What is an Accessibility Statement?
An accessibility statement is a dedicated public document published on a website that transparently communicates the site's current accessibility level, acknowledges known accessibility issues, and provides clear contact information for users to report problems or request access assistant. This document serves as a bridge between organizations and users with disabilities, demonstrating commitment to digital inclusion and accessibility compliance.
For example, a typical accessibility statement might declare: "Our website aims to conform to WCAG 2.1 AA standards. We have identified that some PDF documents lack proper structure, and we are working to remediate these by March 2024. Contact us at info@accesstive.com for assistance."
Legal Requirements and Compliance Standards
In many jurisdictions, accessibility statements are not just best practice, they're legally mandated. The UK Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations require specific information and templates in accessibility statements. Similarly, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the US and Germany's BFSG (Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz) influence accessibility documentation requirements.
These statements must typically include conformance status with WCAG guidelines, known accessibility issues, alternative accessible formats available, and enforcement procedures. The European EN 301 549 standard also references accessibility statements as part of comprehensive accessibility compliance.
Importance in Digital Accessibility
Accessibility statements play a crucial role in web accessibility by:
- Establishing transparency about accessibility efforts and limitations
- Providing users with disability-related information before they encounter barriers
- Demonstrating good faith efforts toward ADA and WCAG compliance
- Creating accountability through public commitment to accessibility improvements
- Offering alternative contact methods for users who cannot access certain content
- Supporting legal compliance and reducing litigation risk
Implementation Best Practices
When creating accessibility statements for web platforms, CMS systems, or UI/UX projects, consider these practical approaches:
- Easy Discovery: Link to your accessibility statement from every page footer and main navigation
- Plain Language: Write in clear, jargon-free language that all users can understand
- Regular Updates: Review and update quarterly to reflect current accessibility status
- Specific Details: Include exact WCAG version and conformance level (e.g., "WCAG 2.1 AA")
- Contact Methods: Provide multiple ways to report issues (email, phone, online form)
- Response Commitment: State realistic timeframes for addressing accessibility feedback
For CMS platforms like WordPress or Drupal, consider using accessibility statement plugins that auto-generate compliant templates while allowing customization for specific organizational needs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Organizations frequently make these accessibility statement errors:
- Generic Templates: Using boilerplate text without customizing for actual site conditions
- Outdated Information: Failing to update statements after site changes or remediation efforts
- Overstating Compliance: Claiming full WCAG compliance without proper testing and validation
- Inaccessible Statements: Creating accessibility statements that themselves have accessibility barriers
- Missing Contact Information: Omitting clear ways for users to report problems or request help
- Legal Jargon: Using complex legal language instead of user-friendly explanations
Key Takeaway and Best Practice
The most effective accessibility statements balance transparency with commitment. Rather than claiming perfect accessibility compliance, focus on honest assessment of your current state, clear acknowledgment of known issues, and concrete plans for improvement. This approach builds user trust while supporting legal compliance requirements across various jurisdictions.
Remember: an accessibility statement is a living document that should evolve with your website and accessibility efforts, serving as both a compliance tool and a demonstration of your organization's commitment to digital inclusion for all users.