Writing a clear and effective website accessibility statement is essential for organizations aiming to comply with regulations and build trust with all users. A well-crafted statement demonstrates your commitment to inclusivity and enhances your website’s usability for people with disabilities. In this guide, learn step-by-step how to create a meaningful accessibility statement that truly serves your audience.
Understanding the Purpose of an Accessibility Statement
A website accessibility statement is more than just legal boilerplate. Its primary role is to inform visitors about your efforts to make the site accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. By being transparent about accessibility features and limitations, organizations can build credibility, limit legal risks, and show genuine respect for all users’ rights and needs. Clear statements empower visitors to find assistance and foster an environment of continuous improvement.
Key Components of a Website Accessibility Statement Template
To write an effective statement, it’s important to use a proven website accessibility statement template as your foundation. A comprehensive statement typically includes:
- Commitment to Accessibility: Clearly state your organization’s dedication to digital inclusion.
- Standards and Guidelines: Reference the accessibility standards your website aims to meet, such as WCAG 2.1 or Section 508.
- Accessibility Features: List features implemented to improve accessibility, such as alt text, keyboard navigation, or screen reader compatibility.
- Known Limitations: Be honest about areas that are not yet fully accessible, and outline ongoing efforts to resolve these.
- Feedback Mechanism: Provide simple ways for users to report accessibility issues and ask questions.
- Contact Information: Offer clear contact details—such as an email address, form, or phone number.
- Date of Statement: Indicate when the statement was last updated, showing a commitment to review and improvement.
Using this structure helps your organization present information in an organized, user-friendly way, addressing the main concerns of your website’s diverse audience.
How to Communicate Compliance in Your Digital Accessibility Statement
A digital accessibility statement is the place to explicitly detail how your site meets or works towards recognized accessibility standards. Avoid vague language; instead, specify which guidelines your website adheres to. For example: “This website is partially conformant with WCAG 2.1 Level AA.” If your site is still working towards full compliance, outline active steps being taken. Also, share if assessments were done internally or by a third party. Transparency promotes trust while minimizing legal exposure, especially in regions with evolving accessibility laws.
Consider including this language in your statement:
- “We strive to ensure our digital content is accessible to people with disabilities and regularly monitor our compliance with recognized web standards.”
- “Recent audits, user testing, and staff training have guided our ongoing accessibility improvements.”
Always ensure your language is honest, specific, and jargon-free so all users can understand your message.
Best Practices for Writing Inclusive Accessibility Statements
An effective accessibility statement addresses users directly and welcomes engagement. Follow these best practices for clarity and inclusivity:
- Use plain, friendly language: Avoid technical or legal jargon. Your statement should be understandable by everyone, regardless of background.
- Maintain a respectful tone: Show genuine concern for users and a willingness to listen and improve.
- Make navigation simple: Place your statement in a prominent footer link or “About” page for easy discovery.
- Encourage feedback: Reassure users that their input is valued and will lead to meaningful updates.
- Stay up-to-date: Review your statement at least annually, reflecting new initiatives, completed improvements, or changes in accessibility standards in 2025.
- Involve people with disabilities: Consult users with diverse needs during site development and when drafting your statement; this aligns with EEAT’s emphasis on experience and authority.
Following these guidelines sets a tone of openness and proactive care, which both audiences and regulators appreciate.
Providing Contact and Support Information for Accessibility Issues
Perhaps the most critical section of any website accessibility statement is the contact and support information. Your users need quick, barrier-free ways to reach your team if they encounter accessibility challenges. At a minimum, provide:
- Email address: A monitored, dedicated email for accessibility concerns.
- Phone number: Preferably with text relay services for deaf or hard-of-hearing users.
- Online contact form: Simple and accessible, with clear labeling and instructions.
Share your typical response times to manage expectations. Consider offering alternative communication methods, reflecting the diversity of your audience. Making this information highly visible in your digital accessibility statement shows practical commitment to user experience and continuous improvement.
Maintaining and Updating Your Website Accessibility Policy
Your website accessibility policy is not a “set it and forget it” document. Regular reviews are crucial, especially as technology, standards, and user expectations evolve in 2025. Schedule periodic audits and involve your web team, content creators, and actual users in the update process. Each time significant changes are made to your site—such as adding new features or launching redesigns—revisit your statement. Record the latest revision date and list completed or planned accessibility enhancements, documenting your ongoing journey towards comprehensive inclusion. Consistent updates reflect expertise, trustworthiness, and attention to user needs, meeting Google’s EEAT content standards.
FAQs: Website Accessibility Statements
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What is a website accessibility statement?
An accessibility statement is a public document on your website outlining your commitment to accessibility, the standards you follow, features you provide, any limitations, and ways users can get help.
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Why should my website have an accessibility statement?
An accessibility statement fosters trust, demonstrates legal compliance, and encourages valuable feedback from users with disabilities. It shows your dedication to creating an inclusive digital environment.
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How do I make my accessibility statement easy to find?
Link your accessibility statement in your website’s footer, main menu, or on the About page. The link should be labeled clearly and be accessible from every page.
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What should I include in my accessibility statement?
Your statement should cover: your commitment to accessibility, applied standards (like WCAG 2.1), accessible features, known barriers, a process for feedback, contact information, and the last updated date.
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How often should I update my accessibility statement?
Review and update your accessibility statement annually or whenever you make significant website changes to ensure it accurately reflects current accessibility efforts.
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Is an accessibility statement legally required?
Depending on your location and industry, an accessibility statement may be required under laws like Section 508 or the European Accessibility Act. Even when not mandatory, it’s a best practice that can help reduce legal risk.
A clear and effective website accessibility statement fosters transparency, trust, and inclusion. By following these practical steps and keeping your statement up to date, you demonstrate real commitment to every user—setting your website apart as a leader in accessible digital design.