Celebrating Our Accessibility Champions: Techno Brain's Trusted Testers Lead the Way in Digital Inclusivity!
Techno Brain Group
Providing leading digital transformation solutions, software engineering and outsourcing solutions by the best talent.
Accessibility Testing - Trusted Tester Certification
The US Department of Homeland Security, through its Office of Accessible Systems & Technologies (OAST) provides training through their Trusted Tester certification program in an effort to in remove barriers to information access. The training is self-paced, fully online and there is an exam to certify. We asked a team of certified trusted testers about their journey and experience and here is what they had to say:
What is the advantage of using certified trusted testers for an organization??
- Certified Trusted Testers make sure that the organization's digital products are accessible to all people. - The Certified Trusted Testers follow standardized testing processes to deliver reliable results and streamline operations, saving time and resources hence achieving compliance.? -Certified Trusted Testers provide organizations with expert insights into accessibility, therefore ensuring compliance with the state legal standards and improving product quality.
Why did you pursue accessibility testing certification?
"I decided to pursue a certification on accessibility testing I believe that technology should be a bridge, not a barrier. Growing up in Kenya, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of technology, but I have also seen how it can leave people behind—especially those with disabilities. In a rapidly expanding digital landscape, the 'good news' of technology can only be realized when everyone can participate. " Frank Rapando
"My passion for accessibility is deeply rooted in a personal experience. I shared a close bond with someone who was differently abled, and as someone working in tech, I often reflected on how to create a more inclusive digital world for him. Though he is no longer with us, I am driven to honor his memory by breaking down digital accessibility barriers. My goal is not just to include individuals with disabilities, but also to empower them to pursue skills that will benefit them, fostering a truly inclusive and empowering digital environment." Mercy Njambi
"My desire to help businesses in identifying and resolving barriers that might prevent individuals with disabilities from accessing their online content effectively." Bednah Nzimbi
"I pursued an accessibility testing certification because I believe everyone deserves equal access to digital content, no matter their abilities. I've seen how difficult it can be for people who are differently abled to navigate digital products and content that weren’t designed with them in mind. This experience really struck me and made me want to help. Through this certification, I’ve learned how to create digital experiences that aren’t just compliant with standards, but truly usable and welcoming for everyone. It’s not just about following rules for me, it’s about making a real difference in people’s lives by breaking down barriers that keep them from accessing important information and opportunities.
This work allows me to stand up for those who are often overlooked, and it’s incredibly rewarding to know that I’m helping to create a more inclusive and caring world." Pauline Njue
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"I am passionate about testing hence the urge for accessibility testing . I needed to grow my knowledge? and skills in the evolving? trends and? standards for testing? so that I be in a position to contribute to a more inclusive digital environment." Teresa Mwasame
Was getting certified tough? Why or why not??
- The program was self-paced, and some of us initially struggled to navigate the website and access the learning resources. However, once we got the hang of it, the certification process proved to be thorough, with knowledge checks and exams after each module. This approach kept us actively engaged throughout the course. While both the practice and certification exams were challenging, the course offered multiple attempts for the practice exams and up to three attempts for the certification exams, which was very helpful.
What was the most surprising thing about the certification process or the material??
- Accessibility issues can be subtle and complex. For instance, making a website accessible to screen readers involves more than just labeling elements, it requires understanding how those labels are announced and how users interact with them. - Surprisingly, accessibility testing is more of empathy over technicality. For instance, it is beyond just following rules like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). It creates a deep sense of empathy for users who are differently abled by realizing how small changes can significantly impact their experience.? The course isn't just about magnifying lenses and assistive technology; it's also about simple, everyday tasks like preparing your PowerPoint slides for a presentation. The choices of color schemes, font sizes, and the contrast between text and background. These elements can have a significant impact on accessibility for everyone, including those with visual impairments or color blindness. I realized that accessibility is deeply integrated into the basics of design and content creation, often starting with the tools and decisions we use every day.
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Where can I start if I want to get certified?
Course Registration and Access
Technical Requirements:
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Other systems and browsers are not supported. Operating Systems: - Any Windows OS from Windows 10, 11 Browsers: - Google Chrome - Mozilla Firefox - Microsoft Edge
Other systems and browsers are not supported.
Business Program Manager | IT Projects Growth Leader
2 个月It is exciting to see companies paying attention to accessibility. We are fortunate to have a team that is passionate about digital inclusivity.