How can I become a digital accessiblity specialist?

Today, we’re bringing you an interview with Cynthia Thibault-Larouche, our Head of Accessibility and Inclusive Design, where we talk about how to become a specialist in the field!

Tell me, is there a degree in digital accessibility that I could pursue?

Unfortunately, not yet. Some accessibility-related content is included in web development training programs, for example, but it's still quite limited. As of today, there is no academic path dedicated exclusively to digital accessibility.

So, if I want to get started and become a specialist in the field, what should I do?

I can tell you how we approach it at Ciao. When someone joins our team with that goal in mind, we start by providing foundational training to build a solid base. From there, skill development happens primarily through mentorship with a senior team member and — most importantly — through hands-on practice.

Personally, I found that conducting accessibility audits was extremely valuable. It forces you to review the criteria regularly, understand the nuances, and interpret edge cases. It's a rich, ongoing learning process.

Having a background in UX and HTML is also a real advantage. It helps not only with identifying issues, but also with proposing concrete, realistic, and technically feasible solutions.

In your opinion, what are the key qualities someone needs to excel in digital accessibility?

I'd say curiosity, attention to detail, and most of all, a passion for sharing knowledge. Accessibility is as much about technique as it is about education — we guide teams, deliver training, and make complex ideas easier to grasp. You really have to enjoy teaching and helping others grow.

And if someone wants to explore this career path, does Ciao offer any resources to help them get started?

Yes! We're currently preparing a white paper that will be released very soon — it's a great introduction to the core principles of digital accessibility. We also offer a training catalog with a wide range of courses, from foundational concepts to more advanced topics like audits.