How to Write an Accessibility Statement

An accessibility statement is a page on your website that explains your commitment to accessibility, how accessible the site currently is, known limitations, and how people can contact you if they have difficulty. It builds trust and provides a route for feedback. For some organizations, such as public bodies in certain countries, it's a legal requirement. For most small businesses it's optional but good practice.

What it is and isn't

A statement is an honest description. It doesn't make your site accessible, and it doesn't protect you from legal claims if the site has barriers. Never claim full compliance unless you've properly verified it. A false claim can do more harm than none at all.

What to include

1. Your commitment. A short, sincere sentence about wanting everyone to be able to use your site.

2. The standard you aim for. For example, "We aim to meet WCAG 2.2 Level AA." See what changed in WCAG 2.2.

3. Your current status. Say what you know. For example, "We've tested the main pages with a keyboard and a screen reader and fixed the issues we found. Some parts may not yet fully meet the standard."

4. Known limitations. List the areas you know have problems, such as older PDF documents or a third-party booking widget, and what you're doing about them. Offer alternatives, such as the same information by phone or email.

5. How to get help or report problems. Provide at least one simple contact method: an email address, phone number, or form. Say how quickly you aim to reply.

6. Technologies used. Optionally, list the main technologies your site relies on, such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

7. How you assessed accessibility. For example, a self-review, automated tools, user testing, or an external audit.

8. The date. State when the statement was written or last reviewed, and keep it up to date.

A simple outline

Accessibility statement for [Business name] We want everyone to be able to use this website. We aim to meet WCAG 2.2 Level AA. Known issues: [list] Need help? Contact us at [contact details] and we'll aim to respond within [timeframe]. Last reviewed: [date]

Be honest and specific

Vague statements, such as "our site is fully accessible," invite doubt. Specific statements about what you've done and what remains build credibility.

Make the statement itself accessible

Use plain language, headings, and good contrast. See how to write for the web and website accessibility basics.

Where to put it

Link it from the footer of every page, alongside your privacy policy and terms. See privacy policy basics.

Respond to feedback

If someone reports a problem, reply promptly, fix it if you can, and offer another way to get what they need. Keep a log so you can see patterns.

Check your local rules

Some regions have specific requirements for statements, particularly for public sector bodies and certain services. See accessibility laws for small business websites. This is general information and not legal advice.

The bottom line

Be honest about where you are, list known issues, and give people an easy way to reach you. Then keep improving and keep the statement current.