Why Do Businesses Use ADA Accessibility Statements?

An accessibility statement serves as a public declaration of a business' commitment to digital inclusion. It signals to users, regulators, and legal entities that your organization is proactive about ensuring its digital platforms are complaint with the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA"), and usable by everyone including individuals with disabilities.

This document is not a legal disclaimer. It is a communication tool that bridges the gap between your technical compliance efforts and the user experience. A clear accessibility statement fosters trust, mitigates inaccessibility risk, and broadens market reach.

The Purpose of an Accessibility Statement

The primary purpose of an accessibility statement is to articulate an organization's policy, goals, and accomplishments regarding web accessibility. It demonstrates transparency and provides a mechanism for feedback, which is critical for ongoing improvement.

Demonstrating Legal and Ethical Commitment

From a legal perspective, an accessibility statement is a key component of risk management. In jurisdictions like the United States, where the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to many digital spaces, or in the European Union under the European Accessibility Act (EAA), demonstrating a commitment to compliance is good buisiness.

While a statement alone does not immunize a business from accessibility issues, it provides evidence of good faith efforts. It establishes that accessibility is an ongoing priority rather than an afterthought.

Enhancing Brand Reputation and Trust

Consumers prioritize ethical business practices. An accessibility statement validates a brand's values by showing that it cares about all customers, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities. It transforms abstract corporate social responsibility goals into tangible actions. When users see a visible link to an accessibility statement, they recognize a brand that values inclusivity.

Providing a Feedback Mechanism

No website is perfectly accessible to all people at all times. Technology evolves, content is updated, and automated tools may miss nuanced barriers. An accessibility statement provides a dedicated channel for users to report issues.

If a customer cannot complete a purchase due to a screen reader incompatibility, the accessibility statement tells them exactly who to contact for assistance. This means of recourse can prevent a lost sale and turn a potentially negative experience into a positive customer service interaction.

What an Accessibility Statement Should Communicate

To be effective, an accessibility statement must be clear, concise, and informative. It should avoid vague promises and instead focus on concrete standards and procedures. A robust statement typically includes the following core elements:

1. A Commitment to Accessibility

The statement must begin with a clear declaration of the organization's commitment to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities. This section sets the tone and scope. It should state that the organization is dedicated to applying relevant accessibility standards to ensure a seamless user experience.

Example:"[Company Name] 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."

2. The Standard of Compliance

You should specify the technical standard your website aims to meet. The globally recognized standard is the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).

The statement should identify the specific version (e.g., WCAG 2.1 or 2.2) and the conformance level (Level A, AA, or AAA). For many commercial entities, WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the target standard referenced in legal settlements and legislation.

3. Contact Information

This is an important functional element of the statement. A website must provide a way for users to request assistance or report accessibility barriers.

• Email address: (e.g., accessibility@company.com); and/or

• Phone number: Ideally a direct line to someone trained in assistive technology support.

Ensure that the contact method itself is accessible. For example, do not require a CAPTCHA to send an email, as this can be a barrier for visually impaired users.

Best Practices for Implementation

Proper implementation ensures that the statement serves its intended purpose.

• Visibility: The link to the accessibility statement should be placed prominently in the website footer, available on every page. It is standard convention to label this link "Accessibility" or "Accessibility Statement."

• Readability: The statement itself must be accessible. It should be written in plain language, use high-contrast text, and be navigable by keyboard and screen readers.

  
  

Operationalizing Inclusion

An accessibility statement is the public face of a website's internal compliance strategy. It protects the business by demonstrating legal diligence and serves the customer by providing necessary support channels. By clearly communicating a commitment, standards, and contact procedures, an accessibility statement can establish its website as professional, inclusive, and legally responsible.