How Accessibility Statements Show a Commitment to Inclusion

People worldwide—including many of the more than one billion people globally living with disabilities—use the web to participate meaningfully in modern society. Everyone needs equitable access to usable websites, apps, and platforms. If you’ve made a concerted effort to integrate digital accessibility, that’s a significant step toward fulfilling this need. But customers won’t necessarily recognize your behind-the-scenes efforts just by landing on your home page. That’s where an accessibility statement comes in.

This blog helps explain what an accessibility statement is and why it’s important: both from a legal perspective, and for engaging with and earning trust from people with disabilities. Let’s start with a basic definition.

What is an accessibility statement?

An accessibility statement is a document that publicly communicates what an organization is doing to provide digital products, services, and content that are accessible to people with disabilities. It may also capture organizational policies and goals related to accessibility and document progress made.

What should a web accessibility statement include?

An accessibility statement should be as thorough as possible, including any relevant details on the accessibility status of your website. The list below offers an overview of what information to provide in your statement:

• A complete list of accessibility laws and standards your organization adheres to, such as the, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)

• Ways you’ve incorporated accessibility into your website, such as descriptive title attributes for all links or adding “skip to content” links on every web page

• All known accessibility issues and limitations. For instance, your accessibility efforts may still be in the evaluation stage and not fully implemented. Providing this information shows you’re aware of obstacles and committed to removing them

• Any pertinent certifications

• Contact information for reporting accessibility issues

• Ways users can customize the site, such as font resizing or color-contrast adjustment

• The assistive technologies compatible with your site, such as screen-reading software

• How your site can be used effectively on mobile devices

• Instructions for how visitors can download and use any available accessibility software or apps provided by your organization

• Links to other accessibility-related resources you’ve produced, such as product accessibility information, FAQs, etc.

• External links to informational resources about web accessibility from third-party experts in case visitors want to learn more

The legal importance of an accessibility statement

Now that we’ve covered what an accessibility statement may include, let’s explore its role in showing compliance with critical civil rights laws, like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.

In some cases, a published accessibility statement may be necessary to comply with legislation. For instance, businesses that request a listing with the U.S. federal government’s Vendor Accessibility Resource Center are asked to supply a link to their online accessibility statement concerning Section 508. In Canada, organizations covered under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) must publish a policy document outlining their commitment to accessibility and ensure that this policy is publicly available and accessible.

An accessibility statement is also required for compliance with the European Accessibility Act (EAA), and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has required publication of an accessibility statement in ADA Title III settlements.

For many organizations, meeting legal requirements may be a primary goal of posting an accessibility statement. However, this document also represents a prime opportunity to engage current and potential customers with disabilities by spotlighting information that’s relevant to their needs. We’ll dive into this benefit in the next section.

How do web accessibility statements engage users with disabilities?

An accessibility statement can help your organization gain favor with people with disabilities by showing you’re committed to providing an inclusive user experience. Conveying this commitment can instill trust, increase engagement, and strengthen customer loyalty.

When a person with a disability takes the time to read your accessibility statement, it’s likely because they have immediate questions about how to use your website without barriers. For example, how can they access help services or general information? Or how can they contact customer service to report a problem?

If your accessibility statement successfully addresses these questions, customers with disabilities are more likely to have a positive experience with your brand.

Tips for crafting an effective accessibility statement

It’s clear that an effective accessibility statement is both a legal best practice and an asset to your business. So, how do you maximize the impact of this document for your organization? Here are some tips for making your statement robust and relevant:

1. Make your accessibility statement link easy to find: Organizations often link out to accessibility statements from the website footer, but you may choose to place this link on your home page for higher visibility.

2. Ensure your statement is descriptive: Use thorough, explanatory language, and don’t leave out any relevant details. Some accessibility statements are brief and only cover a few legislative references. When you go beyond these essential elements, however, you assure customers with disabilities you’re dedicated to providing them with an equitable online experience.

3. Keep your accessibility statement updated: The information in your statement should be revised whenever you improve the accessibility of your site or services, or major updates are made to assistive technologies or accessibility legislation.

Craft an impactful accessibility statement with expert support

A web accessibility statement shows your commitment to providing an inclusive user experience and adhering to applicable laws and standards. Enlisting support from a third-party expert like Level Access can help ensure yours is detailed and accurate. Contact us to find out more today.

FAQ

Why do I need an accessibility statement?

Accessibility statements are essential because they:
1. Show your users that you care about accessibility and about them
2. Offer detailed information concerning your content accessibility
3. Convey a commitment to accessibility and social responsibility

How often should an accessibility statement be updated?

You should review and update your accessibility statement at least once annually or when you make substantial website revisions.

What’s the difference between an accessibility statement and a policy?

A web accessibility statement publicly proclaims your dedication to web accessibility. A web accessibility policy governs your internal strategies and protocol.