Image of keyboard with words on the left that read "Accessibility Professional"

WSB’s Accessibility Professional program prepares people who are blind or visually impaired for careers in the growing field of accessibility. Students combine their firsthand experience with vision loss and training in accessibility technology, standards, laws, and best practices. Accessibility professionals may work with organizations and development teams to identify barriers and help create accessible products, services, and digital content.

The program covers:

  • Assistive Technology: Students develop advanced skills with JAWS, ZoomText/Fusion, and NVDA and learn the built-in accessibility features of Windows, iOS, and Android devices.

  • Accessibility and Usability: Students learn to identify accessibility challenges, understand different disabilities, and distinguish between accessibility and usability.

  • Standards and Laws: Students study local and international accessibility standards, laws, models, and management practices.

  • Universal Design: Students learn how to develop plans and strategies that support accessible products, services, and content.

  • Career Preparation: Students complete a small business management course and explore employment and self-employment opportunities.

Professional Certification

As part of the program, students prepare for industry-recognized certifications in accessibility technology. Near the end of the program, students prepare for and complete the Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) examination offered by the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP).

The CPACC certification covers the principles of accessibility and disability, as well as the regulatory framework supporting access for people with disabilities worldwide. Students must successfully complete the CPACC examination to complete the Accessibility Professional program.

Prerequisites

Students entering the Accessibility Professional program should:

  • Demonstrate strong assistive technology skills in at least one of the following: JAWS, NVDA, Narrator, VoiceOver, TalkBack, ZoomText, Windows Magnifier, or mobile magnification

  • Solve problems logically and systematically

  • Work effectively with minimal supervision

  • Write and communicate clearly

  • Maintain a positive attitude and adapt to change

  • Type at least 35 words per minute

  • Demonstrate 12th-grade-level reading, writing, and math skills

Apply Today!