CS+Accessibility

Computer science is a great career choice for those with a passion for breaking down barriers and working toward a universally accessible society.  The participation of people with disabilities is critical to this endeavor, and the knowledge and experiences of people with disabilities has been a key driver of technological innovations for decades.

Related Content

  • Future Ready Careers: CS + Accessibility

    In this webinar, Ruth Kyle, School Counselor, and Tom Kyle, Computer Science Teacher discuss the commitment to supporting improved accessibility for students with disabilities and the possible hurdles that students with different disabilities must overcome. Originally broadcast on May 19, 2021.

  • Why getting more people with disabilities developing technology is good for everyone

    Accessibility is a hallmark of good technology. As professors Kristen Shinohara and Garreth Tigwell explain, "Building accessibility into the design process is crucial. And while it is useful for designers to be aware of how users with disabilities interact with technologies, the most powerful insights may come from those with disabilities themselves. No matter how much empathy designers glean from researching user behavior and preferences, it can’t replace the benefits of having a piece of technology built by people who actually use it."

  • AccessComputing: The alliance to increase access to computing careers

    Information and resource for increasing the participation of people with disabilities in computing fields.

Pathways in CS+Accessibility

UX jobs may be accessible with a certificate or associate’s degree. Engineering and research roles typically require a Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or Computer Engineering.

These areas of CS are particularly relevant to disability access:

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI): HCI provides a foundation for studying how people with diverse needs and disabilities interact with technology and skills for designing user-friendly, accessible interfaces.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): AI and ML can be used to develop assistive technologies like predictive text and voice recognition, which make life easier for everyone and are especially valuable to people with certain kinds of disabilities.

Robotics: Robotics engineering is key to developing prosthetics, assistive devices, and therapy robots that can help improve quality of life for people with physical disabilities.

Software Engineering: Provides the foundation for a career designing and developing software with a focus on accessibility.

Biomedical Computing: Involves applying CS to the field of healthcare, which can include developing technologies for medical diagnostics, treatment planning, and medical monitoring systems.

Careers in CS+Accessibility

User Experience (UX) Designer
Focuses on designing digital interfaces and experiences that are inclusive and easy to use for people with a wide range of disabilities.
Accessibility Specialist / Tester
Works on evaluating and ensuring that websites, software, and digital content are accessible, adhering to standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
Software Engineer (with focus on accessibility)
Focuses on designing, developing, and modifying software and applications to ensure they are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.
Research Scientist in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
Conducts research on how people with disabilities use technology and develops new methods to improve accessibility.
Rehabilitation Technology Engineer
Develops technology and tools to assist in rehabilitation and daily living, including robotic therapy devices and adaptive computer interfaces.
NCWIT
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