About Robert Jolly

Robert Jolly smiling, wearing glasses and a collared shirt, outdoors with a softly blurred background.I’m Robert Jolly, and I work with State and Local governments, enterprises, and growing tech organizations to build digital experiences that are not just compliant, but genuinely accessible and impactful. With over 25 years immersed in digital product management and design, I’ve seen firsthand how an intentional, inclusive approach leads to better outcomes for everyone. My journey has evolved from integrating accessibility into projects to making it the very core of how organizations can deliver exceptional digital services.

My experience and approach

My career has been dedicated to bridging the gap between complex digital challenges and human-centered solutions. I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with diverse organizations, including significant work with federal agencies like the U.S. General Services Administration’s Technology Transformation Services. There, I co-led the Accessibility Guild and supported numerous federal digital service teams in establishing and scaling their accessibility practices. I also contributed to the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative’s Education and Outreach Working Group, leading the development of critical Web Accessibility Laws and Policies resources.

As a Certified Professional in Web Accessibility (CPWA) and Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), my approach seamlessly integrates strategic accessibility into agile workflows. I champion a user-centered philosophy, drawing rich insights from inclusive research and usability testing conducted with individuals with disabilities. My expertise spans accessibility across web, mobile, and document formats, encompassing practical experience with assistive technologies like screen readers, magnification, voice control, and switch navigation. I also specialize in developing and facilitating role-based accessibility training and authoring Accessibility Conformance Reports (ACRs) in VPAT format.

My ultimate goal is to empower your teams to move from good intentions to decisive action, embedding sustainable accessibility practices that prevent issues before they even arise, fostering both clarity and calm momentum.

What others say

Robert has that rare ability to balance big-picture vision with the practical steps to get there. He navigates the complexities of the federal government with skill and patience, and ensures the right voices are heard. Jenny Richards
Program and Product Strategist

Robert is a special, secret sauce for user experience, design, and accessibility work. Kevin M. Hoffman
Director of Design

You can count on Robert to get things done and done well. He brings a depth of expertise in accessibility and cares deeply about making sure tech works for everyone. Matt Dobson
Product & Portfolio Manager

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more capable, reliable teammate. You’d also be hard-pressed to find someone who is more fiercely dedicated to doing the right thing; I’ve frequently marveled at how Robert combines an extremely calm, patient affect with deep passion for the most human-centered parts of design and product. Mike Gintz
Co-Founder, Digital Public Ventures

The years that Robert Jolly led the services team here at Knowbility were among the most joyful and productive in our 25-year history. He is a brilliant strategist and a compassionate, inspiring team lead or contributor. Sharron Rush
Executive Director, Knowbility

Robert brings a rare blend of strategic thinking, deep empathy for users, and the ability to lead teams through ambiguity, all while staying grounded in mission and public impact. Shawnique Morrison
Product & Strategy Lead

Let’s work together

Whether you’re just starting to build an accessibility foundation or looking to scale an established program, I can help your team create truly inclusive digital experiences that are strategic, impactful, and sustainable.

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