How to Write an Accessibility Statement for ADA and WCAG Compliance

Why an Accessibility Statement Matters

An accessibility statement is more than a formality; it is a public commitment to digital inclusion. It informs visitors—especially those with disabilities—about the accessibility of your website, the efforts you have made to meet recognized standards, and the support available if users encounter barriers.

According to a 2024 WebAIM analysis, less than 5% of the world’s top one million websites have an accessibility statement, despite rising litigation and consumer demand for accessibility. A well-crafted statement not only reduces legal risk but also demonstrates your organization's dedication to diversity, equity, and social responsibility.

ADA & WCAG: Legal and Practical Context

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are the primary frameworks that shape accessibility standards for digital content. The ADA, a U.S. law, requires businesses and organizations to provide equal access to their services, including online platforms.

WCAG, developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), is the internationally recognized set of guidelines for making web content more accessible. Most legal settlements in digital accessibility reference WCAG 2.1 Level AA as the minimum standard.

Including a clear accessibility statement is not a direct legal requirement, but it is considered strong evidence of good faith and effort in meeting ADA and WCAG obligations.

Essential Sections of an Accessibility Statement

A robust accessibility statement should be concise, transparent, and tailored to your organization. The following sections are widely recognized as best practice:

• Commitment to Accessibility: Begin by stating your organization's dedication to accessibility and inclusion.
• Standards Applied: Specify which guidelines (such as WCAG 2.1 Level AA) your website aims to comply with.
• Measures Taken: Describe concrete actions and policies implemented to ensure accessibility.
• Known Limitations: Acknowledge areas that may not yet be fully accessible, along with plans for improvement.
• Feedback and Contact Information: Provide a clear way for users to report accessibility issues and request assistance.
• Date of Statement: Indicate when the statement was last updated.

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your Statement

Creating an effective accessibility statement is both an act of compliance and a demonstration of organizational values. Here’s a structured approach:

1. Research Standards and Policies: Review the latest ADA guidance and WCAG recommendations to understand your legal and ethical responsibilities.
2. Evaluate Your Website: Conduct an accessibility audit, either manually or using automated tools, to identify strengths and gaps.
3. Draft Your Statement: Use plain language to explain your commitment, the standards you follow, and the steps you have taken.
4. Be Honest About Limitations: If certain content or features are not yet fully accessible, acknowledge this openly and outline your plans for remediation.
5. Provide Clear Contact Information: Make it easy for users to reach you with feedback or requests, and ensure timely responses.
6. Keep It Updated: Review and revise your statement regularly, especially after major website updates or accessibility improvements.

Examples and Best Practices

Successful accessibility statements are clear, direct, and user-focused. Here is a brief example:

Sample Statement: "Our organization is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone and applying the relevant accessibility standards. Our website aims to conform to WCAG 2.1 Level AA. If you experience difficulty accessing any part of this site, please contact us at accessibility@example.com."

Best practices include using straightforward language, avoiding technical jargon, and making the statement easy to find—usually in the website footer or an “Accessibility” page.

Statistics on Accessibility & Compliance

The following data demonstrates the growing importance of accessibility and the impact of compliance initiatives:

These figures highlight not only the legal risks of poor accessibility but also the opportunity for organizations to lead by example.

Using a Free Accessibility Statement Generator

Writing a tailored accessibility statement can be challenging, especially for small businesses or organizations without dedicated accessibility staff. Our website offers a free accessibility statement generator that streamlines the process.

By answering a few simple questions, you can generate a custom statement that reflects your current level of compliance and commitment to improvement. This tool can save time, ensure you cover all critical sections, and help you stay up to date with evolving standards.

Conclusion

An accessibility statement is a vital part of your digital presence. By following ADA and WCAG guidelines, you not only reduce legal risk but also foster a more inclusive, trustworthy environment for all users.

Use the guidance above, leverage available tools like our free generator, and keep your statement accurate and current. Every step toward accessibility strengthens your organization’s reputation and broadens your reach.

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