Website Accessibility Statement Template

A website accessibility statement is an important public declaration of your brand’s commitment to digital accessibility. In the most basic of terms, the website accessibility statement communicates your organization’s policy on accessibility. 

Additionally, a website accessibility statement is a solid step toward negating the risk of an ADA website lawsuit.

A well-drafted, professionally created website accessibility statement outlines the measures you have taken or are planning to take to ensure conformance with accessibility standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

Purpose and Importance of a Website Accessibility Statement

A website accessibility statement serves several distinct purposes:

  • Transparency: It informs visitors that you are aware of digital accessibility and are taking active steps towards it.
  • User Assistance: The website accessibility statement provides a clear and obvious contact point for users who may be experiencing accessibility issues. This can help people notify you of certain accessibility problems before they escalate to unwanted legal action, such as an ADA website lawsuit.

With typical ADA lawsuit settlement amounts ranging between $5,000 and $20,000 in the United States, it is something best avoided, to say the very least. In addition to the financial implications, it is also worth considering the potential damage to your brand through negative publicity.

Why Choose Our Website Accessibility Statement Template?

We offer a free and customizable website accessibility statement template that simplifies the process of drafting a statement. Our template is specifically designed to cover the most important aspects of your accessibility status, such as website compatibility with browsers, assistive technologies and devices, involvement of third parties for audits, evaluations and training, as well as references to conformance levels, for example, WCAG 2.1 AA.

Our Website Accessibility Statement Template Features

  • Customization Guide: We include a detailed but simple-to-digest guide to help you build a website accessibility statement according to your website’s specific needs and current state of accessibility.
  • Comprehensive Content: Our website accessibility statement template includes all necessary sections, such as the website’s commitment to accessibility, any ongoing efforts that may exist, and full user support information (among others).
  • Available in Multiple Formats: The website accessibility statement template is available in Microsoft Word and PDF formats for ease of use.
Links to Website Accessibility Policy Template Formats

Download Microsoft Word Version

Download PDF Version

Accessibility Policy vs. Website Accessibility Statement

A website accessibility statement is a public-facing document declaring your accessibility commitment. Conversely, an accessibility policy is an internal document that outlines and presents your company or brand rules and procedures for maintaining digital accessibility on your website and guiding accessibility efforts within your organization.

If you are looking for a website accessibility policy template, please visit our dedicated page for more information and download options.

a person standing at a desk next to a laptop taking notes in a notepad

How to Use Our Website Accessibility Statement Template

Using our website accessibility statement template is mercifully straightforward. Just follow these steps to implement it on your website effectively:

  1. Download the Website Accessibility Statement Template: Choose either the Microsoft Word or PDF format above, depending on your preferred document type.
  2. Customize the Statement: Using our customization guide, customize the text to match your specific accessibility goals, ongoing efforts, and organization structure.
  3. Publish on Your Website: Place the accessibility statement template in an easily accessible location, such as your website’s footer.

Website Accessibility Statement | FAQ

1. What is a website accessibility statement? A website accessibility statement is an important declaration that proves your commitment to website accessibility. It often includes information about the accessibility standards being followed, along with any ongoing efforts to maintain accessibility.

2. Why should I have a website accessibility statement? It also helps users understand what measures are being taken to make your website accessible going forward.

3. How do I customize the accessibility statement template? Our easy-to-follow template comes with a detailed customization guide, to help you accurately reflect your business accessibility status, commitment and investment. 

4. What is the difference between an accessibility policy and an accessibility statement? An accessibility policy is an internal document that outlines your procedures for achieving and maintaining accessibility. A website accessibility statement, on the other hand, is a public document that communicates your accessibility efforts and current status to website visitors.

5. Can I use the accessibility statement template without modifying it? While the template provides a comprehensive example, it must be customized to accurately reflect your website’s specific practices and goals. Customizing the statement ensures its relevance to your organization and its users.

Bottom Line

Contact us directly for more details on drafting a website accessibility statement or policy. We offer a full range of resources and services to help organizations follow best practices for ADA compliance.

Kris Rivenburgh

Kris Rivenburgh

Kris Rivenburgh is the founder of Accessible.org, LLC. Kris is an attorney and the author of The ADA Book, the first book on ADA compliance for digital assets. With seven years of experience in digital accessibility and ADA Compliance, Kris advises clients ranging from small businesses to public entities and Fortune 500 companies.