Job Summary:
Provide leadership and expertise in the execution, communication, implementation, and monitoring of McMaster’s web accessibility strategy to the campus community. They will also play a key role in the development of organizational digital accessibility culture in keeping with McMaster’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, as well as web development and developing delivery strategies based on Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
Pupose and Key Functions:
Coordinate and support the implementation of web accessibility efforts within the University, as per the emerging institutional Web Strategy and accompanying AODA web accessibility roadmap.
Plan and execute the AODA web accessibility roadmap, including continuous improvement and enhancements as needed with changes in legislation and campus activities and personnel.
Develop and implement web and digital content accessibility training for McMaster web designers, developers, and content providers. Train staff to make changes and maintain websites.
Develop documentation, training, and guidelines for diverse groups within the organization (academic and administrative audiences) to educate and provide structures for maintaining website accessibility as per the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Currently at a WCAG 2.0 Level AA level, and preparing to move to the WCAG 2.1 AA level.
Work in partnership with campus stakeholders to develop a communication strategy that informs the campus community of the AODA requirements, the tools, and resources available to support compliance and aspirational web accessibility goals, timelines around compliance and reporting.
Consult and work with communities of persons with disabilities, as it relates to web design and web application experiences, barriers, and solutions to help inform the web accessibility roadmap execution and training and delivery of processes and frameworks for maintaining web accessibility.
Write and deliver reports on the achievements and outcomes related to the web accessibility roadmap, including website compliance, testing outcomes, training impact, etc.
Plan, deliver and assist with large-scale testing and remediation of campus web environments with competencies specifically in screen-reader testing and navigation (WAI-ARIA).
Demonstrate working knowledge of assistive technologies, to carry out user testing with groups of individuals with disabilities and to facilitate integration of the role into the already established User Testing Group through the Equity and Inclusion Office (EIO).
Facilitate frameworks and processes for developing accessible websites and web infrastructure using web and technologies (including HTML/CSS, JavaScript and XML).
Participate in guiding and coordinating campus-wide remediation of current websites and web infrastructure.
Report and deliver presentations on web accessibility/research efforts to the Manager, the McMaster Accessibility Council (MAC) and to senior management.
Develop databases and inventories for accessible websites and web components to house information, maintain reporting capabilities, and allow end users to access and update data.
Create test patterns to evaluate accessible web design in multiple browsers and operating systems.
Test web applications for expected accessible outcomes and create test scenarios that cover all possible permutations.
Write technical specifications, policies, and help documents related to web accessibility for academic and administrative units.
Meet with faculty and staff to understand their business requirements and rules to consult and provide support in areas of accessible website design, program logic, and database design.
Gather requirements and workflow process information and use this to help develop training, frameworks, processes that will improve efficiency and capabilities as it pertains to web development and accessibility principles.
Provide advice to campus community regarding accessible website structure, guidelines, and development.
Develop recommendations for web accessibility monitoring and or reporting applications and software.
Remain current with frequent changes to software and multi-media mediums, with especial focus on accessibility implications, as well as knowledgeable of international web accessibility standards.
Requirements:
Bachelors Degree in Information Technology or related field.
Requires 3 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Masters in Information Technology or Computer Science would be an asset.
Certification or post-graduate certificate in web accessibility, accessible design or accessible media would be an asset.
International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) Certification would be an asset.
How To Apply
To apply for this job, please submit your application online.
Employment Equity Statement
McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.
The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.
The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.
As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.
Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:
Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679
to communicate accommodation needs.