Accessibility coordinator jobs

As our world increasingly recognizes the importance of inclusivity, roles that prioritize accessibility for individuals with disabilities are on the rise. A critical position within this sphere is that of the accessibility coordinator. But what does this job entail, why is it so essential, and where can you find such a career? Let’s break it down.

What is an accessibility coordinator?

An accessibility coordinator oversees the initiatives and strategies an organization implements to ensure services, products, and environments are accessible to all, particularly individuals with disabilities. Their work is largely shaped by the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state laws, ensuring that every person, irrespective of their disability, receives equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation.

Accessibility coordinator job description

The accessibility coordinator is a pivotal figure in championing inclusivity within organizations. Their role involves assessing and improving both physical and digital spaces to ensure they cater to individuals of all abilities. They are tasked with evaluating current infrastructures, developing and implementing comprehensive accessibility policies, and providing guidance and training to staff on best practices.

Additionally, they collaborate across various departments to integrate inclusive strategies, stay updated on changing accessibility laws and regulations, and solicit feedback to continually refine and enhance accessibility measures. By bridging the gap between intention and action, an accessibility coordinator ensures everyone, irrespective of their abilities, has an equal opportunity to engage with and benefit from an organization’s offerings.

Benefits of being an accessibility coordinator

Being in this role offers a unique blend of technical knowledge and advocacy. Accessibility coordinators have the satisfaction of making tangible differences in many lives by addressing accessibility issues, ensuring digital accessibility across platforms, and collaborating with stakeholders from various departments like human resources and healthcare services. They also get to be subject matter experts, guiding teams and making impactful decisions based on the ADA and related regulations.

Steps to becoming an accessibility coordinator

As the world places increasing emphasis on diversity and equal opportunity, the role of an accessibility coordinator has gained prominence across industries. This role demands a unique blend of technical knowledge, interpersonal skills, and a deep commitment to making the world a more inclusive place so let’s explore the steps required to pave your way toward a fulfilling career as an accessibility coordinator:

• Education — Typically, a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as disability services or human resources, is expected.
• Experience — Having a few years’ experience working on accessibility services or related projects can be beneficial.
• Skills — Strong communication skills in English, an understanding of digital formats, and project management capabilities are often essential functions of the job.
• Certifications — Familiarity or certification as an ADA coordinator can bolster one’s credentials.

Average salary for accessibility coordinator jobs

While the salary range can vary based on factors like location, years of experience, and specific job functions, as of 2021, an accessibility coordinator in the US typically earns between $50,000 and $70,000 annually, with entry-level positions might start anywhere from $40,000 to $50,000 annually, while experienced coordinators with specialized expertise, particularly in high-demand sectors like tech or finance, can command salaries exceeding $90,000 or even into the six figures.

Types of accessibility coordinator jobs

The realm of accessibility is vast, and as such, the job of an accessibility coordinator can manifest in various forms depending on the sector, organization size, and specific needs. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of accessibility coordinator jobs you might encounter. It’s essential to note that while these roles might have specific titles and responsibilities, the core ethos remains consistent: championing inclusivity and ensuring that barriers to accessibility are minimized or removed.

• Web and digital accessibility coordinator — Focuses primarily on ensuring that websites, apps, and other digital platforms are accessible. They are familiar with guidelines like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and often work closely with web developers and designers.
• Built Environment accessibility coordinator — Concentrates on physical accessibility in built environments such as office spaces, public places, or residential areas. They ensure compliance with building codes and standards that cater to individuals with disabilities.
• Educational accessibility coordinator — Works within educational institutions to ensure that all learning materials, campus facilities, and teaching methods are accessible to students of all abilities.
• Transportation accessibility coordinator — Ensures that public transportation systems (like buses, trains, and stations) are accessible, catering to individuals with mobility challenges, visual impairments, and other disabilities.
• Event accessibility coordinator — Focuses on making events, whether they’re corporate conferences or public festivals, accessible to everyone. This includes considering aspects like sign language interpreters, ramps, accessible restrooms, and more.
• Healthcare accessibility coordinator — Ensures that healthcare facilities and services are accessible. This might involve ensuring patient materials are available in Braille or that there’s adequate signage and physical infrastructure to cater to everyone.
• Corporate accessibility coordinator — Works in businesses, ensuring that both the company’s internal operations and its external products/services are inclusive. This might involve a mix of digital and physical accessibility efforts.
• Government accessibility coordinator — Collaborates with public sectors or governmental agencies to ensure their public-facing and internal services are accessible. This role often involves understanding and implementing government-mandated accessibility standards.
• Accessibility technology coordinator — Works with or for tech companies producing assistive technologies, ensuring products meet user needs and accessibility standards.
• Content accessibility coordinator — Focuses on making content, whether print or digital, accessible to all. This could involve ensuring video content has captions or printed materials are available in large print or Braille.
• Research and development accessibility coordinator — Works on research projects, studying the latest methods, technologies, and strategies to enhance accessibility across different sectors.

How to find accessibility coordinator jobs

The ever-evolving landscape of inclusivity has birthed a growing need for specialists adept in creating barrier-free environments — enter the accessibility coordinator. As organizations worldwide prioritize making their services and products universally accessible, opportunities in this field are more readily available. Here are the top places you should search to land an accessibility coordinator job tailored to your aspirations and expertise.

Job portals

Websites dedicated to employment opportunities, like Indeed or Glassdoor, regularly list accessibility coordinator jobs. By setting up a job alert with the specific job title, you can receive notifications for both full-time and part-time positions.

Higher education institutions

Colleges and universities, which are bound by strict accessibility standards, often have openings for such roles. Their job posting platforms can be an excellent place to look, especially if you’re interested in outreach and support services for students.

Healthcare sector

Healthcare facilities, always aiming to provide patient care for all, have a rising demand for accessibility coordinators. Checking the career sections of healthcare institutions can be beneficial.

Corporate websites

Larger corporations, especially in hubs like California, New York, or Texas, recognize the importance of accessibility and may have specific listings for this role. It’s crucial to ensure these firms promote equal opportunity, affirmative action, and do not discriminate based on factors like sexual orientation.

Networking and referrals

Leveraging your professional network can open doors. Colleagues or mentors might be aware of openings or can direct you to human resources or program coordinator roles that focus on accessibility.

Speechify — #1 tool for accessibility

Speechify, a text to speech application, has become an indispensable tool for accessibility coordinators aiming to make content more inclusive. For individuals with visual impairments, dyslexia, or other reading challenges, having textual content read aloud can significantly enhance comprehension and engagement. An accessibility coordinator’s mission is to ensure that all users, irrespective of their abilities, have equal access to information. By incorporating Speechify into their toolkit, coordinators can bridge a crucial gap in content consumption, ensuring that written materials are readily accessible to those who benefit from auditory learning. Furthermore, its user-friendly interface and integration capabilities make it a versatile solution in diverse settings, from educational institutions to corporate environments, so try Speechify for free today.

FAQ

What is the education requirement to become an accessibility coordinator?

The education requirement to become an accessibility coordinator typically includes a bachelor’s degree, often in fields related to human services, accessibility design, or a similar discipline, though some positions may prioritize experience over formal education.

What are some skills needed to be an accessibility coordinator?

Some essential skills for an accessibility coordinator include knowledge of accessibility standards and laws, strong communication abilities, problem-solving aptitude, familiarity with assistive technologies, and a commitment to inclusivity.

What is the typical work day like for a job as an accessibility coordinator?

A typical workday for an accessibility coordinator might involve reviewing and auditing content or facilities for accessibility, meeting with stakeholders or team members to address concerns, researching and implementing new accessibility tools, and providing guidance on best practices to various departments.