Accessibility
Accessibility (often shortened to a11y) is the practice of making websites and apps usable by everyone, including people with disabilities. This includes making sure content can be used by people who are blind and use screen readers, those who can't use a mouse and navigate by keyboard, or those who need high contrast colors. It's similar to how buildings have ramps and elevators - websites need their digital equivalent of these features. When someone lists accessibility skills on their resume, it means they know how to design and build websites that everyone can use, regardless of their abilities.
Examples in Resumes
Improved website accessibility to meet WCAG 2.1 standards
Led accessibility audit and remediation efforts across company websites
Implemented a11y best practices in design system components
Enhanced digital accessibility compliance for government client projects
Typical job title: "Accessibility Specialists"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Accessibility Specialists
Online Communities
Professional Networks
Events & Conferences
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you implement an accessibility strategy across a large organization?
Expected Answer: The candidate should discuss creating company-wide standards, training programs, testing procedures, and working with different departments to ensure accessibility is considered from the start of projects. They should mention both technical and organizational aspects.
Q: How do you handle conflicts between design requirements and accessibility needs?
Expected Answer: Look for answers about finding creative solutions that maintain both visual appeal and accessibility, experience with alternative approaches, and ability to educate stakeholders about accessibility importance.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What tools do you use to test for accessibility?
Expected Answer: They should mention both automated tools like WAVE or Axe, and manual testing methods like keyboard navigation and screen readers. They should understand that automated testing alone isn't enough.
Q: How do you make complex interactive features accessible?
Expected Answer: Should discuss making sure all features work with keyboard, providing clear instructions, using proper headings and landmarks, and ensuring screen readers can understand the content.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic principles of web accessibility?
Expected Answer: Should mention making content perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. Should understand basics like alt text for images and proper color contrast.
Q: What is WCAG and why is it important?
Expected Answer: Should explain that WCAG provides guidelines for making web content accessible, and understand its importance for legal compliance and inclusive design.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of WCAG guidelines
- Knowledge of alt text and image descriptions
- Color contrast checking
- Simple keyboard navigation testing
Mid (2-5 years)
- Screen reader testing
- Accessibility audit capability
- ARIA implementation
- Form accessibility improvements
Senior (5+ years)
- Enterprise-level accessibility planning
- Training and mentoring teams
- Complex application accessibility
- Legal compliance expertise
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of WCAG guidelines
- Never used a screen reader
- Thinks automated testing tools are sufficient
- No understanding of keyboard navigation importance
- Dismissive attitude toward accessibility needs
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