The Accessibility Specialist (Section 508) ensures that workforce-learning assets, electronic documents, multimedia, and related digital deliverables are accessible to people with disabilities and conform to applicable federal accessibility requirements. The role integrates accessibility throughout the design and development lifecycle, performs manual and automated testing, documents findings, remediates defects, and advises instructional designers, developers, facilitators, and Government stakeholders on accessible alternatives.
Key Responsibilities
Interpret and apply the Revised Section 508 Standards and applicable WCAG 2.0 Level A and AA success criteria to learning and communications deliverables.
Conduct accessibility reviews of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel files; PDFs; web content; email or campaign materials; images; audio and video; and Articulate Storyline 360 and Rise 360 learning products.
Perform manual and automated testing using keyboard-only navigation, screen readers, color-contrast analysis, document accessibility checkers, PDF inspection tools, and other appropriate assistive technologies.
Evaluate semantic structure, headings, reading order, focus order, keyboard operability, alternative text, labels and instructions, tables, links, form controls, color use, contrast, captions, audio descriptions, transcripts, timing, motion, and error identification.
Remediate accessibility defects directly when practical and provide developers with precise, testable correction guidance when remediation requires source-file changes.
Create accessibility test plans, checklists, defect logs, conformance reports, remediation records, exception documentation, and final validation evidence.
Partner with instructional designers and media developers early in the lifecycle to select accessible interaction patterns and avoid inaccessible design choices.
Support accessible facilitation and learner participation by reviewing session materials, activities, communications, and reasonable-alternative approaches before delivery.
Track accessibility findings through resolution, verify corrected deliverables, identify recurring defects, and recommend updates to templates, standards, and development practices.
Required Qualifications
Demonstrated experience testing and remediating digital content for Section 508 conformance in a federal or comparably regulated environment.
DHS Trusted Tester Certification
Working knowledge of the Revised Section 508 Standards, WCAG 2.0 Level A and AA, and accessibility testing methods for electronic content and web-based learning.
Hands-on experience with both automated and manual testing, including keyboard-only testing and at least one major screen reader such as JAWS or NVDA.
Experience evaluating and remediating Microsoft Office documents and tagged PDFs, including structure, reading order, tables, alternative text, links, forms, and color contrast.
Experience assessing accessible e-learning or web content, including focus management, keyboard interactions, captions, transcripts, and equivalent alternatives.
Ability to write clear defect descriptions, map findings to requirements, recommend practical remediation, and verify closure through retesting.
Strong collaboration and consulting skills for working with instructional designers, developers, SMEs, quality reviewers, and Government stakeholders.
Certifications and Preferred Qualifications
For recruiting and screening, certifications should reinforce practical testing and remediation experience rather than substitute for it. Strongly desired differentiators include:
IAAP certification such as Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC), Web Accessibility Specialist (WAS), or Certified Professional in Web Accessibility (CPWA).
Experience applying the Section508.gov ICT Testing Baselines for web content and electronic documents.
Experience producing or reviewing Accessibility Conformance Reports (ACRs) based on the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT).