How to Write an Accessibility Statement

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An accessibility statement is a public-facing document that states your commitment to digital accessibility and inclusion and provides the status on the accessibility of your website, app, content, etc.

Because the Department of Justice (DOJ) has mandated accessibility statements in settlements, it is a best practice for ADA compliance to post a conspicuous accessibility statement.

I have researched several DOJ settlements specific to website and mobile app accessibility and created the following basic template with example text to use as a guide on how to write an accessibility statement.

You can purchase my full template with customizable text on Accessible.org.

Template (Basic)

  1. State your accessibility policy generally. This section speaks to your organizational commitment and may include diversity and inclusion language but should specify including those with disabilities.
  2. Invite feedback and offer support. Provide at least one means of contact (e.g., form, email, phone number).
  3. Identify the technical standards you meet/strive to meet. This will typically be WCAG 2.0 AA or 2.1 AA.
  4. Discuss compatibility and possibly technical limitations. For example, there are known compatibility issues with Microsoft Explorer, list that.
  5. Speak to your accessibility manager or coordinator.
  6. Detail who is aware of your policy, who your policy is distributed to. For example, vendors, contractors, and employees.
  7. Highlight any experts, consultants, courses, or materials you have invested in and how they have impacted your accessibility. This is a written demonstration of your commitment (i.e., you’re not just talking, you’re taking action).
  8. Specify your accessibility testing methods (i.e., automated scans, independent audits, user testing).
  9. Outline your organization’s accessibility training and education practices.
  10. Talk to your compliance and/or efforts towards compliance with applicable laws (e.g., Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 508, AODA, EN 301 549, etc.).
  11. Resources section with helpful links.

Important: Do not make any claims that are not true or do not align with your actions.

Below is a basic example of the template above in action.

You can buy the full, premium version at Accessible.org.

Example (Basic)

1. State your policy

At KrisRivenburgh.com, we’re committed to accessibility. It is our policy to ensure that everyone, including persons with disabilities, has full and equal access to our digital offerings.

2. Invite feedback.

We welcome your feedback on your experience with KrisRivenburgh.com. Email us at accessibility@KrisRivenburgh.com with any questions or comments you have.

3. Identify Standards.

KrisRivenburgh.com strives to conform to the following accessibility standards: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA, PDF/Universal Accessibility (PDF/UA).

4. Compatibility

KrisRivenburgh.com is compatible with most major Internet browsers including Chrome, FireFox, and Safari.

KrisRivenburgh.com may not perform optionally on Internet Explorer and older browser versions.

5. Accessibility Coordinator

KrisRivenburgh.com has appointed a Web Accessibility Coordinator to help meet the objectives in this policy.

6. Distribution

KrisRivenburgh.com distributes this policy to all personnel who work with web content including writers, editors, designers, and developers.

7. Consultant

KrisRivenburgh.com has retained an independent expert consultant to conduct annual audits and testing on KrisRivenburgh.com.

8. Testing

KrisRivenburgh.com engages in automated testing and user testing to asses and improve accessibility.

9. Training

KrisRivenburgh.com web content personnel undergo mandatory quarterly accessibility training.

10. Compliance

Through genuine effort and commitment including testing, evaluations, consulting, and remediation, we believe KrisRivenburgh.com adheres to best practices for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

11. Resources.

For more information on web accessibility and legal requirements, here are helpful resources:

ADA.gov
Section508.gov
Accessible.org
W3.org/WAI

Entity Differences

Your accessibility statement will be adjusted based on multiple factors (e.g., type of digital asset, size of entity, principal location or headquarters, etc.).

For example, for small businesses or sole proprietorships, your accessibility coordinator might be just you and your training may consist of watching YouTube videos.

For a large corporation, there will be an entire accessibility policy with numerous details including departmental responsibilities, deadlines, and program management.

If you need help with creating your accessibility program, plan, policy, or statement, you can email me at kris@accessible.org.