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How to make money in advocating for accessibility?

How to make money fighting for disability rights like accessible technologies

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Jerome’s Answer

I think there are a couple of routes that can be taken.

Going into non-profit work can be rewarding, but the pay may not be substantial. You’ll be at the heart of the work, but there is a ceiling to what can be made.

The other Avenue is to build a career and set a goal for supporting and working with a non-profit. I am a VP of Sales during the day and I am on a Board of Directors for the college of adaptive arts; a college that supports individuals with disabilities. I am able to make the money I need to while donating and giving my time to the cause.

Hope that helps.
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Bridger’s Answer

It's a great idea to actively participate in your state's disability advocacy organizations. For instance, every state typically has what's known as a statewide independent living council. This would be an excellent starting point, offering you the chance to volunteer with them or a similar group. Once you familiarize yourself with their operations, you might consider applying for a position on your state's board of commission. They even have city-based commissions. Most states have commissions focused on disability, and these can provide you with numerous opportunities. Consider, for example, the exciting possibility of traveling to the state capital each year to lobby for change. It's an experience you might not have thought of, but one that can be truly rewarding.
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James’s Answer

There are many for-profit companies that hire professionals who are knowledgeable about making products accessible. If you have a disability and learn how to explain what would make products accessible to people with similar disabilities many companies will hire you for UX testing. If you don't have a disability, there are computer science courses you can take to learn how to code and fix inaccessible websites. There is also the legal side of accessibility to help companies understand the importance of accessibility in their products.

James recommends the following next steps:

Reach out to any local disability organizations about trainings.
If you want to go the legal or computer science route, learn about the WCAG, Section 508 of the ADA, and the European Union's EN 301 549
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