Kevin Donaghy
Graphic Designer (Provisional RGD)
Digital Accessibility Specialist
Objective
Graphic Designer specializing in accessible design, editorial layout, and creative communication for social impact. I bring over a decade of experience working in and alongside non-profit organizations, where I developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges organizations face when it comes to communicating clearly, inclusively, and effectively.
My design practice is informed by a commitment to social justice and accessibility. Whether remediating complex documents for compliance or crafting bold, purpose-driven visual identities, I strive to create high-impact work that reaches the broadest possible audience.
Experience
Accessible Design Specialist
Equi-Access
December 2024 – Present
Co-founder of an accessibility-focused design agency providing accessible graphic design services, document remediation and digital accessibility training.
- Remediation of complex PDF documents to align with compliance requirements outlined in AODA, WCAG 2.0/2.1 (AA), PDF/UA and all other relevant legislation and regulations
- Design and “clean up” of source document files in Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, and InDesign to expedite remediation of documents for accessibility.
- Provide accessibility audits, consultation and training for staff members.
- Test for accessibility, compliance and quality using Acrobt, PAC 2021, PAC 2024, and initiate user testing with NVDA and JAWS.
Document Remediation Specialist
AbleDocs
May 2023 – November 2023
- Responsible for thorough remediation of PDF documents to ensure they were compliant with PDF/UA, WCAG 2.0/2.1 (AA), and met AbleDocs standards.
- Adhere to client-specific requirements for all remediation assignments and any other assigned tasks.
- Test for compliance using a host of remediation tools, including GracklePDF and PAC 2021
- Document all activities accurately within the internal production system and provide regular updates to supervisors on task progress and potential delays.
- Report Quality Control issues to supervisors using file notes and online communication systems.
- Implement requested adjustments and incorporate feedback from supervisors.
Graphic Designer & Creative Consultant
Design by Donaghy
January 2023 – Present
- Provide comprehensive design solutions for clients including reports, infographics and data visualization, online articles, branding, marketing, packaging design and UX/UI.
- Utilize Adobe Creative Suite and other graphic design software to design high-quality digital and print materials.
- Collaborate with executive staff and non-profit board members to align design strategies and fundraising efforts with organizational objectives and priorities.
- Conduct research and environmental scans to identify potential opportunities for collaboration, grant opportunities and additional sources of funding.
- Strong time management skills, highly organized and self-motivated; managing multiple projects concurrently.
Teaching Assistant
Seneca Polytechnic
September 2021 – December 2022
- Attend classes, course meetings and respond to emails from students, instructors and other Teaching Assistants in a prompt and professional manner.
- Available to meet with students one-on-one or in group settings outside of class time — approachable, helpful and familiar with the course content and assignments.
- Flexible availability to meet with students on short notice and as needed.
- Conduct review sessions of student work using Miro.
- Detailed note-taking during each lecture to supplement student notes.
Executive Director
New Leaf Outreach Society
Nanaimo, BC | October 2015 – October 2019
- Develop programs and projects, and draft funding proposals to support them.
- Grant writing, audits and grant reports all completed promptly and effectively.
- Hire staff and terminate employment contracts when necessary.
- Oversee the work of part-time staff, project coordinators and management.
- Event planning, campaign development and the production of campaign materials; facilitating training seminars and workshops, organizing regional and provincial conferences and speaking engagements.
- Financial management in cooperation with the agency bookkeeper.
- Draft press releases, media statements, and other correspondence related to the toxic drug supply and subsequent drug poisoning crisis.
Professional Skills
Accessible Design
- Advanced remediation of PDF documents and cleaning source documents for compliance with WCAG 2.0/2.1 (AA), AODA, ADA and PDF/UA.
- Accessibility audits,testing and development of inclusive communications strategies.
- Training and support in the creation of accessible digital media.
Print Design & Editorial
- Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator (Advanced)
Adobe XD (Strong) - Branding & Visual Identity Development (Advanced)
- Typographic layout and grid structures (Advanced)
Web & Interactive
- Working knowledge of HTML/CSS
- Advanced understanding of WCAG success criteria, semantic HTML elements and web accessibility
- UI/UX design with a primary focus on accessible user experience.
- Research for the development of web-based applications.
Software Skills
Document Remediation for Accessibility
Photoshop
Illustrator
InDesign
Acrobat
PAC 2024
Microsoft Word
Excel
PowerPoint
HTML/CSS
Figma
Adobe XD
Adobe After Effects
Adobe Premiere Pro