As part of the web accessibility process, there is a dedicated page known as the accessibility statement — and it is an inseparable part of any complete accessibility implementation.
In fact, if you make your website accessible but fail to place a link to the accessibility statement in your footer (or elsewhere on the site), you are leaving out a critical component that could expose you to complaints and even legal action.
Why? Using the examples below, we hope to explain the logic behind the accessibility statement — and, more importantly, why it matters so much to users with disabilities.
Telling Users What You Did — and What You Didn't
The first section of the accessibility statement details what was actually done: who made the site accessible, and what specific steps were taken so that people with various disabilities can browse it.
As a side note, if you operate across multiple platforms — for example, a website and a separate mobile app — you are required to specify in the statement what accessibility measures were carried out on each one.
Next, the statement must declare and detail any components of the site that are not accessible. Accessibility barriers sometimes exist that cannot be overcome — for technical reasons, or because not every element can be made accessible for every type of disability. In this section, you can explain what is not accessible, why it wasn't made accessible, and — just as importantly — what alternative options are available to users with disabilities.
For example: suppose your site includes an attachment that is inaccessible for a specific reason. What options does the user have? Can someone read the document aloud? Is there a third-party resource you can direct them to for the information in the document? Who is that third party, and how can they be contacted?
Let's say you run an electronics retail website that also sells refrigerators. Each refrigerator comes with a digital user manual in PDF format. That manual was never made accessible by the appliance manufacturer, and the website owner — who simply markets those refrigerators — has no ability to modify the file.
In the accessibility statement, you can explain this situation, and also note that users can contact customer support, that an audio version may be available, or that they can reach out by email, and so on. This is where a key principle of web accessibility comes into play — one that many people aren't aware of: the law does not require that a website and all of its content be 100% accessible 100% of the time.
Everyone understands that isn't realistic. What the law requires is that you make every reasonable effort to ensure accessibility, that you be capable of addressing deficiencies, and that you provide reasonable alternatives where a particular element cannot be made accessible — or where doing so would involve disproportionate cost and effort.
Physical Accessibility of Your Business
The second section of the accessibility statement covers the physical accessibility of your business.
We know that many businesses are fully digital, with no office or in-person service — but we'd encourage you to keep reading, because this section is relevant to you too.
In this section, which addresses physical accessibility, you must list every aspect of your physical premises that a person with a disability needs to know about before visiting. For example: if your office does not have an accessible restroom, that's something a client or colleague who cannot use a standard restroom needs to know in advance. The same applies to a business located in a building without a wheelchair-accessible entrance from the street. Those clients or colleagues may well choose not to hold the meeting at your location, and may suggest an alternative venue with accessible restrooms and wheelchair access.
The accessibility statement is designed to inform users with disabilities and help them understand what to expect if they choose to visit your physical location — without having to ask. Everything is written out in full.
At USER A, we also make a point of reviewing the routes to your business — particularly if it provides in-person services. Are there obstacles along the physical route that could affect people with disabilities? A construction site eating into the sidewalk? An area with narrow pavements and heavy traffic?
And for digital-only businesses — here's what you've been waiting for:
Many businesses genuinely don't hold in-person meetings and have no physical office.
What we recommend including in your accessibility statement is something like this: 'We do not hold meetings at our offices. To arrange a meeting, please contact us and we will choose a location that is convenient and accessible for you.'
In other words, even if you have no obligation to publish physical accessibility arrangements, handling it this way puts you in the best possible position — and anyone looking to find fault with your accessibility compliance will quickly realize they're dealing with a team that takes it seriously.
That, of course, is our recommendation.
Details About Your Accessibility Coordinator
By now, the importance of the accessibility statement should be clear: we've detailed what was done on the site, explained what wasn't done and how gaps can be bridged, clarified the ability to meet in person or access services on-site, and effectively provided a comprehensive guide for our users.
The third section of the statement should give users a point of contact — someone they can turn to with any accessibility-related question.
In other words: who can users contact to get more information about accessible services, an accessible kitchen area, or anything else? Or if something important to a particular user wasn't sufficiently addressed in the statement, who can they ask for clarification?
All of this falls under the role of the accessibility coordinator, or the business's designated accessibility contact person.
Note that many businesses are not required to appoint a formal accessibility coordinator. An 'accessibility coordinator' is a legally defined role with specific responsibilities and authority — only businesses with more than 25 employees are required to appoint one. Other businesses must list a contact person for accessibility inquiries in their statement, and that person does not need to meet all the legal requirements of a formal 'accessibility coordinator.' We still recommend that this contact person have a solid general understanding of the field and acquire as much knowledge as possible, so they can genuinely respond to inquiries from people with disabilities.
The Final Section — The Statement Date
Suppose your accessibility statement mentioned that the street where your business is located is undergoing construction, making access more difficult for people with disabilities. A person with a disability reading this will naturally ask: is this still the case? Should I confirm with the business's accessibility coordinator?
That's why it's essential to include the date the accessibility statement was last updated — and to update it periodically — so users can gauge how current and relevant all the information in it is.
And This Is an Integral Part of the Service We Provide
At USER A, you receive a comprehensive web accessibility service that includes both manual and automated accessibility implementation, as well as the drafting of a detailed accessibility statement tailored specifically to your business.
We are pleased to offer our services at a single, competitive flat rate. With this annual fee, our clients receive full accessibility services, technical support, and a response to any accessibility issue that may arise throughout the year.
For any questions or consultation, feel free to contact us by phone or leave us a message, and our team will get back to you promptly.