Digital Accessibility Specialist or Senior Digital Accessibility Specialist

Office of the Chief Information Officer - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Job Summary

The Digital Accessibility Specialist or Senior provides expert support, guidance, and consultation to university units on the acquisition, development, and implementation of digital information and services to ensure access for people with disabilities. This role includes conducting comprehensive accessibility evaluations for software applications under consideration for purchase and deployment, ensuring compliance with the university’s Digital Accessibility Policy; providing recommendations on how to make software technology, web content, and IT services inclusive and accessible; and collaborating on committees to advance accessibility best practices.

The Digital Accessibility Specialist or Senior applies knowledge of how people with disabilities access technology, performs accessibility audits at multiple levels, promotes best practices for creating inclusive digital products and services, and assists with remediation efforts to ensure that digital experiences are accessible to and usable by all participants in the university's programs, services, and activities.

Why Work at Technology Services?

Highlights of Employee Benefits

Duties & Responsibilities

Accessibility Review, Remediation & Consultation

• Conduct comprehensive accessibility evaluations for high- and critical-risk software applications under consideration for purchase and deployment, ensuring compliance with the university’s Digital Accessibility Policy. Generate reports based on evaluations performed.
• Conduct accessibility evaluations of campus websites and generate reports based on findings.
• Consult with vendors and department staff to help them determine how to make their products, websites, and services accessible.
• Conduct fix testing as vendors or internal staff remediate issues.
• Assist departmental IT Accessibility Liaisons in developing equally effective alternative access plans as needed.
• Assist with technical questions relating to the accessibility of software technologies, web applications, and websites.
• Maintain reports on evaluations conducted and accessibility remediation efforts.
• Coordinate with IT professionals at all levels across campus.
• Translate usability and accessibility concepts to specific audiences in meaningful ways to help them achieve their objectives.
• Senior Level: Lead complex accessibility evaluations using multiple assessment methods and iterative testing and generate reports based on findings.
• Senior Level: Independently review, analyze, and respond to technical questions relating to the accessibility of software technologies, web applications, and websites.
• Senior Level: Apply accessibility standards and usability best practices to information design challenges.
• Senior Level: Create and track metrics to measure accessibility improvements.
• Senior Level: Recommend process and workflow enhancements to strengthen accessibility practices.
• Senior Level: Serve as an advocate for accessibility in university service planning and deployment.

Professional Development and Continuous Improvement

• Develop and maintain personal and professional excellence through university-provided and external training/seminars/courses.
• Research and stay up to date with digital accessibility standards, techniques, and best practices.
• Senior Level: Act as a recognized subject matter expert in accessibility across campus.
• Senior Level: Share expertise through presentations, web forums, IT events, and other outreach efforts.
• Senior Level: Mentor and train backup and other staff, as necessary.
• Senior Level: Produce white papers, articles, or strategy documents on accessibility of emerging technologies.

Digital Accessibility Specialist Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Any one or any combination totaling two (2) years (24 months) from the following categories:
• College coursework which includes Information Technology (IT), IT Management, Programming, IT Systems, or a closely related discipline, as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:
• 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)
• Associate’s Degree (60 semester hours) equals 18 months (18 months)
• 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)
• Bachelor’s Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months)
• Work experience in IT-related functions, such as hardware/software support, programming, network design, network engineering, IT systems integration, or closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience in testing for and remediation of accessibility barriers in web, mobile, and native applications.
• Demonstrated experience in automated and manual accessibility testing methods and tools.

Senior Digital Accessibility Specialist Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Any one or any combination totaling three (3) years from the following categories:
• College coursework which includes Information Technology (IT), IT Management, Programming, IT Systems, or a closely related discipline, as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:
• 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)
• Associate’s Degree (60 semester hours) equals 18 months (18 months)
• 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)
• Bachelor’s Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months)
• Work experience in IT-related functions, such as hardware/software support, programming, network design, network engineering, IT systems integration, or closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience in testing for and remediation of accessibility barriers in web, mobile, and native applications.
• Demonstrated experience in automated and manual accessibility testing methods and tools.
• Demonstrated experience developing remediation plans and/or equally effective alternative access plans.

Preferred Qualifications

• Specialist: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Senior: Master's degree in a relevant field.
• International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) certification, especially CPWA (Certified Professional in Web Accessibility).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Working knowledge of current digital accessibility laws, guidelines, and best practices, including Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG), Illinois Information Technology Accessibility Act 2.0 (ITAA), and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II. Demonstrated knowledge of front-end frameworks and libraries (React, Angular, Bootstrap/Foundation) and content management systems (WordPress, Drupal), with an understanding of how templates and modules generate code and how site themes are separated from content. Skilled in using automated accessibility evaluation tools and applying manual accessibility evaluation methods. Working knowledge of key web technologies, such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and ARIA. Familiarity with assistive technologies such as screen readers (e.g., JAWS, NVDA), voice recognition software, and alternative input devices. Strong communication skills for explaining complex issues and current accessibility standards.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5031 - Information Technology Technical Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. The budgeted salary range for the Digital Accessibility Specialist is $70,000.00 to $85,000.00. The budgeted salary range for the Senior Digital Accessibility Specialist is $80,000.00 to $90,000.00. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Hybrid work options may be available for this position, with the ability to be on-site at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus as needed per the University’s Workplace Flexibility policy . Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at .

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on February 2, 2026 . Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through will not be considered.

To complete the application process:

Step 1) Submit the Staff Vacancy Application using the "Apply Now" button at the top of the page.

Step 2) Submit the Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability forms.

Step 3) Upload your cover letter, resume (months and years of employment must be

included), and names/contact information for three references.

If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Sami Roch at [email protected]. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing [email protected] .

Requisition ID : 1034023

Job Category : Technical

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