Digital Accessibility and Inclusive Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Digital Accessibility and Inclusive Design Consultant

Company: BDO

Location: Toronto - Wellington St (and other major Canadian cities)

Job Type: Part-Time

Category: Digital Accessibility & Inclusive Design Consulting

Date Posted: December 16, 2025

Experience Level: 2-5 Years (Mid-Level)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on enhancing digital products and services through rigorous accessibility assessments and the application of inclusive design principles, aligning with global standards like WCAG 2.1/2.2.

• You will be instrumental in evaluating and improving the usability and inclusivity of client websites, mobile applications, and software, extending beyond mere compliance to embrace universal design concepts.

• The position involves close collaboration with UX, design, and development teams to embed accessibility from the initial stages of the project lifecycle, ensuring seamless integration.

• A key aspect of this role is to conduct training and capacity-building sessions for both clients and internal BDO teams, fostering a culture of accessibility and inclusion across the organization.

• This role supports business development by contributing to proposals and thought leadership, positioning BDO as a leader in digital inclusion and accessibility innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Digital Accessibility and Inclusive Design Consultant," the core responsibilities and required skills suggest a strong leaning towards a specialized consulting role within BDO's Risk Advisory Services practice, with a significant focus on technical assessment and strategic guidance rather than pure UX/UI design. The "Part-Time" employment type is noted, which may indicate flexibility or a specific project-based engagement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive digital accessibility assessments and audits for client websites, mobile applications, software, and other digital assets, ensuring adherence to WCAG 2.1/2.2 and CAN/ASC-EN 301 549 standards.

• Perform in-depth manual testing utilizing assistive technologies such as screen readers (e.g., JAWS, NVDA), magnifiers, voice control software, and keyboard-only navigation to identify accessibility barriers.

• Evaluate the accessibility and inclusivity of emerging technologies, including AI systems and automated decision-making tools, promoting ethical design and equitable access.

• Apply universal design and human-centered design principles to enhance the usability and inclusivity of digital solutions for a diverse user base, moving beyond basic compliance.

• Partner with cross-functional teams, including UX Designers, UI Designers, Developers, and Product Managers, to provide expert guidance on accessible design practices throughout the entire project lifecycle.

• Develop and deliver detailed accessibility reports, including findings, remediation strategies, and actionable recommendations tailored to the specific technical and organizational contexts of clients.

• Design and facilitate training programs and capacity-building workshops for clients and internal BDO teams to embed accessibility knowledge and best practices within their operational frameworks.

• Contribute to business development efforts by assisting in the creation of proposals, presentations, and thought leadership content related to digital inclusion and accessibility innovation.

• Support internal accessibility initiatives at BDO, collaborating with Digital Advisory, Technology, Data & AI, Managed Services, and Marketing & MarTech teams to advance accessibility within the firm.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical assessment, strategic consulting, and educational outreach. The emphasis on AI and emerging technologies suggests a forward-thinking approach to accessibility. The inclusion of internal BDO initiatives indicates a dual focus on client service and organizational improvement.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of progressive experience in conducting digital accessibility assessments, audits, or usability reviews for digital products and services.

Required Skills:

• Deep understanding of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1/2.2, EN 301 549, and relevant Canadian accessibility legislation and standards.

• Proven experience with assistive technologies, including screen readers (e.g., NVDA, JAWS), magnifiers, voice control, and keyboard navigation.

• Proficiency in using accessibility testing tools such as Axe, WAVE, and Lighthouse.

• Strong knowledge of universal design and inclusive design principles, with the ability to apply them beyond regulatory requirements.

• Familiarity with front-end development practices, semantic HTML, ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications), and common accessibility design patterns.

• Ability to effectively communicate complex accessibility concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Accessibility certifications such as IAAP CPACC (Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies), WAS (Web Accessibility Specialist), or CPABE (Certified Professional in Accessible Built Environments).

• Awareness and understanding of AI and machine learning tools and their potential impact on digital accessibility.

• Experience in developing and delivering training programs or capacity-building sessions.

• Bilingualism in French and English.

• Lived experience of disability, offering unique insights into accessibility challenges and solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a strong technical foundation in accessibility standards and tools, coupled with a strategic understanding of inclusive design. The preference for certifications and bilingualism/lived experience suggests a desire for candidates with specialized expertise and diverse perspectives.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating successful digital accessibility assessments, highlighting the methodologies used, challenges encountered, and solutions implemented.

• Include examples of accessibility reports, detailing findings, prioritization of issues, and actionable remediation plans tailored for different audiences (e.g., developers, product managers, executives).

• Present examples of user testing scenarios, particularly those involving assistive technologies and diverse user groups, illustrating your approach to user-centered evaluation.

• Document instances where you have successfully guided UX/UI and development teams in incorporating accessibility from the design phase, demonstrating proactive integration.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate a structured approach to conducting accessibility audits, including methodologies for automated testing, manual testing, and user testing.

• Illustrate your process for translating WCAG and other relevant standards into clear, actionable remediation steps for various digital components (e.g., forms, navigation, content, multimedia).

• Outline your process for evaluating emerging technologies like AI for accessibility implications, including risk assessment and mitigation strategies.

• Detail your approach to collaborating with cross-functional teams, ensuring accessibility is a shared responsibility and integrated seamlessly into the development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio should serve as tangible proof of the candidate's ability to perform detailed accessibility assessments, provide strategic recommendations, and facilitate the adoption of inclusive design principles. Emphasis is placed on demonstrating practical application and impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Flexible Benefits: A customizable benefits package allowing employees to choose coverage that best suits their needs.

• Personal Time Off: A market-leading policy offering generous paid time off for rest, rejuvenation, and personal pursuits.

• Wellness Initiatives: Reimbursement programs and support for various wellness activities to promote overall health and well-being.

Working Hours:

• Part-Time: Specific working hours will be discussed upon offer, but are expected to involve a portion of a standard 40-hour work week. The role offers flexibility in scheduling to accommodate the part-time nature and hybrid work model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for specialized consulting roles in Canada with this experience level and part-time status. Benefits are detailed as per the job description, emphasizing flexibility and employee well-being.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Professional Services (Accounting, Tax, Advisory)

Company Size: BDO is a large, global firm with a significant presence in Canada, employing thousands of professionals. This size offers stability, a broad client base, and extensive internal resources.

Founded: BDO traces its roots back to 1964 in Canada. The firm has a long-standing history of providing trusted advisory services.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Risk Advisory Services practice, specifically the Accessibility Consulting team. This team likely operates as a specialized unit within a larger advisory division.

• Reporting Structure: The consultant will report to a Manager or Senior Manager within the Risk Advisory Services practice, with potential dotted-line reporting to project leads on client engagements.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Utilizing accessibility testing tools and user feedback to derive insights into digital product performance and user experience.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Developing structured processes for accessibility audits and remediation, aiming for efficiency and effectiveness.

• Automation & Efficiency: Exploring and applying assistive technologies and potentially AI tools to enhance the efficiency of accessibility assessments and training delivery.

Company Website: https://www.bdo.ca/

📝 Enhancement Note: BDO's culture is described as "people-first," emphasizing relationships, personal and professional growth, and community involvement. The "Risk Advisory Services" context suggests a focus on compliance, risk mitigation, and strategic advice for clients, with accessibility being a key area of expertise.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Consultant. This role is positioned as an individual contributor with specialized expertise, expected to deliver client-facing services and contribute to internal initiatives. It involves technical assessment, strategic recommendation, and client enablement.

Reporting Structure: The consultant will report to leadership within Risk Advisory Services. Collaboration will be key with various internal BDO departments and client teams, offering exposure to diverse projects and stakeholders.

Operations Impact: The consultant's impact is direct: improving BDO's clients' digital accessibility, thereby reducing legal risks, enhancing brand reputation, expanding market reach to underserved populations, and fostering greater customer loyalty. Internally, they contribute to BDO's own digital inclusivity and operational efficiency.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of digital accessibility (e.g., AI accessibility, mobile accessibility, complex web applications) or inclusive design methodologies.

• Leadership: Progress to Senior Consultant, Manager, or Practice Lead roles, taking on more complex client engagements, business development responsibilities, and team leadership.

• Cross-functional Expertise: Gain broader experience by working with other BDO practices like Digital Advisory or Technology consulting.

• Training & Development: Access BDO's extensive learning resources, potential for advanced certifications (e.g., IAAP), and opportunities to lead training sessions internally and externally.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for specialization within the growing field of digital accessibility. Growth is tied to demonstrable expertise, client success, and contributions to both client and internal BDO initiatives.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. BDO promotes a blended approach, combining office-based work, client site visits, and virtual collaboration. This model aims to balance personal flexibility with team cohesion and client needs.

Office Location(s): The role can be based in any major Canadian city (e.g., Toronto, Calgary, Winnipeg, Ottawa). Specific office locations will be available for hybrid work.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on cross-functional work encourage a collaborative atmosphere, with opportunities for in-person brainstorming and virtual team meetings.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to BDO's standard technology stack, including communication platforms, project management tools, and specialized accessibility testing software.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with colleagues within the Risk Advisory Services team, as well as with client teams, fostering a dynamic and engaged work environment.

Work Schedule: Part-time, with flexibility. While specific hours will be defined, the nature of consulting often requires adaptability to client project timelines and demands. The hybrid model supports balancing work with personal life.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment at BDO is designed to offer flexibility while ensuring connectivity and collaboration. This is particularly relevant for a consultant role that requires both independent work and client interaction, as well as internal team engagement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and conduct a brief phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Technical Interview: This stage will likely involve a deeper dive into your accessibility knowledge, testing methodologies, and experience with WCAG standards. Expect scenario-based questions.

• Portfolio Presentation/Case Study: You may be asked to present a selection of your work or complete a take-home assessment that requires you to audit a digital asset or propose an accessibility strategy.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Meet with potential team members and leadership to evaluate collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with BDO's values (Integrity, Respect, Collaboration).

• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to finalize the offer, covering overall fit, career aspirations, and compensation.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate 2-3 of your strongest, most relevant case studies. Focus on demonstrating your process from assessment to recommendation and impact.

• Clearly articulate the problem, your approach, the tools and standards used, the challenges encountered, and the quantifiable or qualitative outcomes.

• For each case study, be prepared to discuss your role, decision-making process, and how you collaborated with others.

• If presenting a take-home assessment, ensure your work is well-organized, clearly written, and easy to understand. Highlight your thought process.

Challenge Preparation:

• Review WCAG 2.1/2.2 guidelines thoroughly, including success criteria and common implementation issues.

• Practice using common assistive technologies (screen readers, keyboard navigation) to identify accessibility barriers.

• Prepare to discuss how you would approach accessibility for emerging technologies like AI.

• Be ready to articulate the business benefits of digital accessibility beyond mere compliance (e.g., market expansion, brand reputation, user experience).

• Familiarize yourself with Canadian accessibility legislation and BDO's service offerings in this space.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not only technical proficiency but also the candidate's ability to apply knowledge strategically, communicate effectively, and fit within BDO's collaborative culture. The portfolio is a critical component for demonstrating practical skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Accessibility Testing Tools: Axe, WAVE, Lighthouse, Siteimprove, UserWay, etc.

• Assistive Technologies: NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver, TalkBack, ZoomText, Dragon NaturallySpeaking.

• Browser Developer Tools: For inspecting HTML, CSS, and ARIA attributes.

• Content Management Systems (CMS): Familiarity with platforms like WordPress, Drupal, Sitecore, etc., and their accessibility features.

• Design & Prototyping Tools: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD (understanding their accessibility features/plugins).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools: Tableau, Power BI (for reporting on accessibility metrics, if applicable).

• Project Management Software: Jira, Asana, Trello (for tracking remediation tasks and project progress).

• Reporting Dashboards: Ability to create clear, concise reports summarizing findings and recommendations.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Experience with Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics (understanding how CRM accessibility impacts users).

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom (for client and internal communication).

• Document Creation & Management: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), Google Workspace.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with a range of accessibility-specific tools and assistive technologies is crucial. Familiarity with common development and design tools, as well as collaboration platforms, will enhance the candidate's effectiveness in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all client interactions and assessments; providing honest and unbiased feedback.

• Respect: Valuing diverse perspectives, including those of individuals with disabilities, and fostering an inclusive environment for colleagues and clients.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with internal BDO teams and client stakeholders to achieve shared accessibility goals, promoting a team-oriented approach.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, delivering high-quality service that drives tangible improvements in digital accessibility and inclusion.

• Continuous Improvement: A commitment to staying abreast of evolving accessibility standards, technologies, and best practices, and applying this knowledge to enhance service delivery.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive & Consultative: Engaging early with design and development teams to guide accessible solutions, rather than just identifying issues post-development.

• Educational: A strong emphasis on enabling clients and colleagues through training and knowledge sharing, empowering them to champion accessibility.

• Data-Driven: Using evidence from testing and user feedback to inform recommendations and demonstrate the impact of accessibility improvements.

• Solution-Oriented: Focusing on practical, implementable solutions that balance accessibility requirements with business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: BDO's stated values of Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration are central to this role. The team culture likely emphasizes a professional, client-centric, and collaborative approach to problem-solving within the advisory services domain.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Evolving Standards & Technologies: Keeping pace with rapid changes in web technologies, AI, and accessibility standards (like WCAG updates) requires continuous learning.

• Balancing Compliance and User Experience: Ensuring digital products meet legal requirements while also providing an intuitive and positive experience for all users.

• Client Buy-in & Implementation: Persuading clients of the value of accessibility beyond compliance and supporting them through the often complex implementation of remediation efforts.

• Accessibility of Emerging Tech: Evaluating and advising on the accessibility of newer technologies like AI-driven interfaces, chatbots, and complex data visualizations presents unique challenges.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• IAAP Certifications: BDO's support for accessibility certifications (CPACC, WAS) can be a significant professional development path.

• Specialized Training: Access to internal and external training on advanced accessibility topics, inclusive design frameworks, and emerging technologies.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced accessibility consultants and leaders within BDO's Risk Advisory Services.

• Industry Exposure: Engaging with clients across various industries provides exposure to diverse digital platforms and unique accessibility challenges.

• Thought Leadership: Contributing to BDO's reputation in the accessibility space through articles, webinars, and presentations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges inherent in this role are also its growth drivers. The rapidly evolving landscape of digital accessibility necessitates a proactive learning mindset, which BDO appears to support through its development programs.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you identified a significant accessibility barrier in a digital product. How did you communicate it, and what was the resolution?" (Focus on your process, communication clarity, and problem-solving skills.)

• "How would you approach assessing the accessibility of an AI-powered chatbot for a client?" (Demonstrate your understanding of AI implications and your methodology for evaluating novel technologies.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about BDO's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how does digital accessibility fit into that?" (Research BDO's DEI initiatives and connect them to the role.)

• "How do you embody BDO's core values of Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration in your work?" (Prepare specific examples demonstrating these values in action.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each case study, use a clear narrative: Problem -> Your Approach -> Tools/Standards Used -> Challenges -> Solution/Recommendations -> Outcome/Impact.

• Demonstrate Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., reduction in reported issues, improved user satisfaction in testing) or describe qualitative improvements in user experience.

• Highlight Collaboration: Explain how you worked with designers, developers, or clients to achieve accessibility goals.

• Focus on Strategy: Emphasize not just what you found, but why it matters and how your recommendations will lead to sustained inclusivity.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate detailed questions about your technical choices, testing methods, and remediation strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating technical expertise, strategic thinking, strong communication skills, and alignment with BDO's values. The portfolio is your primary tool to showcase practical application and impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Digital Accessibility and Inclusive Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link: https://bdo.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/BDO/job/Toronto---Wellington-St/Digital-Accessibility-and-Inclusive-Design-Consultant_JR5535

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience with WCAG, assistive technologies, accessibility audits, and inclusive design principles. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 strong case studies that showcase your accessibility assessment process, reporting capabilities, and successful remediation guidance. Ensure they demonstrate both compliance and user-centered design.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio or discussing your case studies concisely and effectively. Be ready to answer technical and strategic questions.

• Research BDO's Accessibility Services: Familiarize yourself with BDO Canada's offerings in digital accessibility and risk advisory to understand their market positioning and client focus.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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