Digital Accessibility Tester

Web Accessibility QA TesterLocation: Remote, Hartford, CTClient: CT DASDuration: 06+ MonthsJob Id: Digital Accessibility Manual TesterJob Description:The State of Connecticut (CT) is seeking a Digital Accessibility Tester who has strong experience in the manual testing of complex digital assets. These assets include websites, applications, documents, enterprise platforms, mobile apps, chatbots, digital forms, authenticated user systems, CMS integrations, and various legacy technologies. You will develop test cases, maintain test libraries, manually test assets and identify accessibility issues, manage issue inventories, document solutions, and guide multiple state and vendor teams in remediating problems to help them reach compliance with state accessibility standards. You will work across several verticals including health, business, education, transportation, employment, judicial, housing, agriculture and many more. This role demands a deep familiarity with the requirements and processes for complying with current and future accessibility standards as documented in WCAG, ADA, and Section 508. You will also support cross-functional teams who have responsibilities in the application of remediation efforts connected to your testing work. These teams include website administrators, content developers, platform engineers, and digital asset managers. You will be responsible for clearly communicating testing results to stakeholders as needed and be able to intelligently answer questions about your testing processes and results.This role requires strong QA practices, proactive problem-solving, and an ability to meet consistent project deadlines. Your work will help open up access to critical state services and change lives.Main ResponsibilitiesConduct testing of digital products, services, and technologies, to ensure the State can meet the highest standards of accessibility

Maintain and organize testing data to allow for focused application of remediation efforts

Assist with code review and remediation, helping developers and engineers quickly apply best practice solutions for critical usability issues

Evaluate new vendor products for compliance with accessibility standards, and help improve the State procurement process for technology and digital services

AssessmentAudit current State systems and customer-facing assets to find accessibility issues. Assemble and deliver test data to show commonalities as well as unique areas of need

Develop test cases and improve testing protocols, to allow for the deepest discovery of issues

Clearly summarize accessibility findings and provide recommendations for remediation, including code-level and role-based recommendations and solutions

Required Knowledge, Skills, and AbilityBachelor's degree is required, preferably in the field of Computer Science, Software Engineering, IT, Web Development, Library or Informational Science, or Human Computer Interaction3+ years of hands-on digital accessibility testing experience, including experience with assistive technologies, WCAG compliance, and manual testing methods2+ years of experience on a digital product team, either working as a project owner or individual contributor, working collaboratively with internal and external teams to improve products and services using digital accessibility technologies, policies, and best practices

Strong proficiency in manual testing with assistive tech: NVDA, JAWS, Dragon, Fusion, Deque, Wave, ZoomText, VoiceOver, TalkBack. Also expertise with built-in device features such as speech-to-text, text-to-speech, magnifiers, onscreen keyboards, eye gaze tech, and alternative input devices including keyboards

Strong proficiency in HTML, ARIA, and semantic markup knowledge

Expertise in auditing common and legacy systems and products to find accessibility issues, providing guidance for mitigating issues, and improving accessibility knowledge and practices within internal teams

Demonstrated understanding of user-centered design (UCD) methodologies and how to use testing data to support accessibility design problems

Strong understanding of responsive web design principles, techniques, and frameworks

Experience testing and assessing accessibility issues on internal business processes, including case management and data collection systems

Creative out-of-the box thinking to provide solution-oriented guidance for optimizing digital assets using the latest digital accessibility techniques and tools

Can work both independently and collaboratively to help advance a program's accessibility standards

Experience as a mentor or coach for other product and service testers to promote stronger consistency and standards

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to clearly present data and analysis, as well as the ability to receive feedback on your work

Expert in facilitating the integration of test data to support analysis and remediation processes

Strong ability to create and maintain documentation and best practice testing methodologies across multiple systems and functional areas

Ability to explain technical issues to non-technical stakeholders and communicate their implication on systems, processes, projects, and services. Able to facilitate discussions and solutions

Preferred Skills & QualificationsExperience with software like Axe, WebAIM, SiteImprove, and SitebulbExperience with browser devtools and accessibility extensions: Axe, WAVE, ARC ToolkitStrong written and oral communication skills, and responsiveness to leadership and stakeholder requests

Strong organizational skills and experience with project tracking software, along with experience in agile processes and project development best practices

Experience in balancing a diverse workload of projects, with varying complexities and unique needs

Excellent time management skills, with an ability to commit and deliver on project goals, timelines, and target dates

Ability to work independently as well as part of a team to reach program goals and meet dynamic business objectives

Ability to engage in rigid practices for accessibility testing, while maintaining flexibility for ad-hoc needs

Strong proficiency with MS Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Microsoft Teams, Outlook, and ZoomDesired Certifications One or more of the following:IAAP certification (CPACC, WAS, etc.