The IAAP Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) credential is IAAP's foundational certification, representing broad, cross-disciplinary conceptual knowledge about 1) disabilities, 2) accessibility and universal design, and 3) accessibility-related standards, laws, and management strategies.
Relevant domains for the CPACC credential include the web and other digital technologies, architecture and the built environment, consumer and industrial design, transportation systems, and any domain in which thoughtful design, policy, and management can improve disability access.
The CPACC is the ideal credential for those who manage and support accessibility, but who may not personally design, implement, or evaluate the technical details of accessible solutions. For those who do work at the technical level, IAAP will be working to create domain-specific professional credentials which build on the associate-level credential. The IAAP will add other technical professional certification credentials in other domains in accordance with market and professional demand.
"Obtaining this certification was a terrific opportunity to be a part of an undertaking that I think is of great importance. It is only through real understanding of limitations of disabilities that one can truly unlock a person’s world. As the administrator of a system that’s used by everyone at the university, I am committed to breaking down the barriers that may otherwise prevent someone from having the best possible experience."
"Web accessibility is important to me because it ensures information is usable and opportunities are available to the greatest number of people possible. I opted for IAAP certification so that I can advocate and encourage accessibility practices in my role as an IT professional."
"I see a11y as a basic human right. The moment I saw disability through the lens of the social model, I wanted to be part of the ongoing process of removing barriers that restrict choices of disabled people.
We are all responsible to create societies in which all individuals enjoy their rights to a meaningful societal, political, economic, social, and cultural life.
“The web is a resource to all and must be made available to all. As contributors and developers, it is our responsibility to be sure that the sites we develop and review are accessible. As someone who has worked with individuals with disabilities and has a technical background, I feel it is my duty to use the certification I have attained to ensure accessibility to all who use our sites.”
"There are many reasons I chose to become certified, but here's what I'll tell you. For the past year, I've lived in a retirement community with my mother so I see people with all kinds of disabilities every single day. Because I'm so young, everyone knows me and they always bring their computers to my mom's house. They assume that because I'm young, I must be good with computers, and they're lucky, because I am just good enough with computers!
"Improving the accessibility of information technology is work that makes a difference in people’s lives. Fully participating in modern life requires using technology. It is needed for everyday practicalities such as banking and grocery shopping, for improving one’s prospects by gaining an education, for finding and keeping a job, and for forging and strengthening social and cultural connections. And it turns out that designing for accessibility means improving the experience for all users. It helps us to simplify and clarify, and to reduce cognitive and physical load.
"Accessible websites are of great interest to me as the manager of OIT's Web Development Services group. I want to make sure that we build websites that are usable by everyone. No one should be excluded from accessing the public information that we present on the web. This is especially important since more and more information communication is done via a digital format."
"Accessibility to me means making digital content inclusive to all. Accessibility opens doors that were once closed to people with disabilities."
“As purveyors of information communication technology, it is our responsibility to minimize barriers that might exclude people from using the web."
"The CPACC certification is the perfect addition to my skill set and will allow me to play a key role in ensuring that the digital and physical worlds are barrier-free and accessible to all. I look forward to serve as an accessibility liaison within the McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning.
