Accessibility isn’t just a checklist—it’s a skill. I provide testing and training programs that empower developers, QA professionals, and executives to make accessibility an integral part of every creative process.
As an Accessibility and UX/UI expert, I blend the precision of automated testing with the insight of hands-on manual evaluation to deliver digital experiences that are WCAG-compliant, intuitive, and beautifully designed.
Beyond audits and remediation, I provide training programs for executives, developers, and quality assurance teams, empowering organizations to build accessibility into every stage of their workflow. From leadership strategy to front-end implementation, I help teams with accessibility that feels effortless.
Make Your Digital Products Shine for Every User.
What I Evaluate During Accessibility Testing
During accessibility testing, I carefully evaluate each project against the appropriate accessibility standards. I define the required WCAG conformance level, establish a clear testing schedule, and assess accessibility through both manual reviews and automated testing tools.
My process ensures that all key areas of accessibility are verified with accuracy, consistency, and attention to real-world usability.
Accessibility A-Z
1
Define Accessibility Plan
2
Design Phase UX/UI
3
Development and Testing
4
QA Testing and Remeditation
5
Product Launch
Automated Accessibility Testing
Automated testing helps us efficiently identify common, standards-based issues using dedicated tools. These checks form the baseline for ongoing audits and implementation.
Key Areas Covered
Structural Validation
Color and Contrast Analysis
ARIA and Semantic Integrity
Headings & Landmarks
Link Text Clarity
Page Metadata
Automated Regression
Manual Accessibility Testing
Manual testing ensures accessibility beyond automation limits, focusing on real-world use with assistive technologies and human judgment.
Key Areas Covered
Screen Reader Compatibility
Keyboard Navigation
Dynamic Components
Forms & Error Handling
Color and Visual Context
Media & Alternatives
Responsive & Zoom Behavior
Cognitive & Usability Factors
Accessibility should never constrain creativity—it should enhance performance and usability. My training programs help organizations embed accessibility into design, development, and quality assurance from the start.
Making Accessibility Second Nature Through Training.
During accessibility training, I guide teams through the standards and principles that shape inclusive design. Participants learn how to apply the appropriate WCAG conformance levels, understand key accessibility concepts, and integrate accessibility into everyday workflows.
Our training emphasizes practical learning—combining real-world examples, collaborative exercises, and expert insights to build lasting accessibility awareness across design, development, and QA teams.
Executives & Leadership Teams
Build awareness, strategy, and accountability for accessibility as part of business and brand success.
Focus Areas
Understanding legal obligations (ADA, Section 508, WCAG, EAA).
The business case for accessibility — market reach, reputation, and inclusion.
Integrating accessibility into corporate strategy and KPIs.
Budgeting for accessibility initiatives and team upskilling.
Setting internal accessibility policies, goals, and reporting frameworks.
Real-world case studies of accessibility-driven innovation.
Format: Executive briefings (60–90 min), strategic workshops, or leadership retreats.
Designers & UX/UI Professionals
Empower design teams to integrate accessibility into creative and interaction design.
Focus Areas
Inclusive UX principles and accessible visual design.
Color, contrast, typography, and layout considerations.
Designing for keyboard and touch users.
Accessible prototyping and annotation practices (Figma, XD, Sketch).
Writing accessible alt text, link text, and microcopy.
Collaborating with developers for design-to-code accessibility handoff.
Creating accessible design systems and reusable patterns.
Format: Interactive design reviews, Figma-based workshops, accessibility critique sessions (2-3 days).
Developers
Enable front-end and full-stack developers to implement accessible code from the start.
Focus Areas
Applying WCAG 2.1/2.2 success criteria to development workflows.
Semantic HTML and ARIA roles — when to use and when not to.
Keyboard navigation and focus management patterns.
Building and testing for screen-reader compatibility.
Color contrast, dynamic content, and responsive design.
Using tools like axe DevTools, Lighthouse, Pa11y, and eslint-plugin-jsx-a11y.
Integrating accessibility testing into CI/CD pipelines.
Format: Hands-on code labs, live coding sessions, accessibility “bug bash” challenges (3 days).
Quality Assurance (QA) Testers
Equip QA teams to identify, verify, and document accessibility issues efficiently.
Focus Areas
Manual testing techniques for keyboard navigation and assistive technology.
Automated testing integration (axe, WAVE, ARC Toolkit).
Writing and prioritizing accessibility defects in Jira or bug tracking tools.
Regression testing and accessibility validation in sprints.
Testing across devices and browsers for consistency.
Collaborating with devs and designers for remediation workflows.
Format: Structured QA labs, test scenario simulations, defect triage workshops (2-3 days).
“It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
— Director of Corporate Technical Solutions at Canada Council for the Arts —
Latest Work
For the Canada Council for the Arts, I conducted a comprehensive accessibility enhancement initiative within their Salesforce-based funding portal. The project focused on aligning the platform with WCAG 2.1 AA standards to ensure equitable access for all users, including artists and administrators applying for and managing grant funding. I performed detailed manual accessibility testing using screen readers and keyboard navigation, supplemented by automated audits with Axe DevTools and WAVE, SiteImprove among others. Identified barriers—such as inconsistent ARIA roles, insufficient focus indicators, and inaccessible form validation—were remediated through collaboration with developers and UX designers. In addition, I worked with internal teams on accessible content creation and inclusive interface design, enabling the Council to maintain long-term accessibility compliance within their Salesforce environment.
Canada Council for the Arts Funding Portal
What My Clients Say
-
Steve is an excellent designer and easy to work with. He has a deep understanding of how to effectively present ideas visually, so he produces great looking results. He always delivers on time with a commitment that feels more like a partner than a service provider.
A. McLean
-
The success of Steve's business is due in no small part to his knack for lining up resources, and building strategies that both meet his client's objectives, and exceed their expectations.
J. Looker
-
I worked with Steve on two separate Government of Canada projects - one for creative programming within the NCC and the other a high level Cabinet briefing with knock-out graphics. Steve brings a clean, crisp high impact look to all his work.
D. Wilson
-
Steve's commitment to the environment and people around him gives him that deep understanding of why inclusion supports our values.
A. Callaghan
-
Steve is wonderful to work with. He brings fresh perspective and creative ideas to all projects, and also a deep sense of accessibility strategy that translates into intelligent and effective final products.
A. Hauck
-
Steve is an excellent communicator who has provided me with numerous projects. Not only does he help with the UX/UI but is integral in giving the confidence that the projects we are working on together will be successful.
J. Bigelow