The Future of Accessibility Careers

The Year of the Side Hustle

Mantis & Co. Predicts: Most accessibility professionals will have at least one side hustle in 2025. Taking a project or, in some cases, another job is a common occurrence, but we think there will be an increase in the number of projects that require an SME for a finite, specific time. As budgets shrink and organizations look for more creative ways to meet compliance and inclusion needs, this trend is expected to grow.

Poll: What role does a side hustle or freelance work play in your career as an accessibility professional?

It’s my primary source of incomeIt supplements my full time jobI’m considering starting a side-hustle in the futureI prefer focusing solely on my full time role

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Working Smarter, Not Harder

Mantis & Co. Predicts: As burnout continues to be prevalent in the accessibility industry, factors such as doing ‘invisible work,’ helping bosses and leaders get up to speed on accessibility basics, and doing recursive work without notable traction leave accessibility professionals feeling burnt out. In 2025, we think there are opportunities to work smarter, requiring fewer hours.

Poll: What tools or strategies are most effective in helping you work smarter and reduce burnout as an accessibility professional?

Automation tools for testing and compliance (e.g., Axe, Lighthouse)Streamlined collaboration tools for cross-functional teams (e.g., Figma, Jira)Comprehensive training resources to educate stakeholders quicklyClear frameworks and playbooks to standardize accessibility workflows

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The Year of the Underdog

Mantis & Co. Predicts: 2025 will be a year where fresh names in accessibility gain traction, visibility, and credibility. There is a thirst for diversity in perspectives and unique personal stories. As we move into 2025, for many professionals, it is more important than ever to work in service of a mission. We also predict that leading voices in niche markets will become more common.

Pro Skillsets

Mantis & Co. Predicts: There has been significant focus on how digital accessibility job descriptions often lack focus, asking for the kitchen sink and the neighbor’s dog. We predict that in 2025, this trend will continue, underscoring the need for different specialties at different times, depending on organizational maturity, in-house skillsets, and current initiatives.

What’s Out for 2025?

Mantis & Co. Predicts: Loyalty. In a time where shifts, re-orgs, and budget cuts have left people wondering what’s next, it’s also left people disenfranchised and more willing to pick up that side hustle or work with several projects and companies at once. The average accessibility job description has grown into superhuman, multi-tool expectations that don’t reflect reality for most professionals.

Poll: What is the biggest challenge you face as an accessibility professional in 2025?

Navigating re-orgs, budget cuts, and job insecurityBalancing multiple side projects or freelance workFinding side projects or freelance workManaging unrealistic job responsibilities and expectationsFinding roles that align with my skills and goalsSomething else

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Work with Purpose

Mantis & Co. Predicts: Aligning work with mission and purpose is hot for 2025. One of the biggest reasons accessibility practitioners make the move into accessibility is purpose, but beyond the obvious, it feels good to use your talents for good.

Poll: What motivates you most in 2025 as an accessibility professional?

Making a tangible difference in the lives of people with disabilitiesAligning my work with values of inclusion and equityTackling complex challenges to drive innovationAdvancing my career through leadership in a growing field

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