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From: Michael Ausbun
Date: Tue, Jan 21 2020 8:27AM
Subject: Advice for those interested in accessibility
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Greetings,
If you had someone, or a series of someones, interested in a career in accessibility, what advice might you give them to prepare or to ease their gaining, maintaining, or advancing a career in accessibility?

* College/university degrees in computer science, software development, instructional design or educational technology?
* Bootcamps designed around web development?
* Just read the specifications!
* I.A.A.P. is a good place to start!
* Education around, and exposure to, training disabled people in the use of their technology?
* A combination of these?
* None of these!
* Something else?
I know a lot of disabled people who are unemployed or under employed, interested in a career in accessibility. Time and time again though, they are turned away from the table and provided little to no feedback in what specifically they can do to be better prepared to get a place at the table.
I thought it might be a good idea to have others thoughts what it would take, so when I give advice to my network I can do so confident in the collective knowledge of experts who have, collectively, been around improving access for generations.
Thanks for any thoughts!
Respectfully,
Michael

From: Brian Lovely
Date: Tue, Jan 21 2020 8:47AM
Subject: Re: [External Sender] Advice for those interested in accessibility
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A basic knowledge of HTML wouldn't hurt. It's not necessary to have the
knowledge of a full stack web developer, since all that is boiled down to
HTML and CSS before being sent to the browser. A web accessibility course.
At least lurking in a group list related to web accessibility. Any exposure
to disabled people, but particularly around their use of the internet.

Since you go on to specifically mention disabled people looking to be
employed in accessibility, the last is perhaps the least.

On Tue, Jan 21, 2020 at 10:27 AM Michael Ausbun < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
wrote:

> Greetings,
> If you had someone, or a series of someones, interested in
> a career in accessibility, what advice might you give them to prepare or to
> ease their gaining, maintaining, or advancing a career in accessibility?
>
> * College/university degrees in computer science, software
> development, instructional design or educational technology?
> * Bootcamps designed around web development?
> * Just read the specifications!
> * I.A.A.P. is a good place to start!
> * Education around, and exposure to, training disabled people in the
> use of their technology?
> * A combination of these?
> * None of these!
> * Something else?
> I know a lot of disabled people who are unemployed or under employed,
> interested in a career in accessibility. Time and time again though, they
> are turned away from the table and provided little to no feedback in what
> specifically they can do to be better prepared to get a place at the table.
> I thought it might be a good idea to have others thoughts what it would
> take, so when I give advice to my network I can do so confident in the
> collective knowledge of experts who have, collectively, been around
> improving access for generations.
> Thanks for any thoughts!
> Respectfully,
> Michael
> > > https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://list.webaim.org/__;!!EFVe01R3CjU!Kxq4klUy80VGseKre2Ni7szkhYW-fJSWa1Yg3yZfNlCmn_xSsa0pjrjDUtp2xwO32wg-BQ$
> List archives at
> https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://webaim.org/discussion/archives__;!!EFVe01R3CjU!Kxq4klUy80VGseKre2Ni7szkhYW-fJSWa1Yg3yZfNlCmn_xSsa0pjrjDUtp2xwOAdK5sJw$
> >


--
*Brian Lovely*
Capital One Digital Accessibility
804.389.1064




The information contained in this e-mail is confidential and/or proprietary to Capital One and/or its affiliates and may only be used solely in performance of work or services for Capital One. The information transmitted herewith is intended only for use by the individual or entity to which it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, retransmission, dissemination, distribution, copying or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon this information is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from your computer.

From: chagnon
Date: Tue, Jan 21 2020 9:00AM
Subject: Re: Advice for those interested in accessibility
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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!

- - -
Bevi Chagnon, founder/CEO | = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
- - -
PubCom: Technologists for Accessible Design + Publishing
consulting . training . development . design . sec. 508 services
Upcoming classes at www.PubCom.com/classes
- - -
Latest blog-newsletter - Accessibility Tips at www.PubCom.com/blog

From: Duff Johnson
Date: Tue, Jan 21 2020 9:04AM
Subject: Re: [External Sender] Advice for those interested in accessibility
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To me, the big item missing from the list (and many similar discussions) is:
Educational around and exposure to:
good writing practices, including the appropriate use of document structures (tables, lists, headings, captions, etc., etc.), and
principles of accessible authoring and design (use of links, color-contrast, alt. text, simpler tables, etc, etc.)
Duff.


> Greetings,
> If you had someone, or a series of someones, interested in
> a career in accessibility, what advice might you give them to prepare or to
> ease their gaining, maintaining, or advancing a career in accessibility?
>
> * College/university degrees in computer science, software
> development, instructional design or educational technology?
> * Bootcamps designed around web development?
> * Just read the specifications!
> * I.A.A.P. is a good place to start!
> * Education around, and exposure to, training disabled people in the
> use of their technology?
> * A combination of these?
> * None of these!
> * Something else?
> I know a lot of disabled people who are unemployed or under employed,
> interested in a career in accessibility. Time and time again though, they
> are turned away from the table and provided little to no feedback in what
> specifically they can do to be better prepared to get a place at the table.
> I thought it might be a good idea to have others thoughts what it would
> take, so when I give advice to my network I can do so confident in the
> collective knowledge of experts who have, collectively, been around
> improving access for generations.
> Thanks for any thoughts!
> Respectfully,
> Michael
> > > https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://list.webaim.org/__;!!EFVe01R3CjU!Kxq4klUy80VGseKre2Ni7szkhYW-fJSWa1Yg3yZfNlCmn_xSsa0pjrjDUtp2xwO32wg-BQ$
> List archives at
> https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://webaim.org/discussion/archives__;!!EFVe01R3CjU!Kxq4klUy80VGseKre2Ni7szkhYW-fJSWa1Yg3yZfNlCmn_xSsa0pjrjDUtp2xwOAdK5sJw$
> >


--
*Brian Lovely*
Capital One Digital Accessibility
804.389.1064




The information contained in this e-mail is confidential and/or proprietary to Capital One and/or its affiliates and may only be used solely in performance of work or services for Capital One. The information transmitted herewith is intended only for use by the individual or entity to which it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, retransmission, dissemination, distribution, copying or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon this information is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from your computer.

From: Karlen Communications
Date: Tue, Jan 21 2020 9:18AM
Subject: Re: Advice for those interested in accessibility
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I'd add to the list knowing how to create accessible Word/word processed or
PowerPoint/presentation documents as well as a basic understanding of tagged
PDF.

Cheers, Karen

From: Brian Lovely
Date: Tue, Jan 21 2020 9:57AM
Subject: Re: [External Sender]Advice for those interested in accessibility
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Honestly, if I was interviewing someone and they could explain to me the
difference between decorative and non-decorative images, explain what
should be the perceivable text of a non-decorative image, tell me about
roles and element semantics, and explain how keyboard-only and screen
reader users typically navigate content, I would be mighty impressed, and
would be tempted to think I could train them in the rest.

On Tue, Jan 21, 2020 at 11:18 AM Karlen Communications <
= EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:

> I'd add to the list knowing how to create accessible Word/word processed or
> PowerPoint/presentation documents as well as a basic understanding of
> tagged
> PDF.
>
> Cheers, Karen
>
>

From: Murphy, Sean
Date: Tue, Jan 21 2020 5:38PM
Subject: Re: Advice for those interested in accessibility
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Hi,

Everyone have provided good points. Depending on the focus of the role determines what skill sets. Skills you can learn. Attitude is a key component. The approach you have to accessibility is really important. The willingness to understand those who live with a PWD is a part of the Attitude and be educated by them.

From: Murphy, Sean
Date: Tue, Jan 21 2020 5:51PM
Subject: Re: Advice for those interested in accessibility
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Responding to the PWD component of the question.
Specifically for a PWD (being a PWD myself) is confidence in yourself. If you cannot demonstrate this or have it. Then it is going to be difficult to land the job. Skills are all secondary as I mention before. They are a necessary requirement to have when you are starting. Accessibility is a wide area from building all the way to digital. Focusing on one area is important. Digital accessibility:
- html
- basic JavaScript - Native I would suggest
- CSS is a nice to have
- mobile development technology understanding at a high level
Understanding programming terminology at a high level
Understanding the accessibility API on OS and Browsers at a high level is nice to have. Helps with technical components.
- High level understanding of the standards.
Understanding assistive tech
Good communication skills.
UX knowledge is helpful.
Testing knowledge is helpful
Legal knowledge is important, international legal knowledge is nice to have.
Understanding your assistive technology in depth is a must.
Understanding other assistive technology from other PWD groups and within your own is a must
Understanding how other's with PWD use their technology is a nice to have. Indicates in my mind you are thinking in other people shoes.
UX Testing with people is a nice to have.

I mention communication skills. I would extend this beyond the standard understanding of this skill. Having good social skills is a must. Being able to network, tell the story, get people to believe in yourself is really important. I only mention this as some PWD have challenges in this area due to multiple reasons.

Standard other basic soft skills for any job role is a must.

I hope this helps.

Regards
Sean


Sean

From: glen walker
Date: Tue, Jan 21 2020 5:55PM
Subject: Re: Advice for those interested in accessibility
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Thanks for mentioning attitude, Sean. The a11y community is fantastic but
with any group of people, there are sometimes some overzealous credulous
people. We want people to embrace accessibility and come to love it as we
all do. I come from a software engineering background and if I had not
learned about accessibility, there's a lot of code that I would have
written that would suck from an accessibility perspective because it wasn't
something I was aware of. Having a mouse click handler on a div that was
styled to look like a button seemed like the right thing to do. So when
you audit a site and find problems, don't wonder why they wrote the code
the way they did (or at least don't voice that wonder) and don't berate the
developer or make fun of poorly written code. As the accessibility SME,
you are the teacher. Commiserate with the design and development team and
help them learn and improve but always do so in a way that uplifts and not
tears down. Sounds like I'm talking about Jedis and Padawans.