Digital Web Accessibility Specialist

Job Title:Accessibility SpecialistLocation: Chicago, IL & Houston, TX Employment Type: Contract - 03 Months w/possible extension Key Responsibilities: * Lead the execution of the digital accessibility roadmap, ensuring accessibility is embedded across all client-facing digital products. * Translate accessibility goals into actionable initiatives that reduce compliance risk, improve usability, and strengthen customer trust. * Coordinate program milestones, timelines, and deliverab

les across cross-functional teams, integrating accessibility into product roadmaps and release schedules. * Partner with leadership and stakeholders to align accessibility efforts with broader digital transformation and customer experience strategies. * Monitor progress against maturity models and accessibility KPIs, providing actionable insights and recommendations for continuous improvement. * Hands-On Accessibility Expertise * Conduct accessibility audits of digital channels using both manual

testing and automated tools. * Evaluate experiences against WCAG 2.2 AA, ADA, Section 508, EAA, and other relevant accessibility regulations using assistive technologies (e.g., JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, TalkBack). * Provide practical remediation guidance to design, development, and product teams, ensuring solutions are compliant, usable, and inclusive. * Proactively identify accessibility barriers during design and development reviews, advocating for inclusive practices before launch. * Validate fixes and ensure accessibility issues are fully resolved prior to release. * Partner with product owners, UX/UI designers, engineers, and QA teams to integrate accessibility best practices across the SDLC (shift-left). * Mentor accessibility champions and subject matter experts across the organization, strengthening accessibility adoption. * Act as a liaison with vendors and third-party partners to ensure accessible integrations and solutions. * Governance & Compliance * Ensure compliance with WCAG 2.2 AA, EAA, and other accessibility standards and regulations. * Maintain and evolve accessibility documentation, guidelines, and playbooks for web and mobile teams. * Support accessibility reviews in vendor RFPs, contracts, and external partnerships. * Education & Advocacy * Lead accessibility training and awareness initiatives across digital teams. * Serve as a subject matter expert and advocate for inclusive design and development practices. * Collaborate with research teams to incorporate insights from users with disabilities into digital product enhancements. * Reporting & Communication * Communicate accessibility program updates, metrics, goals, and challenges to teams, leadership, and external stakeholders. * Oversee day-to-day activities of the accessibility program, ensuring clear communication and alignment across the SDLC. Required: * 5+ years of experience in digital accessibility, including program management, product delivery, or hands-on auditing/testing. * Strong knowledge of WCAG 2.2 AA, ADA, Section 508, EAA, and related accessibility regulations. * IAAP CPACC, WAS, or CPWA certification . * Experience conducting hands-on accessibility audits of websites and mobile apps. * Familiarity with automated testing tools (e.g., Deque Axe) and assistive technologies. * Ability to manage multiple accessibility initiatives in fast-paced digital environments.