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Alicia Jarvis
Senior Digital Accessibility Specialist at Scotiabank, Digital Inclusion Researcher & Strategist, Inclusive Designer
Professional Background
Alicia Jarvis is a pioneering force in the realm of digital accessibility, recognized for her innovative solutions and positive perspective within an industry that often grapples with conformity and restrictions. Serving as the Senior Digital Accessibility Specialist at Scotiabank Digital Factory, Alicia embodies a commitment to enhancing user experiences, ensuring that all individuals have equitable access to digital content. Over the years, she has cultivated an impressive career trajectory that includes notable positions such as Inclusive Design Practice Lead at RBC, where she utilized her expertise to integrate user-focused strategies into business objectives. With a combination of technical skills and a nuanced understanding of user needs, Alicia has proven adept at bridging the gap between organizational goals and universal usability.
Education and Achievements
Alicia's educational background is as diverse as her professional journey. She has enhanced her expertise by completing several specialized programs including the Ontario Security Guard Certification Program at Iron Horse Security Academy and various courses at Deque University that focus on accessibility and customer service for individuals with disabilities. The combination of academic training in Criminology, obtained with Honours from York University, and practical knowledge, such as being certified as a Scrum Master from Daily Agile, equips Alicia with a unique blend of skills that she applies to her work. Additionally, her certification as a Law Clerk from Humber College demonstrates her analytical and technical abilities, further contributing to her success in understanding regulatory compliance, which is crucial in the field of digital accessibility.
Alicia's dedication to education also extends to grassroots organizing, as evidenced by her participation in the ArtREACH G.O.A.L Youth Workshop Series. This involvement showcases her commitment to empowering others and fostering community engagement, which strongly aligns with her career aspirations in inclusivity and accessibility.
Notable Achievements
Throughout her career, Alicia has made significant contributions to the accessibility space. One of her most impactful roles was as the Accessibility Consultant at AccessAbility Advantage, where she helped organizations create environments that cater to diverse user groups. Her work at LetsStopAIDS as the Peer Education Coordinator highlighted her ability to engage young people in critical discussions surrounding health and accessibility, bridging gaps in understanding within the community.
Moreover, Alicia has consistently demonstrated leadership capabilities as the Director of Programmes at LetsStopAIDS, where she led initiatives that not only educated individuals but also cultivated skills necessary for their personal and professional development. Her foundational role as a QA Analyst and IT Accessibility Consultant at RBC underlines her proficiency in quality assurance processes and her deep understanding of the technology that underpins digital accessibility.
Alicia's rich tapestry of experiences culminates in her ongoing commitment to inclusivity, helping organizations adapt and thrive in a world that necessitates accessible design. Her passion for universal usability inspires her colleagues and clients alike, as she continually seeks to create environments where everyone has the opportunity to engage fully and meaningfully.
By embodying the synthesis of technology, empathy, and design thinking, Alicia Jarvis not only influences corporate policies and practices throughout the tech landscape but also inspires a generation to prioritize both functionality and empathy in digital design and service delivery.
