It’s often said that “accessibility is a team sport.” Deque knows that collaboration is the name of the game. Making the world accessible requires close teamwork across so many different communities, and talented, skilled, and passionate accessibility professionals are a crucial part of the mix—a shortage could jeopardize the mission we all share.
This is why Deque is thrilled to announce the “Fund the Future” Certification Scholarship Fund, a joint effort from Deque and the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP).
It all began at axe-con 2024.
Axe-con is the world’s largest digital accessibility conference. After last year’s event, an anonymous user asked, “What can we do to help increase the number of qualified and passionate accessibility professionals?”
Acting on this feedback, we approached our IAAP partners to gauge their interest in creating a fund that would enable individuals with financial hardships to access IAAP certification exams. IAAP didn’t hesitate, and the “Fund the Future” Certification Scholarship Fund is the result.
“Many individuals will now be able to get the training and certification they need to develop a career in digital accessibility at little to no cost. Alongside the existing Deque University Scholarship program, this new fund will be critically important to increasing the number of qualified accessibility professionals and helping make the web more accessible.”
—Paul Bohman, Director of Training, Deque Systems
The next crucial step is to increase funding for the scholarship. We are grateful that axe-con sponsor Cypress has already led the way with a $2,500 contribution. To build momentum, we’re inviting axe-con attendees to donate to the fund instead of paying to attend the event. We’re thrilled that event sponsors and speakers are already making significant contributions.
All donations to the “Fund the Future” Certification Scholarship Fund are tax-deductible as US law permits. Donate today: https://www.accessibilityassociation.org/s/certification-scholarship
Accessibility is an extraordinarily rewarding field, but career success depends on acquiring and maintaining a unique set of skills and experience.
“Obtaining your certification is a great way to advance your career in this in-demand field. Certification demonstrates your passion and commitment, knowledge of current practices, standards, and tools, and value to any organization focusing on accessibility. Perhaps most importantly, it puts you forward as a professional who is in accessibility for the long-term.”
—Samantha Evans, Certification Director, IAAP
The “Fund the Future” Certification Scholarship Fund will open new career opportunities for individuals passionate about this mission and help to ensure a steady stream of qualified talent.
Donate today, and join Deque and IAAP in building a world that is accessible to everyone, everywhere.
