How do I write an accessibility statement?

A public-facing web accessibility statement formally declares your company’s commitment to making your website and digital content accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. It communicates your organization’s dedication to complying with accessibility standards and regulations, outlines the measures taken to achieve web accessibility, and provides users with information on how to report accessibility issues or seek assistance.

Here are some key components to include in a comprehensive public-facing web accessibility statement:

Statement of Commitment

Begin with a clear and concise statement of the organization’s commitment to web accessibility. Emphasize the company’s dedication to ensuring equal access and usability for all users.

Applicable Standards

Specify the accessibility standards to which the organization adheres. These typically include internationally recognized guidelines, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 or 2.1 at a specific conformance level (e.g., Level AA).

Scope and Application

Clarify the scope of the statement and its application to all digital content and services offered by the organization, including websites, web applications, mobile apps, multimedia content, and other digital offerings.

Disclose the use of third-party elements where accessibility might be outside of your control. 

Responsibility and Accountability

Identify the roles and responsibilities within the organization for implementing and maintaining web accessibility. Read more on who should be your accessibility advocate.

Accessibility Features and Accommodations

Describe the accessibility features and accommodations provided to ensure equal access to digital content and services. Include information about keyboard navigation, alternative text for images, captions for multimedia, focus indicators, and other relevant accessibility enhancements.

Ongoing Improvement

Emphasize the organization’s commitment to continuous improvement in web accessibility. Highlight that accessibility efforts will be regularly monitored, evaluated, and updated to ensure compliance with evolving accessibility standards and best practices. Tip: Log entries are a great way to see and document what you have worked on.

Training and Awareness

Describe the organization’s efforts to train employees and stakeholders on web accessibility. This training can help raise awareness and ensure that digital content creators and developers understand the importance of accessibility. Tip: Accessible Web offers bundled courses for every role (also included in our Pro+ RAMP plan).

Accessibility Testing and Audits

Explain the process of conducting regular accessibility testing and audits to identify and address accessibility barriers. This may involve using automated testing tools, manual testing, and engaging individuals with disabilities in user testing.

Feedback and Reporting

Provide clear instructions on how users can report accessibility issues or provide feedback related to web accessibility. Include contact information, such as an email address or phone number, for handling accessibility-related inquiries. 

Timeline and Implementation Plan

If applicable, include a timeline or implementation plan detailing the organization’s approach to achieving full web accessibility compliance. This demonstrates a proactive approach to accessibility.

Accessibility Conformance Statement

If available, include an Accessibility Conformance Statement detailing the level of compliance achieved with the chosen accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG conformance level AA). 

Review and Updates

Specify the review frequency for the accessibility statement and indicate that the statement will be updated as needed to reflect any changes in accessibility practices or regulations.