A public statement describing an organization’s commitment to digital accessibility, scope, known gaps, and contact path for assistance.
An accessibility statement is a public declaration of an organization's commitment to digital accessibility, typically published on their website. It outlines the organization's accessibility goals, current compliance status, known limitations, and contact information for accessibility-related inquiries.
Accessibility statements serve multiple purposes: they demonstrate legal compliance with accessibility laws, provide transparency about accessibility efforts, and offer users a way to report accessibility issues or request accommodations. They're often required by accessibility legislation and are considered a best practice for organizations committed to inclusive design.
A well-written accessibility statement should be honest about current limitations while demonstrating ongoing commitment to improvement. It should be easy to find, written in plain language, and provide clear contact information for accessibility concerns.
Writing a comprehensive accessibility statement requires addressing several key components:
Compliance Information: Clearly state which accessibility standards you're working to meet (WCAG 2.1 AA, Section 508, etc.) and your current compliance status.
Scope and Limitations: Describe what parts of your website or digital properties are covered by the statement and any known accessibility barriers.
Ongoing Efforts: Explain your commitment to accessibility, including regular audits, staff training, and improvement processes.
Contact Information: Provide clear ways for users to report accessibility issues or request accommodations, including specific contact details and response timeframes.
Alternative Formats: Offer information about how users can access content in alternative formats if needed.
Legal Compliance: Include any relevant legal compliance information and links to applicable accessibility laws or regulations.
Regular Updates: Commit to regular review and updates of the statement as your accessibility efforts progress and new standards emerge.
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EU legislation requiring accessibility for key products and services. Complements EN 301 549 requirements.
Covers state and local government services, including websites and digital services provided by public entities.
Covers places of public accommodation and commercial facilities, increasingly applied to websites and mobile apps.
Ontario, Canada legislation requiring accessibility compliance for organizations, including WCAG 2.0 Level AA for websites.
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