Senior Digital Accessibility Specialist

Important Notice for Applicants:

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About Us:

Bixal is a consulting company based in Fairfax, VA, working alongside governments and organizations to help them deliver better services and experiences to the communities they serve. Using evidence-based knowledge and technology, Bixal empowers clients to deliver on their missions more effectively by fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement.

Location

This role can work remotely from anywhere in the USA. You must be legally authorized to work in the US. Bixal does not provide visa sponsorship.  

About the SPRUCE IDIQ:  

The SPRUCE IDIQ is a $2.4 billion contract vehicle awarded by the Department of Veterans Affairs to acquire digital products and services that facilitate better user experiences. It encompasses five technical functional areas: software development and operations, technical advising and architecture planning, service design and user research studies, data science and analytics, and product support operations. 

What will you do?  

Bixal is seeking a talented Senior Digital Accessibility Specialist to support a project with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This role will ensure that digital products meet Section 508 compliance and WCAG 2.2 AA standards, improving the usability of digital services for Veterans and their families. You will collaborate with product teams, designers, developers, and researchers to identify, remediate, and prevent accessibility barriers in web and mobile forms. 

This is a full-time position contingent on contract award by our client, with a defined performance period of up to one year. This role offers you a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on a project that aligns with Bixal’s mission of delivering innovative, human-centered solutions. While the role has a fixed duration, we are committed to transparency and collaboration, keeping you informed about contract updates and new opportunities. At Bixal, we support your professional journey, ensuring your experience reflects our inclusive, purpose-driven culture and prepares you for future success. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct audits of the VA Design System and Forms Library using screen readers (JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver) and accessibility testing tools (axe, WAVE, HeadingsMap). 
• Identify and log accessibility defects, prioritize issues, and work with engineers to resolve them. 
• Ensure all web and mobile components meet Section 508, WCAG 2.2 AA, and Mobile Content Accessibility Guidelines (MCAG) standards. 

• Review and enhance design patterns, components, and form templates with accessibility best practices. 
• Provide annotated form templates detailing proper use of field sets, legends, headers, hint text, error messaging, and keyboard navigation for developers. 
• Collaborate with design and engineering teams to ensure accessible user flows for forms on VA.gov and the VA Health and Benefits mobile app. 

• Develop accessibility guidelines and best practices for teams leveraging the VA Design System. 
• Work with Governance and Platform teams to improve accessibility reviews before staging and launch. 
• Support the migration of accessible mobile components into the VA Design System. 

• Engage in usability testing with Veterans and individuals with disabilities to validate accessibility improvements. 
• Provide training and guidance to developers, designers, and content teams on accessibility principles. 
• Advocate for inclusive design and accessible development across the VA digital ecosystem. 
• Perform other relevant duties as required

• Bachelor’s degree, plus at least four years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Experience in digital accessibility, with a focus on web and mobile applications.
• Deep expertise in WCAG 2.2 AA, Section 508, and ARIA best practices.
• Proficiency in screen reader testing (JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver), voice command testing (Dragon, Voice Control), and accessibility testing tools (axe, WAVE).
• Experience designing and reviewing accessible digital forms.
• Strong understanding of front-end development concepts (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, or other frameworks).
• Experience contributing to design systems or component libraries with accessibility best practices.
• Familiarity with agile development environments and working in cross-functional teams.
• Strong communication skills – Ability to explain accessibility concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Collaborative mindset – Works well with designers, developers, and researchers to integrate accessibility best practices.
• Empathy & user advocacy – Passionate about designing experiences that meet the needs of all users, especially those with disabilities.
• Problem-solving ability – Can analyze accessibility issues and propose practical solutions.
• Attention to detail – Meticulous in reviewing digital experiences for usability and compliance.
• Adaptability & curiosity – Open to learning new tools and evolving best practices in the accessibility space.
• Leadership & influence – Can guide teams in making accessibility a core part of the development process.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance. 

• Experience working with federal government digital services, particularly with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or other high-impact service providers (HISP).
• Knowledge of Figma and other design tools for creating accessible components and templates.
• Experience with automated accessibility testing frameworks in CI/CD pipelines.
• Understanding of cognitive, mobility, and sensory disabilities and how they impact digital interactions.

Perks & Benefits:

Flex hours

401K with matching incentive

Parental Leave

Medical/dental/vision benefits

Flex Spending Account

Company provided short-term disability and life insurance

Commuter benefits

Generous PTO

11 Paid holidays

Professional development opportunities

Please note that candidates selected may undergo a background investigation and, if applicable, meet eligibility requirements for suitability.

Our company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all individuals and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs.