Akosua “Kosi” Asabere: W3C WAI Digital Accessibility Specialist Introduction

Greetings,

I’m Akosua Asabere, or Kosi for short, the latest addition to the 
Education and Outreach Working Group at W3C. I’m thrilled about this 
opportunity and look forward to contributing my insights and expertise. 
As I prepare to join the upcoming meetings, I wanted to introduce 
myself.


I joined W3C in November 2023 as a Digital Accessibility Specialist with 
the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) Team. Over the next few months, 
I'll be engaging with various Working Groups and Task Forces, including 
Education and Outreach (EO), Accessibility Guidelines (AG), Accessible 
Rich Internet Applications (ARIA), and Accessible Platforms Architecture 
(APA). My focus will  include education, outreach, and mobile 
accessibility in Africa.

I have a comprehensive background in usability testing, training, 
consulting, and educational outreach. My professional journey has seen 
me in key roles that have sharpened my skills in digital accessibility. 
As a Lead Accessibility Consultant, I played a crucial role in setting 
and integrating global accessibility standards within various business 
operations, including conducting detailed accessibility audits, leading 
training sessions, and aligning design and development practices with 
WCAG 2.1 standards.


In my capacity as an IT Accessibility Specialist, I spearheaded efforts 
to enhance digital accessibility within a major educational institution. 
My role encompassed working collaboratively with web developers and 
designers to address and remediate accessibility issues, as well as 
updating and revitalizing policies and standards related to digital 
accessibility.

I also served as an Accessibility Manager and Assistive Technology & 
Accessibility Specialist at a renowned nonprofit organization, where I 
ensured the accessibility of Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) 
across multiple locations. This role involved drafting and implementing 
accessibility processes and standards, and building relationships with a 
variety of stakeholders in the field of accessibility.

On a personal note, my family hails from Ghana, West Africa, though I 
was primarily raised on the East Coast of the United States and 
currently reside in Philadelphia. My own lived  experience have provided 
me with profound insights into the world of accessibility, reinforcing 
my dedication to creating inclusive digital spaces.

Outside of work, my passions include the arts, where I enjoy attending 
local music festivals and Broadway shows. I also indulge in culinary 
experimentation, crafting unique dishes like my "Kosi Special" pizza, a 
reflection of my love for blending diverse flavors and experiences.

I am eager to bring my blend of professional skills and personal passion 
to W3C WAI, and I look forward to collaborating with you all to advance 
our shared goal of making the web more accessible for everyone.



You can view my profile on the W3C staff page: Kosi Asabere at W3C 
(https://www.w3.org/staff/#kosi).
I would also love to connect with you all on LinkedIn. Feel free to 
visit my LinkedIn p
rofile:
Kosi Asabere on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kosi-asabere)



Warm regards

Akosua “Kosi” Asabere

Received on Friday, 1 December 2023 12:22:59 UTC