If you’ve ever struggled to find steady, meaningful work as a blind or visually impaired professional, you’re not alone. Many of us are asking the same question.
How can I build a career that values my experience, creates financial stability, and helps me make a difference in our community?
Why Accessibility Testing Is One of the Best Career Paths for the Blind
In 2025, over 98% of websites still fail basic accessibility standards (WebAIM Million, 2024)
Effective April 2026, under the new Title II requirements, state and local governments must comply with WCAG 2.1 standards.
Over 4,500 digital accessibility lawsuits were filed in the U.S. last year alone. (Seyfarth Shaw ADA Title III News & Insights, 2024)
All of this is happening right now, creating tremendous demand for accessibility testers. And the demand isn’t going away.
Why? Right now, the new Title II requirements are against WCAG 2.1 AA compliance (a 2018 standard for accessibility) and in the next couple years, Title II will reflect the current accessibility standards (WCAG 2.2 AA established in 2023). Meaning, this process will repeat itself.
“Even though technology changes, there will always be a need for human oversight in compliance-heavy industries.”
Tanner Gers, Founder of AccessAbility Officer
Day In the Life: A Digital Accessibility Tester
Here’s what a day in the life of a digital accessibility tester looks like:
Manual Testing
You navigate websites and apps using screen readers like NVDA or JAWS to uncover barriers.
Automated Scanning
You run tools like DARTSuite to quickly find code-level issues and uncover problems that impact users.
Reporting and Documentation
You write clear, professional reports showing what needs to be fixed and why it matters.
Collaboration
You meet with developers and designers to help them understand accessibility challenges and improve usability for everyone.
As Bee Yang, a graduate and now instructor in the Certified AccessAbility Testing (CAT) Program, explains:
“Usability testing is just asking, ‘Does this page work for me?’ Accessibility testing is asking, ‘Does it work for everyone, no matter what assistive technology they use?’”
Why Are Blind People Right for Careers in Digital Accessibility?
Employers underestimate the abilities of blind professionals
If they land an entry level job, there’s limited opportunities for growth
Plus, most of these jobs don’t align with their skills or passions.
Digital accessibility testing flips the script. Your lived experience and strong screen reader skills are a competitive advantage in digital accessibility.
This is why AccessAbility Officer created the Certified AccessAbility Tester (CAT) Program. As Tanner Gers shared in a recent AMA on launching your career in digital accessibility,
“I lost my sight in a car accident. As a blind job seeker, it was extremely difficult to find opportunities. Eventually, I discovered digital accessibility, started as a tester, and moved into leadership. Over time, I founded AccessAbility Officer to create more jobs for people with disabilities.”
Today, the CAT Program is a direct path to employment for the blind.
What is the CAT Program?
The Certified AccessAbility Tester (CAT) Program is a fully remote 14-week, instructor-led job training and skill-based certification program that results in graduates sitting for two final exams for two industry certifications. Part-time employment is guaranteed for successful graduates who earn both certifications as a digital accessibility tester with AccessAbility Officer. Meaning, this program is a direct path to employment.
How to Qualify for the CAT Program
To join the Certified AccessAbility Testing (CAT) Program, you must:
Have an open case with vocational rehabilitation, the commission for the blind, or your state’s department of rehabilitation for blind services.
Pass the Skills Baseline Assessment
Join the next CAT Program! Classes are starting every other month, on average.
Wondering if you’ve got the skills right now to succeed?
Download the CAT Program Skills Baseline Prep Document
Frequently Asked Questions
What prior experience do I need?
You don’t need prior experience in tech or accessibility, but you do need to have all of the hardware, software, and skills identified in the Skills Baseline Prep Document.
Can I do this job from home?
Yes. Nearly all roles are fully remote.
What equipment do I need?
A Windows PC and screen readers like NVDA or JAWS. (Mac users: most clients require Windows.)
Is the CAT Program only for blind individuals?
No, but it is designed to equip blind and visually impaired professionals with specialized skills.
How much can I earn?
Entry-level testers often start around $20 to $25 per hour. With experience and certifications, many advance to senior roles.
Will this strain my vision?
If you’re legally blind but don’t use a screen reader yet, you’ll need to learn. Prolonged screen time is part of the job, so be aware of what’s required and how you’ll meet those demands.
Do I need to pay for the program?
If you have an open VR case in one of our authorized states, there is no cost.
Is the CAT Program offered in my state? See what states are listed here:
What certifications will I earn?
The two certifications that successful graduates earn are:
1. Certified AccessAbility Tester (CAT), and
2. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Trusted Tester (TT).
Graduates go on to work with federal contractors, private companies, and nonprofits. As Bee Yang put it,
“You’re going to learn a lot of new computer skills, but that’s just the beginning.”
The AccessAbility Officer team recently joined the 2025 ACB Conference in Dallas and the NFB Conference in New Orleans to connect with advocates, share success stories, and help more blind professionals discover careers in digital accessibility.
From live workshops on screen reader testing to one-on-one conversations about employment pathways, these events reminded us how much talent and potential are waiting to be unlocked in our community.
If you met us at ACB or NFB, welcome. We’re glad you’re here.
Launch Your Career in Accessibility
Whether you’re exploring your first career or looking for a fresh start, the Certified AccessAbility Testing (CAT) Program is here to help you build a future you can be proud of.
Learn more about what this journey looks like and read Ellie’s story of balancing a busy family and building a career in accessibility.
If you have an open Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) case in an eligible state, you may even be able to enroll at no cost.