How to Write an Effective Accessibility Statement?

An accessibility statement is a crucial tool for businesses and organisations committed to making their digital platforms inclusive for all users, including those with disabilities. It’s not just a legal requirement under regulations like the UK Equality Act 2010 or Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) but also a signal to your users that accessibility is a priority. A well-crafted accessibility statement ensures transparency, provides useful information, and invites feedback for continuous improvement.

In this blog, we will explore how to create an effective accessibility statement for your website or app.

Start with Your Commitment to Accessibility

The first section of your accessibility statement should clearly express your organisation’s commitment to providing an inclusive digital experience. Use straightforward language to communicate that you are dedicated to making your site accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.

For example, you could say:

“We are committed to ensuring that our website is accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities. We continuously improve our website to meet the highest accessibility standards.”

Reference the Accessibility Standards You Follow

Next, outline the accessibility guidelines and standards your platform adheres to. Most organisations aim to comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, which are internationally recognised standards. Be specific about which level of compliance you meet — whether it’s Level A, AA, or AAA.

For example:

“Our website follows the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, and we strive to meet Level AA compliance across all our digital content.”

Describe the Accessibility Features of Your Platform

In this section, provide a brief overview of the key accessibility features your website or app offers.

This might include:

• Keyboard navigation support for users with mobility impairments

• Compatibility with screen readers for visually impaired users

• Text alternatives for non-text content, such as images and videos

• Adjustments for colour contrast and text resizing

Be concise but specific about the accessibility improvements you’ve implemented.

Acknowledge Known Limitations

Even the most accessible platforms may have limitations. It’s important to be transparent about any areas of your website or app that may still pose challenges for users with disabilities. This can include third-party content or specific interactive elements that are difficult to make fully accessible.

For instance:

“While we strive to ensure our platform is fully accessible, there may be some third-party applications or older content that do not yet meet accessibility standards. We are actively working to resolve these issues.”

Provide Contact Information for Accessibility Feedback

A key part of your accessibility statement is giving users a way to contact you if they encounter accessibility issues. This helps demonstrate that you are open to feedback and committed to continuous improvement.

Make sure to offer multiple ways for users to reach you, such as via email, phone, or a contact form, and specify a contact person or department responsible for addressing accessibility concerns.

For example:

“If you encounter any issues accessing our website or have suggestions for improvement, please contact us at accessibility@company.com or call us at [phone number].”

Outline Your Ongoing Accessibility Efforts

Accessibility is not a one-time effort but a continuous process. It’s beneficial to mention that you are regularly reviewing and updating your platform to maintain and enhance accessibility. You can also note if your team undergoes regular training or if you collaborate with accessibility experts to audit your platform.

For instance:

“We regularly review our website to ensure it complies with current accessibility standards. Our team undergoes training to better understand accessibility best practices, and we engage with external consultants to audit our site periodically.”

Include a Date of Publication and Updates

Finally, it’s a good practice to include the date the statement was published or last updated. This shows that your commitment to accessibility is ongoing and that you take it seriously enough to review and update the statement regularly.

Example:

“This accessibility statement was last updated on [date].”

Conclusion

An effective accessibility statement not only demonstrates your organisation’s commitment to inclusion but also empowers users to engage with your platform confidently. By clearly outlining your adherence to accessibility standards, offering practical contact channels, and acknowledging areas for improvement, you build trust and foster a more inclusive digital environment.

Take the time to craft a thoughtful and transparent accessibility statement, and ensure it is easy to find on your website. Typically, it should be linked in the footer of every page or in the “About Us” section, making it accessible for all users. By doing so, you not only comply with regulations but also show users that accessibility is a core value of your organisation.

For further guidance, consult the WCAG 2.1 guidelines or collaborate with digital accessibility experts to audit and improve your platform.