Web Accessibility Statement Best Practices
In recent years, a lot of online businesses and site owners have started to put a greater emphasis on web accessibility, ensuring that their content is accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities.
One particular aspect of demonstrating commitment to this principle is providing a concise and clear website accessibility statement on your website. Here in this article, we’re going to talk about the importance of web accessibility and provide a solid website accessibility policy template.
What Is an Accessibility Statement?
Accessibility statements are a formal declaration on a website or web application that highlight the company’s commitment to inclusive web design and compliance with commonly accepted accessibility standards.
Every website owner should have an accessibility policy. It serves as a transparent and accountable way to communicate the efforts made to eliminate barriers and provide equal access to information for all users.
What Goes Into an Accessibility Statement?
If you’re not sure how to write an accessibility statement, here’s a quick guide that ought to help. Basically, you just need to provide comprehensive information regarding your website's commitment to accessibility.
Here’s what to include in an accessibility statement:
- A clear declaration of commitment to accessibility goals and compliance with commonly recognized web accessibility policy and guidelines (e.g., WCAG 2.1)
- Contact information for individuals who may encounter accessibility issues or need further assistance
- Details about your company’s ongoing efforts to improve accessibility, such as regular audits, user testing, and staff training
- Information on the accessibility features available on your website, including alternative text for images, keyboard navigation support, etc.
- Instructions for requesting accessible content or reporting accessibility barriers
ADA Website Accessibility Statement
ADA stands for The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. It is a document that outlines the basic accessibility requirements in various areas of life, including websites. Needless to say, every respectable website owner should have an ADA compliance statement placed on their website.
A solid ADA accessibility statement example (like this one) has the following structure:
- A clear and concise introduction that highlights your company’s dedication to accessibility for all individuals, regardless of their disabilities
- Commitment to accessibility
- ADA compliance (this is where you state that your website has been designed and structured to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities)
- Specific accessibility features and tools – describe the accessibility features and tools incorporated into your website or platforms
- Voluntary compliance (something that you do that goes beyond compliance requirements)
- Contact information (phone number, email address, etc.)
- Legal disclaimer
- Date and revision information
AODA Website Accessibility Statement
AODA stands for The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act of 2005. This act is in a lot of ways similar to its US counterpart ADA, although many would agree that AODA goes a bit further and is more proactive in certain parts.
A solid AODA compliance statement features all the same points as the ones we’ve mentioned in the previous section. For a good AODA accessibility statement example, you can refer to the official AODA guidelines.
Why Is It Important to Have a Website Accessibility Statement?
Having a robust accessibility statement is important for a number of reasons:
- Legal compliance
In many jurisdictions (including the United States), websites are required to be accessible. An accessibility statement demonstrates a proactive approach towards compliance.
- Public image
Displaying a commitment to accessibility can enhance your brand's reputation and demonstrate social responsibility.
- User empowerment
An accessibility statement empowers individuals with disabilities by providing information about accessibility features and support options. It promotes inclusivity by ensuring all users can navigate and consume website content seamlessly.
Benefits of a Web Accessibility Statement
Creating a web accessibility statement offers several benefits:
- Avoiding legal issues
A clear accessibility statement demonstrates your organization's intention to adhere to accessibility standards and can reduce the risk of litigation.
- Improved user experience
By addressing barriers, you enhance the user experience for all visitors, irrespective of their abilities.
- SEO benefits
An accessible website tends to have well-structured code and content, leading to improved search engine optimization (SEO) and greater visibility in search engine results.
- Appealing to a wider range of potential clients
A website that is accessible to everyone opens the doors to a larger audience, including individuals with disabilities, older adults, and those relying on assistive technologies.
Web Accessibility Statement Best Practices
The best practices for writing a web accessibility statement include:
- Full compliance with current legislation and official requirements
- Simple, concise language and phrasing
- The statement has to be easily accessible itself
Example of the Website Accessibility Statement
Here’s a good accessibility statement example, courtesy of Zwebra specialists. You can use it as a foundation for your own statement.
Where to Put an Accessibility Statement
As a rule, most website owners place the link to their accessibility statement in the footer – it’s easier to find there and can be accessed from virtually any section of the website.
What If Our Website Isn't Accessible Yet? Should We Still Publish A Statement?
Well, technically no, since the website accessibility statement says that your website is indeed already accessible. However, you can post a message saying your website is currently being worked on in order to make it fully accessible in the nearest future, which brings us nicely into the next (and final) paragraph.
Web Accessibility Services by Zwebra
If your website is not fully accessible yet and you feel like it could use some improvement, we are the people to talk to. Zwebra is a professional web development and digital marketing agency that offers web accessibility services to organizations and online business owners.
We specialize in accessible website design and can perform the web accessibility audit of your website. As a result, you will get a report with the list of required changes to make your website comply with ADA, AODA and WCAG 2.1 accessibility standards.
