Web Accessibility Statement Example/Template

(Updated for 2023)

Publishing notice of accessibility is a best practice for ADA compliance (the DOJ has mandated them in settlement agreements).

This notice is most accurately referred to as an accessibility statement rather than a policy, although the two terms have been used interchangeably.

An accessibility statement is basically a condensed version of an accessibility policy. Whereas a policy may be broad for small businesses (and, in effect, the same as a statement), for larger organizations, a policy usually contains more intricate and internal details and formalities such as:

• Project plans and objectives
• Implementation methodology
• Procedures and processes outlines
• Target dates specifications
• Training parameters
• Responsible individuals and departments named
• Penalty and review / maintenance guides

Because these details are largely for internal use, a public-facing statement that summarizes the key takeaways of the policy is the best approach.

Whether your notice is designated as a policy or a statement, it should be prominently linked from the homepage of a website (ideally sitewide). This link is typically featured in the footer.

Outline

Here is a skeleton accessibility statement outline:

1. State your policy generally. This section speaks to your commitment.
2. Invite feedback, particularly if anyone encounters any barriers.
3. Identify the standards you meet/strive to meet.
4. Discuss compatibility and possibly technical limitations.
5. Cover the presence of an accessibility coordinator.
6. Detail who is aware of your policy, who your policy is distributed to.
7. Outline any experts or consultants you have invested in and how they are furthering your accessibility.
8. Touch on your accessibility testing methods.
9. Speak to your organization’s accessibility training and education practices.
10. Talk to your compliance or efforts towards compliance with applicable laws.
11. List out helpful resources.

Important: Do not make claims that are not true.

If you scroll below, I’ve included a brief example template for all of the items above. This is much more thorough than using a generator — my template is based on DOJ private enforcement actions involving website accessibility.

This section guides you through how to write an accessibility statement with a template and corresponding example text.

Note: This is only a limited shell template and many sections can be considered optional. You will need to add content and customize the template to accurately align with your organization’s actions and messaging.

Accessibility Statement Skeleton Template

A. Provide a clear page title/headline.

Kris Rivenburgh.com Web Accessibility Statement

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 optimally 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 regular automated testing and (annual / bi-annual) manual audits and user testing to assess and improve accessibility.

9. Training

KrisRivenburgh.com web content personnel undergo mandatory bi-annual accessibility training.

10. Compliance

Through genuine effort and commitment including testing, audits, 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

A Great Start

The primary objectives of an accessibility statement are to 1) let everyone know that you’re committed to accessibility and 2) provide contact information for support and feedback.

If you can provide for those two items, you have the foundation of a strong accessibility statement.

With those two items in place, it’s a great next step if you can add more details that address the practical accessibility of your digital asset and demonstrate your follow through on your commitment.

If you would like to use my written out, fully customizable accessibility template, you can download it for free from Accessible.org.