Accessibility Specialist (Assistive Technology)

Are you passionate about Assistive Technology? Join the Parliamentary Digital Service (PDS) as our new Accessibility Specialist (Assistive Technology) and develop and deliver initiatives to strengthen the assistive technology offering for UK Parliament. This is a vital role where your work will support and enable Members (MPs and Peers) and Parliamentary staff with different accessibility needs in their work day-to-day.

The role sits at the intersection of technology, accessibility, and customer support. Working in partnership with the “Providing Digital Technology Value Stream” (multi-disciplinary working group), you will lead on the provision, development, and implementation of assistive technology solutions, ensuring accessibility is embedded into our provisioning and digital support offer.

Using your extensive knowledge of assistive technologies and accessibility standards you will build internal capability and familiarity with a wide range of assistive software and hardware solutions. But your work won’t stop there. Among your other responsibilities, you’ll:

* assess, recommend, and oversee assistive technology solutions (e.g. screen readers, voice input systems, alternative input devices, magnifiers) tailored to meet the diverse needs of users.
* conduct expert in-depth user assessments to determine optimal assistive technology configurations that enhance accessibility and user independence.
* partner with multi-disciplinary teams to embed accessibility considerations at every stage of product design and development, in line with WCAG and UK accessibility legislation.
* collaborate with PDS’s customers in both Houses (Commons and Lords) and the Administration to deliver tailored training and support, promoting digital confidence and independence among users of assistive technologies.
* provide expert advice on reasonable adjustments, inclusive procurement practices, and end-to-end lifecycle management of assistive technologies.
* lead and co-ordinate accessibility audits of software, systems, and hardware with a strong focus on compatibility with assistive technologies.

**What You Need**If you have extensive knowledge of assistive technologies and accessibility standards (WCAG 2.2, EN 301 549) then we want to hear from you. You should also have:

* in-depth understanding of common operating systems, digital platforms and how assistive technologies integrate. Able to assess the accessibility of tools and systems. Interest in emerging Assistive Technology solutions and understanding their potential in the organisational setting.
* ability to understand and assess individual accessibility requirements. Can select appropriate technology to provide inclusive experiences and remove barriers. Able to diagnose issues with Assistive Technology tools and propose effective solutions.
* able to engage with a broad range of colleagues and stakeholders including users, reasonable adjustment specialists, and occupational health. Experience advocating for accessibility outside of your team and managing differing perspectives.
* excellent planning and organisational skills with a methodical approach to prioritising work to meet deadlines. Ability to work well within the immediate team (the Digital Accessibility Team) and the wider networks (e.g. Communities of Practise, Champions Network), upholding the values of equality, inclusion, and diversity.
* ability to develop strong relationships with assistive technology suppliers, specialist partners, and internal teams and stakeholders. Able to keep up to date with advances in technology and manage the lifecycle of assistive technology solutions.
* the ability to pass security clearance, backed by the right to work in the UK

**About The Team**The Digital Delivery team in PDS is working to digitise our democracy by designing, supporting, and improving our products and services with the aim of making these easier and better for users. Our work spans a range of back-end and front-end products aimed at meeting the needs and expectations of Members of Parliament and their staff, alongside other important groups including Parliamentary staff, government officials, journalists, and the public.

You will be part of the Digital Accessibility Team, contributing to the delivery of the Digital Accessibility Strategy, designed to deliver an inclusive digital environment where everyone can access Parliament’s information and services.

**About Us**UK Parliament is steeped in history and tradition. It is an important part of UK life and we need to ensure as many people as possible can engage with its work. This is why we are at the start of a huge transformation programme powered by technology. The Parliamentary Digital Service (PDS) works with the House of Commons and the House of Lords with all their IT and digital needs. We are here to realise the digital ambitions of a modern Parliament and welcome you to join us in building a digital democracy.