How To Create an Accessibility Statement That Actually Means Something
An accessibility statement shouldn’t be a checkbox. It’s your organization’s public promise to make your digital experiences usable by everyone - including people with disabilities. Yet, many companies treat it as boilerplate text buried in a footer. Let’s fix that.
Here’s how to create an accessibility statement that genuinely reflects your commitment, aligns with recognized accessibility standards, and builds trust with every visitor.
Why Accessibility Statements Matter
An accessibility statement is both a legal and ethical safeguard. It communicates transparency-showing users that you’re aware of potential barriers and working to remove them.
It also signals compliance with accessibility standards such as:
WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines): the global benchmark for digital accessibility.
ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act): in the U.S., websites and apps must be ADA compliant under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
EN 301 549 or other regional standards, depending on your market.
Even if your website isn’t fully compliant yet, an honest, structured statement can show that you’re on the path - which matters to users and regulators alike.
What To Include in a Meaningful Accessibility Statement
Think of your statement as a roadmap, not a trophy. Here’s what to include:
1. Your Commitment (The “Why”)
Explain why accessibility matters to your organization - link it to your mission or brand values.
“We believe everyone should be able to access the information and services on our website, regardless of ability or technology.”
2. The Standards You Follow
Specify which accessibility standards your site aims to meet-typically WCAG 2.1 Level AA, which aligns with ADA requirements.
“Our goal is to conform with WCAG 2.1 Level AA to ensure our website meets recognized accessibility standards and is ADA compliant.”
3. The Actions You’ve Taken
List tangible steps you’ve implemented - like regular audits, color contrast checks, or accessible form design.
“We’ve reviewed our navigation, text alternatives, and form labels to improve usability for screen reader and keyboard users.”
4. Known Limitations or Areas of Ongoing Improvement
Transparency builds credibility.
“While we strive for full compliance, some legacy documents and third-party widgets may not yet meet accessibility requirements. We’re working to resolve these issues.”
5. Feedback and Contact Information
Provide an easy way for users to report barriers.
“If you encounter accessibility challenges, please contact us at accessibility@yourdomain.com. We aim to respond within two business days.”
6. Date and Review Schedule
Accessibility evolves. Show users you’ll keep your statement current.
“This statement was last reviewed in October 2025 and will be updated quarterly.”
Example Framework (Short and Honest)
Here’s a compact accessibility statement example you can adapt:
Accessibility Statement
We’re committed to ensuring our website is accessible to everyone. Our goal is to comply with WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
We regularly test our pages using automated tools and manual reviews to identify and fix issues. Some older content or third-party components may not yet meet all guidelines, but we’re continuously improving.
If you experience difficulty accessing any content, please email us at accessibility@yourdomain.com so we can help.
Last updated: October 2025.
This example keeps things human, clear, and actionable-no empty promises.
Making It More Than Words
Once your accessibility statement is live, back it up with measurable action.
Audit regularly: Use automated and manual testing tools (like Wally’s Accessibility Audit Solutions) to monitor progress.
Train your team: Designers, developers, and content writers should understand how to maintain compliance.
Integrate accessibility into workflows: Make accessibility reviews part of design sprints and QA cycles.
How Wally Can Help
Writing the statement is step one-living it is where many organizations need help.
That’s where Wally’s Accessibility Consultancy comes in.
Our team helps organizations:
Draft accessibility statements that align with WCAG, ADA compliance, and global accessibility standards.
Conduct detailed audits and remediation plans.
Train teams to maintain long-term accessibility compliance.
Implement scalable website accessibility solutions for sustainable, automated testing.
Ready to turn your accessibility promise into a practice?
Book a consultation with Wally to create an accessibility statement that’s more than a formality - it’s your public commitment to inclusion.
