar 12, 2023, at 8:16 PM, Uniquely Abled < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
>
> I only have Microsoft certification but this course will give the
> other certifications.
> Literally sitting with a client whil you use Jaws sounds like a good
> idea. I should do that too along with offering an indepth report. It
> wouldn't be via Zoom but through freeconferencecalling.com
>
>> On 3/12/23, Uniquely Abled < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
>> I'm meeting with someone this week to apply for Voc Rehab services.
>> There is a course from Abler 360. The course is here in Greensboro.
>> abler360.com
>> Do you have a podcast?
>>
>>
>>> On 3/12/23, Victoria Chan < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > 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
>>>
>>> >>> >>> >>> >>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> "If you want lightning to strike twice, you need to plant more
>> lightning rods,"-Keven J. Anderson
>>
>
>
> --
> "If you want lightning to strike twice, you need to plant more
> lightning rods,"-Keven J. Anderson
> > > >

From: Uniquely Abled
Date: Sun, Mar 12 2023 7:07PM
Subject: Re: new blind digital accessibility consultant seeking business mentorship/guidance
← Previous message | Next message →

I agree, I have a consultant rate sheet, but not that pricy.


On 3/12/23, = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
> Victoria
> Why don’t you look into the Blind Institute of technology they are out of
> Denver Colorado
> They offer free training and if you do well in their classes they will find
> a job for you.
> There’s also the Carroll Center For The Blind in Newton Massachusetts that
> has a screen reader user tester training program
> And if you don’t want to take that course
> You may be able to get some pricing ideas from them
> I think those prices might be a little high for screen reader testing
> But I’m not exactly sure they might also be in the wheelhouse.
> However, I think experience is a must in order to charge those prices.
> Good luck I hope this information helps.
>
> Dino
>
> 617-799-1162
>
> Dino's Canteen 1618
> 11 Eglin St,
> Hanscom AFB
> Bedford, MA
>
>> On Mar 12, 2023, at 8:16 PM, Uniquely Abled < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
>> wrote:
>>
>> I only have Microsoft certification but this course will give the
>> other certifications.
>> Literally sitting with a client whil you use Jaws sounds like a good
>> idea. I should do that too along with offering an indepth report. It
>> wouldn't be via Zoom but through freeconferencecalling.com
>>
>>> On 3/12/23, Uniquely Abled < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
>>> I'm meeting with someone this week to apply for Voc Rehab services.
>>> There is a course from Abler 360. The course is here in Greensboro.
>>> abler360.com
>>> Do you have a podcast?
>>>
>>>
>>>> On 3/12/23, Victoria Chan < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > 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
>>>>
>>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> "If you want lightning to strike twice, you need to plant more
>>> lightning rods,"-Keven J. Anderson
>>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> "If you want lightning to strike twice, you need to plant more
>> lightning rods,"-Keven J. Anderson
>> >> >> >> > > > > >


--
"If you want lightning to strike twice, you need to plant more
lightning rods,"-Keven J. Anderson

From: David Engebretson Jr.
Date: Sun, Mar 12 2023 7:51PM
Subject: Re: new blind digital accessibility consultant seekingbusiness mentorship/guidance
← Previous message | Next message →

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 ADDRESS REMOVED =

Cheers,
David


-----Original Message-----
From: WebAIM-Forum < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > On Behalf Of Victoria Chan
Sent: Sunday, March 12, 2023 5:06 PM
To: = EMAIL ADDRESS 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

From: Léonie Watson
Date: Mon, Mar 13 2023 12:22PM
Subject: Re: new blind digital accessibility consultant seeking business mentorship/guidance
← Previous message | Next message →

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

From: Josua Muheim
Date: Mon, Mar 13 2023 1:04PM
Subject: Re: new blind digital accessibility consultant seeking business mentorship/guidance
← Previous message | Next message →

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 ADDRESS 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
>
> > > >

From: Uniquely Abled
Date: Mon, Mar 13 2023 1:28PM
Subject: Re: new blind digital accessibility consultant seeking business mentorship/guidance
← Previous message | Next message →

Feel free to approach me as well.

On 3/13/23, Josua Muheim < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
> 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 ADDRESS 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
>>
>> >> >> >> >
> > > > >


--
"If you want lightning to strike twice, you need to plant more
lightning rods,"-Keven J. Anderson

From: Andrews, David B (DEED)
Date: Mon, Mar 13 2023 3:46PM
Subject: Re: new blind digital accessibility consultant seekingbusiness mentorship/guidance
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I have not seen anyone charge by page. Hourly rat4es are more common. Probably in the $50-$150 range.

I would look for a job with one of the biggies, Level Access, Deque, TPGI etc. Get some experience before you try and set up a business. Many colleges and universities are also looking for accessibility people.

Dave



-----Original Message-----
From: WebAIM-Forum < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > On Behalf Of Victoria Chan
Sent: Sunday, March 12, 2023 7:06 PM
To: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
Subject: [WebAIM] new blind digital accessibility consultant seeking business mentorship/guidance

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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

From: Kevin Prince
Date: Mon, Mar 13 2023 6:18PM
Subject: Re: new blind digital accessibility consultantseekingbusiness mentorship/guidance
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Page is, I find a useful metric for me to work out how many hours to quote - but you would ed to account for complexity in that

K