At AFB, we understand that increasing awareness isn’t enough. That awareness needs to translate into direct action. That’s why we launched AFB Talent Lab, which is innovating the future of digital inclusion. Demand for inclusive digital products is rising, but finding people with expertise in accessibility isn’t easy.
Tech designers, engineers, and project managers aren’t being trained in accessibility skills because it’s rarely taught in computer science education—and if it is, it’s usually high-level and often expensive. For more than 20 years, AFB has helped companies improve the accessibility of their technology through AFB Consulting, which always prioritized building accessibility from the start rather than patching existing systems. AFB Consulting’s skilled team of tech designers, engineers, and project managers worked with countless companies over the years, but AFB wanted to scale our impact.
AFB Consulting is now AFB Talent Lab, a new educational experience that aims to close the accessibility skills gap. An educational program for college students and career seekers interested in digital accessibility, AFB Talent Lab helps participants build skills that will stand out to employers, help adults with disabilities build careers as accessibility project managers, and offer partner organizations guidance on how to achieve their accessibility goals.
AFB Talent Lab’s first cohort began in June 2022 and included five apprentices and 11 interns, who were led by five mentors. All of the interns and apprentices are paid and receive extensive training and hands-on experience. The AFB Talent Lab instructors and mentors have vast expertise in digital inclusion, developed through accessibility consulting projects with industry leaders such as Google, Samsung, and Microsoft. What’s more, many of these instructors and mentors launched their own careers through AFB internships.
"AFB Talent Lab represents a crucial next step in the ongoing work to ensure current students will be equipped to head into the workforce prepared to include accessibility as a part of the design and development process. Teach Access is thrilled to continue collaborating with AFB on this important initiative.” —Kate Sonka, Executive Director, Teach Access
“We compare it to a teaching hospital,” says Kristin Reuschel, program & curriculum manager. “Much like an intern might insert an IV, interns and apprentices will be supervised by an expert mentor while they learn new skills, so the companies we work with can be confident they’ll receive a high-quality product and want to continue working with us.”
The program includes remotely delivered foundational coursework in digital inclusion, which was built from scratch by AFB Talent Lab. Interns also have opportunities for job shadowing and direct experience with clients, working in product testing, accessibility, and more.
Apprentices, who are all assistive technology users, have much the same learning and work opportunities as interns but must commit to two years. Their program includes a robust project management curriculum and will result in certification and a journeyman’s card. At the end of the program, both high-level interns who complete multiple semesters and apprentices will receive digital badges and can request letters of recommendation.
To contact the AFB Talentlab visit afb.org/contact.
Learn More about AFB Talent Lab
AFB Talent Lab will continue building on the initial program, as well as seeking more partners to provide project work or sponsorship for the program. For more information on AFB Talent Lab, including partnership opportunities, visit afb.org/talentlab.
Apply to Join the AFB Talent Lab at: afb.org/talentlab/apply
Read on to learn about the work that drove the most impact in 2022.
