Deciding to assign accessibility leadership within an organization is a huge step in the right direction. But figuring out where those leadership roles belong isn't always as binary.
The right place for accessibility leadership depends on the organization and its structure. This article will look at how these roles can contribute to different departments.
Human resources
As the department responsible for handling employment, compensation, benefits, employee relations, and support, there are many ways for an accessibility leader to contribute:
- Compliance with regulations – Ensuring that the organization complies with applicable laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- Hiring practices – Providing equal opportunities during the hiring and onboarding processes and providing accommodations to those who need them.
- Employee support – Ensuring all employees can take part within the workplace, have the tools and support they need to excel in their roles, and that accommodations are available.
- Workplace culture – Establishing a culture of acceptance, inclusion, and respect in which all employees feel safe, secure, and valued.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion offices
The organization may devote a separate department to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). People in these roles or departments are responsible for encouraging diversity and improving equity in the workplace. This includes making sure persons with disabilities are also included and able to participate in the workplace equally.
Designating a leader in this area can bolster initiatives to improve accessibility and diversity within the organization.
Site management
For any organization that works in a dedicated space, maintaining the accessibility of that space requires ongoing maintenance. Structures, furnishings, tools, and other aspects of the physical space can be planned and implemented by accessibility leaders to eliminate existing barriers and prevent new ones from occurring.
Information technology
People finally realize that physical accessibility isn’t the only thing that matters in today’s world. Digital accessibility matters, too. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are considered the standard for evaluating digital accessibility.
Digital accessibility can go far beyond making sure a public-facing website is accessible. It is also relevant for intranet and any digital tools used internally, and any other digital content shared internally or externally.
An accessibility leader in this area can take ownership of creating and enforcing best practices for producing accessible content and make sure the organization keeps up with the ever-changing requirements.
Content teams
Whether marketing materials, internal or external communications, or other content, most organizations are probably producing some sort of content. A lot of this is likely to be digital, meaning there will probably be some collaboration with IT teams on some level, but there is a place for a leader focused on the accessibility of content.
WCAG compliance is just one aspect of what an accessible content leader can do. They can also define best practices to ensure people can access information by other means.
Client and customer services
In addition to creating an equal, accessible environment for employees, organizations are responsible for providing accessible experiences for those they serve, be they clients, customers, or beneficiaries of charitable services.
A leader in this department can ensure those who rely on the organization get their needs met without facing barriers.
Student services
In educational settings, accessibility leadership in the student services department is essential. Students have a right to equal access in educational institutions, and they have a right to necessary accommodations to fully take part and access the information and resources they need.
Executive team
Depending on the organization's size, it may make sense to have accessibility leaders in many departments. Designating an accessibility executive can help facilitate department efforts and keep the organization accountable.
Final thoughts
As this overview shows, many departments could benefit from an accessibility leader, and the best place will depend on the organization.
Clarifying goals and determining where leadership would make the most significant impact will help set an organization up for a more successful accessibility initiative.
Comments