About the position
The Web Accessibility Consultant will play a crucial role in ensuring that the State of Michigan (SOM) websites and applications comply with digital accessibility standards. This position involves conducting thorough reviews of various digital platforms to assess their adherence to the SOM Digital Standards for Websites and Applications. The consultant will utilize both manual and automated testing tools, including screen readers and other assistive technologies, to evaluate accessibility. The role requires testing on both desktop and mobile devices, ensuring that all users, regardless of their abilities, can access and navigate the digital content effectively. In addition to testing, the consultant will be responsible for documenting the review results meticulously and providing these findings to application support teams and stakeholders. This includes meeting with teams to explain the results and recommendations for improvements. The consultant will work closely with the eMichigan team to ensure that established processes are followed and optimized for better accessibility outcomes. Other duties may be assigned as necessary to support the overall mission of enhancing digital accessibility across SOM platforms.
Responsibilities
- Conduct reviews of SOM websites and applications for adherence with the SOM Digital Standards for Websites and Applications.
- Test for digital accessibility using manual and automated tools including screen reader and other assistive technology.
- Review for adherence with additional standards including branding.
- Perform testing on desktop and mobile devices.
- Thoroughly document review results.
- Provide results to application support teams and stakeholders and meet with teams to explain results.
- Work closely with eMichigan team members to ensure processes are followed and optimized.
- Other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- A certificate or degree in any field required, Information Technology (IT) preferred.
- 1 year of testing applications for digital accessibility (preferred 3+ years).
- 1 year working with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
- Advanced knowledge of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA.
- Advanced knowledge of digital accessibility testing methodologies.
- Advanced skills using assistive technologies, including JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, TalkBack, and other assistive technologies.
- Advanced skills using accessibility evaluation tools and frameworks, including WAVE, Developer Tools, Accessibility Inspector, and other accessibility evaluation tools.
- Ability to use a variety of desktop and mobile devices and operating systems (OS), such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, Windows, MacBook, iOS, and Android.
- Ability to prepare detailed written documentation, maintain records, and conduct correspondence related to the work.
- Ability to communicate technical terminology at a level appropriate to the audience.
- Knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- Knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and ARIA.
