Accessibility UX Writer, Strategist, & Educator
Experience
Staff UX Writer, Accessibility | Airbnb, Inc
12/2022 – Present
At the intersection of UX Writing, Digital Accessibility, and the Design System teams, I own and drive the content accessibility strategy. This strategy includes: supporting the writers with education and consultation, creating and maintaining system-level writing accessibility guidelines, participating in big bets for the company, and good ol' fashioned UX writing. I collaborate daily with product and design system designers; Android, iOS, and web engineers; Writing and Design managers and directors; localization managers and program managers. Education is a key part of my role, as I conduct the accessible writing onboarding class for all new writers (UX Writing and Marcom).
Staff Content Designer, Accessibility | Twitter, Inc
11/2020 – 11/2022
Led content accessibility efforts and initiatives across three teams: Content Design, Accessibility Experience, and Design Systems. Created the Twitter Content Accessibility Guide in conformance with WCAG 2.0 Level AA. Created curriculum and trained colleagues and students in accessibility best practices. Managed the @TwitterA11y handle to connect with the disability community, build trust, and raise accessibility awareness. Authored voice and tone guidelines for Content Design and Accessibility Experience teams. Provided consultation for content designers, product designers, researchers, engineers, marketing and communications partners, localization partners, and design directors. Reviewed products and features with mobile and desktop assistive technologies. Collaborated across verticals and horizontals to champion accessibility at all levels of the company, and across disciplines.
Owner | Simplify Consulting (self-employed)
01/2020 – Present
Provide digital accessibility and content strategy consulting to businesses and teams.
Accessibility Consultant (SME) | U.S. Bank
02/2019 – 11/2020
Supported designers, developers, copywriters, and business development colleagues with regular and ad hoc consulting and education about digital accessibility best practices, and brand-focused solutions. Contributed to Content and Accessibility Communities of Practice. Collaborated with user experience (UX) peers on accessibility implementation.
Reviewed digital experiences across browsers using TalkBack on Android, VoiceOver on Mac and iOS, and JAWS and NVDA on PC.
Digital Strategist & Accessibility Coordinator | Clockwork
09/26 – 02/2019
Guided clients through the reimagination of their digital presence by using data to tell stories and inform decision-making. Wrote blog content. Led the effort to create accessibility resources, best practices, and process. Clients included Marketplace, Dunn Brothers Coffee, LinkUp, Abbot Downing, City of Minneapolis, and Hamline University.
Copywriter | A. James Writing (self-employed)
02/2008 – 07/2019
Wrote and strategized content for B2B and B2C clients including Nike, Swift, Urban Airship, Portland Parks & Recreation, Nau, Big Giant, Wonderly Software, Alliiance Architects, and City of Minneapolis.
Education
Master's degree: Folklore
University of Oregon, 2005 – 2007
Bachelor's degree: English Literature
Wheaton College (MA), 2000 – 2004
Leadership
Founder & President | Copywriter Conclave of Portland
2011-2017
Accomplishments
Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC)
International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP)
Greatest Female Athlete in 25-Year History of Women’s NCAA Div III Track & Field
As voted by NCAA Division III Track & Field in 2010
NCAA National Champion & All-American
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17-time National Champion
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24-time All-American