How to Write an Accessibility Statement
There’s no one correct way to write an accessibility statement unless required by law. However, two essential sections should be included in every statement. Since accessibility statements can have legal implications, and your organization’s policies and current accessibility status may affect the content, it’s advisable to consult with your attorney on the wording.
In this guide, we’ll cover a general framework for an accessibility statement along with a few additional sections to consider adding.
Essentials
The two absolutes that should be included in every accessibility statement are a statement of commitment and one or more methods of contact for feedback or support.
Statement of Commitment
A statement of commitment simply states that your organization is committed to accessibility and is a strong starting point for your document. Here’s an example:
“[Company Name] is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience to everyone, including those with disabilities.”
Support
A good follow-up to your commitment is to offer support specifically for accessibility-related inquiries. This section can be especially useful if users experience any difficulty with access.
Your support section can also be complemented with an invitation for accessibility feedback.
Here, you’ll want to at least provide an email address for contact, but adding multiple forms of support including contact form, phone number, or another method of contact is encouraged where feasible.
Importantly, all contact methods should be live which means they are regularly checked and users should receive a reply within a reasonable amount of time.
Optional Sections
There are many other sections you can include in an accessibility statement. Typically, the more advanced your organization is with accessibility, more sections you will include. Many can showcase your efforts and investment.
Let’s go over several options to bolster your statement.
Technology and Compatibility
One section where you can immediately help users is by stating the technologies used on your website and any known compatibility considerations. This helps users understand where they may encounter an issue simply to compatibility issues.
For example, if users are still relying upon an older version of Microsoft Explorer browser while using an iPad, this can produce accessibility issues so you may want to include this note in your statement.
Similarly, if you have come across any other technology combinations that can result in different experience, it’s nice to include these in your statement.
Expertise
Another optional section is to include any expertise that you’ve sourced to enhance the accessibility of your digital experiences. Here you’ll highlight any audits or partnerships with accessibility consultants.
You can word this positively to emphasize and demonstrate your commitment while also relaying improvements in your accessibility that have resulted from the investment.
Evaluation
A related section on your evaluation methodology can be used to supplement your expertise investment. Here you can discuss the different methodologies used to ensure an accessible experience:
- Automated scans
- Audits
- User testing
- Reviews
You can also note the frequency of evaluation so readers are aware that you are continually addressing accessibility on an ongoing basis.
For example, “Our website is audited annually by technical accessibility experts.”
Training
A section on training can also underscore just how seriously your organization takes accessibility. This can be a quick add-on that tells your audience that your team is educated on accessibility and continually improving. For example:
“Our entire digital team and contractors undergo mandatory accessibility training on a bi-annual basis.”
Standards
You may also wish to include a section that informs users on what level of accessibility they can expect from your website.
For example, you might state that your organization strives to be WCAG 2.0 AA, 2.1 AA, or 2.2 AA conformant across web and mobile app digital experiences.
Note that you do not want to overstate or commit to any level of accessibility that you can’t meet.
Resources
Provide links to external resources on accessibility to assist users and highlight resources that have helped guide your organization’s accessibility efforts. Examples include:
Other Sections
Your organization may also consider sections on compliance and known issues. Again, whether or not you include these sections depends on the advice of your counsel and organizational outlook on accessibility and compliance.
Compliance
If your organization is required to comply with accessibility laws, and you meet those requirements, you may choose to include a compliance section. For instance:
“We are committed to equal access and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Through our investments in accessibility, we believe we not only meet but exceed ADA requirements.”
Known Issues
Disclosing any known accessibility issues can be useful for users. However, this comes with potential legal risks, especially in litigious environments like the U.S. For example:
“We rely on an external vendor for our cookie policy banner. Currently, the banner’s text-to-background color contrast is 4.25:1, which is slightly below the 4.5:1 threshold recommended by WCAG 1.4.3.”
Summary
Writing an accessibility statement is relatively simple and offers valuable information to users by outlining your organization’s accessibility efforts and providing contact options. Given the potential legal implications, it’s recommended to consult your legal counsel to ensure the statement’s content and wording meet your organization’s requirements.
Related Reads
- Accessibility Statement Generator by DigitalA11Y
- How to Fill Out a VPAT?
- Creating an Accessibility Audit Report Template
- Accessibility Statement Generators Roundup
