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An accessibility statement for a website should help people who encounter a barrier. It is a public explanation of your commitment, current limitations and contact route—not a substitute for testing. W3C recommends simple, user-focused language instead of a page filled only with technical or legal declarations.
Describe the actual accessibility position
Name the standard you aim to apply and explain the basis for your statement. If evaluation is limited or work is incomplete, say so honestly. Do not copy a claim of full conformance from another website. A statement can describe commitment and progress without asserting results you have not verified.
Make limitations and help concrete
Describe known barriers in ordinary language, such as videos without captions or a document that is difficult to read with assistive technology. Provide a usable contact method and realistic response expectations. Explain available alternatives without making a user disclose unnecessary medical details just to request accessible information.
Publish and maintain the statement
Make the statement easy to find, for example through a consistently labeled footer link. Include a review date and an owner who can update it as features and findings change. Some jurisdictions require particular content or procedures; obtain qualified advice where needed instead of treating a generic template as universal legal compliance.
A practical checklist
- Use plain language for visitors.
- State the intended standard and evidence honestly.
- Describe known limits and available alternatives.
- Provide an accessible feedback route.
- Assign an owner and review date.
Worked example
Illustrative example: a small business has accessible core pages but two older PDF guides still need remediation. Its statement names the limitation, offers an alternative format through a monitored contact route and records the review date. It does not say the whole site is fully conformant merely because a scan found no issues on the homepage.
Common questions
Is a statement an audit report? No. Can it guarantee accessibility? No; it should reflect evidence and useful help. Is the same wording legally sufficient everywhere? No; requirements depend on the jurisdiction and organization.
What to do next
Write the statement from the visitor’s perspective. Keep it aligned with the current site and make sure requests reach someone who can act on them.
Sources and further reading
Related reading
- The Basics of Digital Accessibility for Website Owners
- Simple Customer Support Processes for a Small Business
Website Accessibility Policy Template: Assign Owners and Review Gates