Publishing Accessibility Specialist

The Publishing Accessibility Specialist is a remote, freelance position reporting to the Learning Resources Editorial team at the University of Arizona Global Campus. The Publishing Accessibility Specialist provides accessibility expertise to ensure digital textbooks meet the university’s curricular accessibility requirements. For contracted projects, they will review content material, media, PDF, and ePub files for compliance with accessibility standards and regulations, including WCAG 2.2, Section 508, and UAAG. They will provide recommendations for remediation when necessary and will remediate files upon request.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Assess the content at third-party links (excluding references) in the text manuscript for accessibility and flag inaccessible links for the Editorial team.
• Ensure links in the text manuscript are descriptive and suggest improvements using Track Changes.
• Evaluate alt text and table summaries in the art manuscript and suggest improvements using Track Changes.
• Examine art proofs for accessibility and recommend creative solutions to address accessibility issues in complex figures.
• Consult on the development of accessible interactive media, recommending creative solutions to ensure inclusive design, keyboard accessibility, and student engagement.
• Review interactive media prototypes for accessibility and usability best practices and recommend solutions.
• Manually check final PDFs for accessibility and usability best practices, comprehensively list needed changes, and remediate upon request.
• Manually check final ePub files for accessibility and usability best practices, comprehensively list needed changes, and remediate upon request.
• Consult on and support the development of internal processes, documentation, and best practices to ensure accessible deliverables.


MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
• Bachelor’s degree
• Proficiency in digital accessibility, including testing digital content with assistive technologies such as NVDA, conducting comprehensive accessibility assessments, devising and implementing remediation strategies, and complying with accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1, Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, WAIARIA)
• Proficiency with ePub accessibility techniques, including accessible HTML, CSS, ARIA, and EPUB3
• Proficiency with Adobe Acrobat Pro and PDF accessibility techniques
• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Adaptability and problem-solving skills
• Organization skills and the ability to execute, monitor, and complete multiple simultaneous projects independently, on time, and within scope.


PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Previous experience working in educational publishing or with educational publishers
• Certification in technology or education access
• Web accessibility certification(s)
• Experience with Articulate Storyline

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to use a telephone and computer. The employee may frequently interact with clients. The requirements of this job may be completed with or without reasonable accommodation.