Which Web Accessibility Role is Right for You?
If you’re a web designer who wants to add accessibility to your list of services, there is one thing you need to understand before you dive in, you don’t have to do it all.
Accessibility isn't a single job title, it’s an entire ecosystem of specialized roles.
The primary reason designers experience burnout or confusion when trying to offer accessibility services is that they try to jump into the wrong role too early. This can lead to accidentally mismanaging a client project or taking on legal risks you aren't prepared for.
Let’s talk through the different career paths in the accessibility world to see which one aligns with your current skills and long-term goals.
In This Article
User Testing: The Value of Lived Experience
User testing is often the first thing people think of when they hear the word "accessibility." This role involves navigating a website and documenting the actual experience of using it. However, it’s important to recognize that most user testing roles are and should be led by people with disabilities.
The value here is lived experience. Knowing what actually breaks, what feels frustrating, or what slows someone down isn't something you can fully simulate.
Even with lived experience, this role requires professional development. You must learn how to intentionally use various assistive technologies, such as different screen readers or switch controls, and how to communicate your findings in a way that developers can understand. It’s not just about giving opinions; it’s about providing actionable feedback.
Auditing: The Technical and Compliance Route
Auditing is where accessibility becomes highly technical and structured. This role is focused on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), ADA, EAA (European Accessibility Act), formal testing processes, and understanding legal compliance risks.
An auditor’s job is to systematically check a site against specific success criteria and document exactly where it fails.
Being a professional auditor isn't something you can pick up over a weekend. Generally, it takes eight to twelve months of dedicated study to learn how to audit well. Most professionals in this space pursue formal certifications, such as the DHS Trusted Tester or CPACC (Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies). Because of the legal implications, auditing is not a service you should casually add as a "side gig" without deep expertise.
Auditing and Remediation: The "Do It All" Role
The "do it all" role involves both auditing and remediation, finding the problems and then actually fixing them. This requires a unique blend of skills: you need to understand how code, design, and content interact, while also knowing the limitations of specific platforms, like Squarespace or WordPress, as well as the ability to remediate sites built from scratch with code.
In this role, you have to explain why something needs to change, not just what is wrong, and be able to fix it. It’s a powerful and highly valued position, but it carries significant responsibility. If you miss a critical error during remediation, the compliance risk often comes back to you as the specialist. It’s a role best suited for those with a strong background in both development and design.
Teaching Accessibility: Spreading Responsible Information
Teaching is arguably one of the hardest roles to perform well. To teach accessibility responsibly, you need more than just a theoretical understanding; you need real testing experience and a practical background in auditing and remediation.
Teaching without hands-on experience is how misinformation spreads, even with the best intentions. If your long-term goal is to educate other designers or business owners, that’s fantastic. Just recognize that teaching is usually a role you grow into over time as you accumulate real-world project experience.
Building Accessibility Software and Tools
For those with a developer skillset, building tools is an attractive path. While there are already many automated audit tools on the market, there is still plenty of room for innovation. This might include platform-specific tools for Wix or Squarespace, AI-driven educational assistants, or workflow tools that help auditors do their jobs more efficiently.
The key thing to remember is that tools are assistants, not replacements. A tool can help identify a problem, but it cannot make a website accessible on its own, at least not yet.
Building these tools requires a deep understanding of the human element of accessibility, so the software doesn't provide a false sense of security.
The Easiest Place to Start: The Connector
If the roles mentioned above feel overwhelming, you’re not alone. This is why we recommend that most designers start with the role of the Connector.
As a connector, your job is to learn enough about accessibility to spot red flags and educate your clients about the importance of digital accessibility.
When a project requires deep technical work or a formal audit, you refer that work to specialists.
You aren’t performing the technical audits yourself.
You aren’t taking on the burden of compliance risk.
You ARE protecting your clients and providing immense value.
For many designers, being a connector is the smartest, safest, and most sustainable way to integrate accessibility into their business. It allows you to be part of the solution while you continue to grow your own skills.
Accessibility Roles FAQs
Do I need a certification to offer accessibility services?
It depends on the role. You don't need a certificate to be a Connector, but if you plan on offering formal auditing or Compliance services, a certification like CPACC or DHS Trusted Tester is highly recommended to build trust and ensure accuracy.
Can I be both a designer and an auditor?
Yes, but it requires a significant time investment. Many designers find it's better to focus on making the basics accessible from the start, and partnering with an external auditor for the final verification.
How do I find specialists to refer work to?
That’s where we come in! We partner with web designers to help them ensure their clients websites and other digital content are accessible. We offer a referral commission AND discount for your clients.
Does being a "Connector" mean I don't get paid for accessibility?
Not at all. Most Connectors are part of a commission based referral program. You can also charge for the initial consultation, the "spot-check" for red flags, and the management of the accessibility process. It's a valuable advisory service.
Ready to Find Your Place in Accessibility?
Accessibility isn’t about doing everything, it’s about doing the right thing for your business and the people using the websites you create. If you’re ready to start as a connector, we’d love to help you protect your clients and grow your impact.
