Around 1 in every 5 internet users has a disability that makes accessing online content difficult. So it’s common practice and highly recommended for businesses to include an accessibility statement on their website.
But what exactly is an accessibility statement? What information do you need to include? How do you write one? And where should it be on your website?
Read on to find out as we guide you through the process of writing a kickass accessibility statement…
What is an Accessibility Statement?
A web accessibility statement is an information page on your website that clearly states the level of web accessibility standard to which the website aims to conform.
Often, web content accessibility guidelines, statements and help pages are bundled together, but it is advisable to have a whole page dedicated to your web accessibility statement.
Why Provide an Accessibility Statement?
An accessibility statement signals to website visitors that your business is dedicated to social responsibility and providing equal access to information for everyone. Nobody wants to feel excluded or be treated differently. By providing a comprehensive accessibility statement, you demonstrate to those with disabilities that you see them as valuable website visitors.
Accessibility statements also demonstrate an organization’s commitment to:
Accessibility Laws
Several laws and guidelines stipulate how content should be made accessible so that disabled users are not disadvantaged or discriminated against. There are a few variations in rules for public sector companies versus private entities, and it is each organization’s responsibility to check they comply with:
International Laws – examples include The Americans with Disabilities Act (USA), The Equality Act (UK), The European Accessibility Act (Europe), and The Disability Discrimination Act (AUS).
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Level AA – WCAG AA compliance is legally required for certain websites, and this is the level typically referred to when discussing ‘making a website accessible’.
Brand Reputation
Many modern-day consumers actively look for honesty and transparency in the businesses they frequent. So by openly relaying internal policies and accessibility goals to the public and outlining how you intend to achieve them, you stand to improve your brand reputation.
Continual Improvement
Accessibility statements encourage website users to alert the site owners if and when content is inaccessible to them. This allows organizations to identify areas of their website that are not within current accessibility targets and make plans to resolve those accessibility issues.
What to Include in a web Accessibility Statement?
Writing an awesome accessibility statement needn’t be complicated, although it does need to be checked and updated regularly to reflect further development and any additional changes you’ve made.
We recommend you state clearly:
The level of web accessibility your website currently provides.
A description of available additional accessibility tools.
Any known limitations or areas of the website that are inaccessible.
Contact information for reporting accessibility difficulties
Future accessibility goals and developments
How to create an Accessibility Statement
Most accessibility statements begin with a short intro, expressing an open commitment to providing an accessible website. From there, you simply work through the points listed above, providing the relevant details for each section. Your accessibility statement needn’t be lengthy, so as long as all of these points are covered, you should be on track.
There are, however, some other factors to bear in mind:
Language
Give the page a clear and relevant title.
Use simple language that makes your explanations clear.
If you need to use abbreviations, give a complete definition the first time you use them.
Structure
Use headings properly – an H1 tag should only be used for the title, and H2 – H6 tags for all further headings and subheadings.
Keep sentences and paragraphs short.
Use bullet points or numbered subheadings to break up sections of bulky text.
Ensure the text is aligned to the left.
Provide full descriptions in the copy rather than using any footnotes.
Format
Give all links discernable names.
Use dyslexia-friendly fonts – i.e. sans serif fonts like Arial or Helvetica.
Use a minimum text size of 12.
Provide alt text for all images.
Avoid blocks of capitals or italic text.
Publish in HTML format.
Only use underlining for links.
Need some help getting started? You can access the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) free web accessibility statement generator here.
Where to Place Your Accessibility Statement
Many companies hide their accessibility statements away in a difficult-to-find location on their website, but this is not recommended. Visibility is vital, so your accessibility statement should be included on the footer of every page alongside the links to your privacy policy, security policy, terms of service, etc. This way it is easily accessible, no matter what page your website visitors land on.
How to Test Your Accessibility Statement
As a leader in web accessibility and a company that believes in accessibility for all, Recite Me is currently beta testing a web accessibility checker that covers your whole website, not just your accessibility statement. Between our software and dedicated team, we aim to provide information on the following:
Identify any areas of non-compliance with WCAG 2.1 criteria.
Show you what to fix and how to make the most effective improvements.
Track your improvements over time and manage your fix queue.
Help you share your accessibility report to showcase your continuing commitment to digital inclusion.
What if Your Website Isn’t Accessible Yet?
If you are striving for better online accessibility features and inclusion goals but are not quite there yet, that’s OK. However, we recommend you make adjustments sooner rather than later, and you should still have an accessibility statement on your website. For now, you can simply include:
Your intent and commitment to become accessible – you want your website to be inclusive of everyone, but it’s not yet.
The standards of accessibility you aim to meet in the future – typically explained about WCAG guidelines.
Contact details so people with access needs can reach out for information that is currently inaccessible – phone and email are commonplace, but if you choose to use forms or chat services, do make sure they are accessible versions.
Download Our Digital Inclusion Toolkit to Support ALL Website Visitors!
The Recite Me Digital Inclusion Toolkit has been developed to help businesses make a real difference in people’s lives. Download your copy today to learn more about:
- Disability do’s and don’ts.
- Website design tips for an inclusive website.
- How to write an accessibility statement for your website.
- Inclusive recruitment and workplaces best practices.
- How to provide inclusive communications
