Your accessibility statement is one of the simplest ways to show people you care about providing the best possible online experience. And in a digital world that often overlooks people with disabilities, that small gesture can mean everything. This article explains what a website accessibility statement is, why it matters, and how to write one (with a free template to help you get it right).
In 2024, approximately 4,000 web accessibility-related lawsuits were filed in the United States alone. Most of the targeted businesses weren’t Fortune 500s. They were small and mid-sized companies: e-commerce brands, SaaS startups, agencies, and growing digital platforms. And most of them lacked a clear accessibility statement.
Sure, an accessibility statement won’t make your site compliant on its own. But it shows intent, transparency, and accountability—all of which matters when defending against a lawsuit or securing a procurement deal.
Besides, ignoring accessibility leaves billions in spending power on the table. People with disabilities and their families and friends influence about $13 trillion disposable income globally. If your site shuts them out, your competitors will gladly welcome them in.
In this article, I’ll explain what an accessibility statement is, why it matters, and how to write one (with a free template to help you get it right).
What Is a Website Accessibility Statement?
A website accessibility statement is a public webpage that shares your organization’s commitment to making its website accessible to all users, including people with disabilities. It typically covers:
- The accessibility standards your site aims to meet (like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, or WCAG)
- Any features in place to support accessible browsing, such as keyboard navigation, alt text, or ARIA labels
- Known limitations that might affect certain users,
- Contact details to help users get help or report accessibility issues on your site.
Accessibility statements are especially valuable for people who rely on assistive technologies, such as screen readers like JAWS or NVDA, screen magnifiers, or speech recognition software. These tools help people with disabilities browse the web in non-traditional ways, often by translating digital content into audio, text, or tactile feedback.
However, these tools can’t work properly when parts of a website aren’t fully accessible. As such, a well-written accessibility statement helps users understand what to expect from your site and how to get help when something doesn’t work.
Who Should Publish An Accessibility Statement?
I’ll say “everyone”. Or at least any business with a website that provides services or information to the public. This includes e-commerce stores, software companies, banks and fintech apps, hospitals, schools, government offices, travel and ticketing sites, and streaming platforms—basically, any organization that serves people online.
Publishing an accessibility statement is a legal requirement in several countries and regions, such as:
- The United States: Federal agencies and federally funded organizations must publish accessibility statements under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. The other important web accessibility law in the U.S. (the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA) doesn’t explicitly require an accessibility statement. However, courts increasingly view it as a great way to demonstrate compliance during ADA-related proceedings.
- The European Union (EU): The Web Accessibility Directive requires all public sector websites and mobile apps to publish accessibility statements. From June 28, 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) will extend this requirement to many private-sector businesses offering digital services across the EU.
- Canada: Under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), Ontario businesses with 50+ employees must publish multi-year accessibility plans. These serve a similar function to accessibility statements. The Accessible Canada Act (ACA) applies similar rules to federally regulated industries like banking, telecom, and transportation.
- The United Kingdom: Public sector websites and apps must publish an accessibility statement under the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018. This requirement is not mandatory for private companies, but publishing one is a clear way to show compliance and protect your reputation.
- Israel: Under Israel’s accessibility law (IS 5568), both public and private sector websites must publish a clear accessibility statement. If your site isn’t accessible, users can file lawsuits without needing to prove damages, and courts can impose fines of up to 5,000 NIS.
Why publishing an accessibility statement is non-negotiable for businesses today
An accessibility statement signals that your business takes digital inclusion seriously. It offers clarity for users, accountability for your team, and legal protection for your brand. A strong accessibility statement provides four key benefits:
- Reduces legal risk: As stated earlier, accessibility statements are legally required in many countries. Non-compliance increases your exposure to lawsuits and possible costly legal settlements.
- Expands customer reach: Committing to accessibility opens up your site to the one billion people with disabilities globally. An accessibility statement signals to these users that your site was built for everyone, increasing engagement and conversions.
- Enhances brand reputation: A public accessibility statement is like a customer service promise that you care about everyone’s experience, not just people with disabilities. This differentiates you from competitors and can build long-term trust, loyalty and advocacy among all users.
- Builds transparency and accountability: By outlining your accessibility features, standards (e.g., WCAG 2.1), and limitations, the statement sets clear expectations for users. It also holds your team accountable to maintain and improve accessibility, fostering a culture of continuous improvement in your organization.
How to Write an Accessibility Statement (A Step-by-Step Guide)
Your accessibility statement is not a legal disclaimer or a technical checklist. It should be a clear, public declaration of your site’s current accessibility status and your efforts to improve it.
While individual organizations’ statements may look slightly different, most follow this simple structure (and you can too):
1. State your commitment to digital accessibility
Start with a clear, concise paragraph which affirms your intent to make your digital products accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.
2. Identify the accessibility standards you aim to meet
Most web accessibility laws reference the WCAG 2.1 Level AA. If you operate in different countries, include any region-specific laws (e.g., ADA, AODA, EN 301 549, RGAA, etc).
3. Describe your website's current accessibility status
Be honest about your site’s current compliance level. If some areas are not fully accessible, explain why (e.g., third-party tools, legacy content) and what you’re doing to address them.
4. Include available support services (if any)
Mention any additional support you offer to people with disabilities. This could include things like assistive technology loans, free digital accessibility resources, counseling services, etc. Be specific about what’s available and how users can access it. If you don’t offer any additional services, then it’s okay to omit this section.
5. Provide contact information for user feedback
Let users know how to reach you to report any accessibility issues they experience on your site. Include at least two contact options (email, phone, or feedback form), and ensure someone trained to respond in an accessible manner monitors these channels.
6. Include physical accessibility features (if applicable)
If you serve people in a physical location (like a shop, office, or event space), mention any relevant accessibility features in place. These may include accessible entrances, parking spaces, ramps, elevators, restrooms, or hearing support systems.
Important Tip: Localize your accessibility statement
Write your accessibility statement in the same language as your website. If your site has different language versions—say, English, French, or German—create a separate statement in the corresponding language for each.
Also, if you serve users in different countries, ensure each version reflects the local legal requirements. Why? Because web accessibility laws aren’t the same everywhere. A site serving users in France must align with RGAA standards, while a U.S.-focused site might need to meet ADA or Section 508.
You don’t need to rewrite everything from scratch. Simply use a strong template (we’ve provided a free, customizable one for you below) and adapt it to match the language and legal requirements of each market you serve.
Where to place your accessibility statement
The statement doesn’t need to be long; but it should be accurate, easy to read, and easy to find. You can place it in the following locations:
- Website Footer: Include a link labelled “Accessibility Statement” in the footer of every page, alongside links to privacy policies or terms of service.
- Accessibility Widget: If your site uses an accessibility widget, add a link to the statement within the widget’s menu.
- Mobile menu: Ensure the statement is accessible on mobile devices, possibly through the main menu or a dedicated accessibility section.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing an Accessibility Statement
You might genuinely care about digital inclusion but miss the mark when writing your accessibility statement. So, here are the common pitfalls to watch for and how to avoid them:
1. Overpromising or exaggerating
It might be tempting to say “our site is 100% accessible” or “100% compliant” to reassure users or avoid legal risk. But that’s rarely true, and it’s a risky move. Most websites have some accessibility barriers, whether from legacy content, third-party plugins, or outdated files. Pretending everything works perfectly doesn’t just hurt trust; it opens you up to criticism and possible lawsuits.
Instead of aiming for perfection, be honest and show progress. Acknowledge where you are now and be honest about where you’re still improving. Users (and regulators) respect transparency far more than unrealistic claims.
2. Failing to update the statement
Accessibility isn’t a “set it and forget it” task. A statement you wrote three years ago—and never updated—is almost definitely outdated. Websites change. New content, design updates, or bugs, can all affect accessibility. Leaving an old statement in place sends the wrong message that accessibility is no longer a priority.
To avoid this, review and update your statement regularly—at least once a year or after major site changes. Even a small update with a “last reviewed” date can go a long way in building credibility.
3. Making the statement itself inaccessible
If users can’t find or understand your statement, it’s not accessible. So, keep it easy to locate, ideally in your website footer near your privacy policy. The page itself should follow the same accessibility best practices you apply elsewhere: clear headings, plain language, descriptive links, etc. Also, if possible, offer the statement in alternate formats like PDF or audio.
4. Using vague or generic language
“We’re committed to accessibility” sounds good but says nothing. Generic statements lack detail and leave your users guessing what your actual efforts are. Users with disabilities, in particular, need specifics to trust your site. They want to know exactly what assistive tools your site supports and the kind of experience they can expect. Be specific. Mention the standards you follow (e.g., WCAG 2.1 Level AA), the tools you support (like screen readers or keyboard navigation), and whether you’ve done an audit.
5. Leaving out contact information
No matter how accessible your site is, something might break or not work as expected for a user. If they can’t reach you when that happens, they’re stuck. So, always include a way to report issues, like an email, phone number, or contact form. Better yet, tell users how soon they can expect a response. That small detail goes a long way in showing you’re serious about user experience.
Aim For Transparency. Not Just Compliance.
Your accessibility statement is one of the simplest ways to show people you care about providing the best possible online experience. It says, “We built this website/mobile app with you in mind.” That kind of clarity builds trust. And in a digital world that often overlooks people with disabilities, that small gesture can mean everything.
An accessibility statement also plays an important role in demonstrating compliance with web accessibility laws in many countries. Even where it is not legally required, most digital inclusion advocates, enterprise clients, and regulators view it as a best practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a website accessibility statement?
A website accessibility statement is a webpage that explains an organization’s commitment to being accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. It typically details the accessibility features implemented, known limitations, and how users can report issues or seek assistance.
Do I need an accessibility statement?
You might not be required to have one by law, but many web accessibility experts strongly recommend having one regardless. It shows you take digital inclusion seriously and is a simple way to build trust and reduce legal risks.
What information should be added in an accessibility statement?
An accessibility statement should include:
- Your commitment to accessibility.
- The standards followed (e.g., WCAG 2.1 AA).
- Specific accessibility features (e.g., screen reader compatibility).
- Known issues or limitations.
- Contact details for feedback or support (e.g., email or phone).
- Optionally, details about recent audits or improvement plans.
Is an accessibility statement required by law?
Whether an accessibility statement is required depends on the context. It’s not mandated for private websites in the U.S. under the ADA. But it’s required for federal-funded sites under Section 508 and for public sector sites in the EU. Regardless, having one is widely advised to enhance transparency and support accessibility compliance efforts.
