Accessibility Architect - Contingent

As an Accessibility Architect at Aretum, you’ll be responsible for developing and implementing accessibility standards that align with WCAG and Section 508 compliance. You'll conduct detailed accessibility audits, collaborate with designers and developers to integrate best practices, and ensure that accessibility is considered at every stage of product development. Your role includes providing recommendations for remediation and delivering training sessions aimed at promoting inclusive design across the team.

To excel as an Accessibility Architect at Aretum, candidates should have a minimum of 4 years of experience in digital accessibility testing and proficiency in tools like JAWS, NVDA, axe DevTools, and WAVE. A Trusted Tester certification is preferred, along with a deep understanding of WCAG, Section 508, and principles of user-centered design. Experience working in agile environments will also be beneficial.

At Aretum, compliance with accessibility standards is ensured by conducting both automated and manual accessibility testing throughout the development cycle. Accessibility Architects play a crucial role by providing detailed recommendations for improving accessibility in digital products and validating that the necessary criteria are met during sprint reviews. Regular training sessions and workshops foster a culture of awareness and best practices within the team.

In your role as an Accessibility Architect at Aretum, you'll work with various tools essential for testing accessibility, such as JAWS, NVDA for screen reading, and axe DevTools for automated evaluations. Familiarity with additional tools like WAVE and ANDI will also be beneficial in conducting thorough accessibility audits and generating reports on findings.

As an Accessibility Architect at Aretum, you can expect a collaborative and inclusive work environment. We prioritize flexibility, offering work-from-home options, and ensure that team members are supported with training and development opportunities. Aretum is committed to fostering a workplace rooted in respect and equal opportunity, making it a great place for those who share our values.

When answering this question, detail your hands-on experience with tools like JAWS, NVDA, and axe DevTools. Provide specific examples of projects where you've applied these tools to conduct accessibility audits and the outcomes you achieved, showcasing your expertise.

Convey your proactive approach by discussing resources you follow, such as websites, forums, or professional groups centered around digital accessibility. Mention any relevant conferences or training sessions you've attended that enhance your knowledge of WCAG and Section 508 guidelines.

Share a specific example that highlights your problem-solving skills. Outline the accessibility challenge, your approach to identifying the root cause, and the strategies you implemented to remediate the issue while collaborating with your team.

Discuss specific strategies you've used to educate and influence your team about the importance of accessibility, such as conducting training sessions, creating easy-to-understand documentation, or by leading by example in your own design and development work.

Describe your familiarity with agile methodologies and how you have integrated accessibility discussions in sprint planning and reviews. Mention any tools or practices you've used to ensure accessibility considerations are a regular part of the development workflow.

Provide a concise summary of key practices you believe are crucial for creating accessible digital products, such as semantic HTML, appropriate contrast ratios, keyboard accessibility, and user testing with individuals with disabilities.

Talk about specific metrics you use to assess the effectiveness of your accessibility interventions, like user feedback, compliance scores, or reduced error rates in usability testing. Highlight how these measures inform ongoing adjustments to your strategies.

Share your experience conducting training sessions or workshops, including what topics you covered, the structure of the training, and how you ensured that attendees could effectively apply what they learned in their roles.

Discuss your approach to conflict resolution by emphasizing active listening, presenting data-driven arguments based on accessibility standards, and fostering open dialogs to achieve a consensus that still meets user needs.

Express your passion for accessibility by sharing personal insights on how making technology accessible enhances the lives of users with disabilities, and the joy of empowering others to make informed design choices that have a positive impact.