Skip to main content

Add accessibility to every role

Creating modern digital content involves a wide array of specialized roles, each contributing to the development process in unique ways. While several efforts have been made to define and categorize these roles, our approach builds on those frameworks by expanding the scope to include roles that are sometimes overlooked.

For each role, we outline responsibilities and recommend tools that support accessibility practices. This guide aims to highlight how every role can contribute to accessibility, fostering collaboration toward more inclusive digital experiences.

Developer Anchor link

Developers play a critical part in adding accessibility into the product development lifecycle. They're responsible for implementing best practices and ensuring the product is shipped with accessibility in mind. They bring a diverse set of skills depending on their area of focus. Developers can create interfaces, build robust back end systems, and test their work to make sure it meets quality standards. Accessibility specialists work alongside these roles, guiding technical solutions and ensuring alignment with accessibility guidelines.

Learn more about developer roles

Other titles for this role Anchor link

  • Accessibility specialist
  • Back-end engineer
  • DevOps engineer
  • Front-end engineer
  • Full-stack developer
  • Quality assurance (QA) engineer

Developer resources Anchor link

Designer Anchor link

The practice of design has a vital role to play in moving accessibility thinking earlier in the product development process (a practice known as "shifting left"). Design encompasses a wide variety of tasks and skills. Depending on their area of expertise, a designer could plan and write content, conduct research, or create visual mockups, all while applying accessibility thinking to the design process.

Learn more about designer roles

Other titles for this role Anchor link

  • Content Designer
  • Content Strategist
  • Interaction Designer
  • Product Designer
  • User Researcher
  • UX Designer

Designer resources Anchor link

Executive Anchor link

Executives play a pivotal role in driving accessibility as a strategic priority across an organization. From providing the vision to setting expectations and allocating resources, leaders at all levels influence how accessibility is integrated into processes and culture. By championing accessibility, executives can foster innovation, expand market reach, and demonstrate their organization's commitment to equity.

Learn more about executive roles

Other titles for this role Anchor link

  • Director
  • Chief officer
  • President
  • Senior manager

Executive resources Anchor link

Manager Anchor link

Product and project managers are key to ensuring accessibility is prioritized throughout the product lifecycle. By shaping roadmaps and coordinating teams, they can embed accessibility into every stage of development. They help define requirements, track progress, and mitigate risks to ensure accessibility goals are achieved on time. PMs have a unique role to play in finding a cross-functional approach to accessibility that fits the project and the team.

Other titles for this role Anchor link

  • Delivery manager
  • Product manager
  • Project manager

Manager resources Anchor link

Operations Anchor link

Operations roles are essential in supporting accessibility by providing the insights and strategies needed to drive inclusive outcomes. They can uncover patterns and insights to measure the impact of accessibility efforts, evaluate how well digital products meet accessibility standards, and highlight areas for improvement. Treating accessibility as a quality assurance factor is a great way to integrate accessibility and inclusion across an organization's activities. These roles ensure that accessibility is not just a goal but a measurable and sustainable practice.

Learn more about operations roles

Other titles for this role Anchor link

  • Business analyst
  • Data analyst
  • Digital performance analyst

Operations resources Anchor link

Procurement Anchor link

Procurement plays a vital role in advancing accessibility by ensuring that products, services, and partnerships align with inclusive standards. They can evaluate suppliers to ensure their offerings meet accessibility requirements and negotiate contracts that prioritize accessibility. By embedding accessibility into procurement processes, these roles help create an ecosystem that supports equitable outcomes.

Learn more about procurement roles

Other titles for this role Anchor link

  • Logistics coordinator
  • Procurement specialist
  • Purchasing manager
  • Sourcing manager

Procurement resources Anchor link