How to Write an Accessibility Statement for Your Business Website in 2026
9 min read
An accessibility statement should not be a decorative paragraph that says, “We are committed to accessibility.”
That sentence is fine as a start. But by itself, it does not tell customers what they can do, what your website supports, what still needs work, or how to contact you if something goes wrong.
A useful accessibility statement is practical. It helps people understand your website, your physical space if relevant, your known limitations, and your process for handling accessibility problems. It also shows that your business is not pretending to be perfect.
For inclusive businesses in 2026, that honesty matters. Customers are used to vague claims. They see badges, widgets, “inclusive” labels, and boilerplate statements all the time. What builds trust is specificity.
This guide explains what to include, what to avoid, and how to write an accessibility statement that feels human, clear, and credible.
What is an accessibility statement?
An accessibility statement is a public page or section explaining how your business approaches accessibility for its website, digital content, and sometimes physical services.
It can cover:
- Your accessibility goal or standard
- The parts of your website you have worked to make accessible
- Features that help users access your content
- Known issues you are working on
- Contact information for accessibility problems
- How quickly you try to respond
- Any third-party tools, forms, PDFs, booking systems, or platforms that may create barriers
- Your process for ongoing improvement
A good statement is not legal armor. It is a customer-service document.
Why accessibility statements matter in 2026
People do not only visit websites from perfect conditions. They may use screen readers, keyboard navigation, voice control, captions, magnification, high-contrast settings, translation tools, slower connections, older devices, or mobile browsers.
An accessibility statement helps when something breaks.
Instead of leaving users stuck, it tells them:
- Who to contact
- What information to include
- Whether there is another way to complete the task
- Whether the business takes accessibility seriously
Accessibility statement vs. accessibility overlay
An accessibility statement is not the same thing as an overlay widget.
| Item | What it does | What it does not do |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility statement | Explains your goals, process, contact path, and known limitations | Does not automatically fix accessibility issues |
| Accessibility audit | Reviews your site against accessibility criteria | Does not fix problems unless followed by remediation |
| Accessibility remediation | Improves code, design, content, forms, media, and documents | Does not remove the need for ongoing maintenance |
| Overlay/widget | Adds user-facing controls or scripts | Should not be treated as a complete accessibility strategy |
The most trustworthy approach is simple: improve the actual site, explain your process clearly, and give people a real way to ask for help.
What to include in an accessibility statement
Use this checklist as your starting point.
| Section | What to include | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility commitment | A short, plain-language statement of intent | Sets the tone without overpromising |
| Scope | Which website, app, booking form, directory profile, or digital content the statement covers | Avoids confusion |
| Standards or guidance | WCAG reference if appropriate | Gives your goal a recognizable benchmark |
| Features | Things you have worked on: headings, contrast, alt text, captions, keyboard navigation, forms | Shows real work |
| Known limitations | PDFs, old blog posts, third-party widgets, embedded maps, legacy forms | Builds credibility |
| Contact method | Email, phone, form, or mailing address | Gives users a path when they encounter barriers |
| Response expectation | A realistic timeframe | Prevents users from feeling ignored |
| Alternative access | How to complete a task if the site fails | Helps customers book, buy, apply, or contact you |
| Last updated date | Month/year or full date | Shows the statement is maintained |
What not to say
Avoid statements that sound impressive but create trust problems.
Avoid: “Our website is fully ADA compliant.”
Better:
We are working to make our website accessible and usable for as many people as possible. Our goal is to follow widely recognized accessibility practices, including WCAG guidance, and to address reported barriers promptly.
Avoid: “We guarantee full accessibility.”
Better:
We know accessibility is ongoing. If you find a problem, please contact us so we can help and improve the experience.
Avoid: “Use our accessibility widget if you need help.”
Better:
We aim to improve the website itself, not rely only on add-on tools. If any feature does not work for you, contact us and we will try to provide the information or service another way.
Avoid: “Disabled users should call us.”
Better:
If you experience an accessibility barrier, you may contact us by email, phone, or the contact form below. Please use whichever method works best for you.
A copy-ready accessibility statement template
Use this as a starting point and customize it honestly.
Accessibility Statement
[Business Name] is committed to making our website accessible and usable for as many people as possible. We want all customers, visitors, applicants, and community members to be able to find information, contact us, book services, and use our website with dignity.
Our goal is to follow recognized accessibility practices, including the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines where appropriate. We regularly review our website for accessibility issues and work to improve headings, color contrast, keyboard navigation, form labels, alternative text, captions, readable content, and mobile usability.
We know accessibility is an ongoing process. Some parts of our website may still need improvement, especially older pages, third-party booking tools, embedded maps, PDFs, social media content, or content provided by outside platforms.
If you experience a barrier on our website, please contact us. We will do our best to help you access the information, service, or feature you need and to use your feedback to improve the site.
Accessibility contact: [email address]
Phone: [phone number]
Please include the page URL, a brief description of the issue, and the assistive technology or device you were using if you are comfortable sharing that information. You do not need to disclose disability information to ask for help.
We aim to respond to accessibility messages within [timeframe].
Last updated: [Month Day, Year]
How to make the statement sound less generic
The easiest way to make an accessibility statement sound human is to mention real details.
Instead of only saying:
We value accessibility.
Say:
We are currently reviewing our appointment form, service pages, image descriptions, and downloadable menus so more customers can use them without calling for help.
Instead of:
Contact us with accessibility concerns.
Say:
If the online booking form does not work for you, email or call us and we will help you book the same service without requiring you to use the form.
Specificity turns a statement into a service promise.
Accessibility statement examples by business type
| Business type | Details worth adding |
|---|---|
| Restaurant | Menu accessibility, online ordering alternatives, reservation form, allergy/contact process, entrance/restroom notes |
| Salon or spa | Booking accessibility, gender-neutral service language, sensory notes, accessible entrance, communication preferences |
| Wedding vendor | Consultation forms, contracts, galleries, video captions, venue accessibility questions |
| Retail store | Product photos, checkout accessibility, return policy clarity, storefront access, customer support options |
| Professional service firm | Document accessibility, consultation scheduling, plain-language service descriptions, phone/email alternatives |
| Directory or marketplace | Profile submission accessibility, search/filter accessibility, verification labels, privacy around identity fields |
Should you mention your physical accessibility too?
If you have a storefront, office, venue, studio, restaurant, or event space, yes — but be careful.
Do not say “fully accessible” unless you have verified what that means. Instead, list concrete features:
- Step-free entrance from parking lot
- Accessible restroom on first floor
- Elevator access to second-floor office
- Wide aisles in retail area
- Staff can provide written communication
- Quiet appointment times available by request
- Service animals welcome
- Accessible parking available in front lot
This kind of detail is more useful than a broad claim.
Where the accessibility statement should live
Put it somewhere people can actually find it.
Good locations include:
- Footer link labeled “Accessibility”
- Contact page
- About page
- Booking/help page
- Directory profile
- Event pages
- App or platform help center
Accessibility statement URL
And a short summary:
Website includes accessibility statement, email support for access issues, captions on videos, and alternative booking by phone.
How often should you update it?
Update the statement when:
- You redesign the website
- You change booking, ecommerce, or form tools
- You add video, PDFs, or downloadable menus
- You complete an accessibility audit
- You fix a major accessibility issue
- You change your contact process
- A user reports a serious barrier
At minimum, review it once or twice a year.
FAQ
Is an accessibility statement legally required?
Requirements can vary by jurisdiction, business type, and context. This article is not legal advice. Even when a statement is not specifically required, it is often a practical trust and customer-service tool.
Can I use a generator?
Yes. A generator can be a useful starting point. But do not publish a generated statement without editing it to match your actual website, contact process, known limitations, and business operations.
Should I mention WCAG?
You can mention WCAG if you are using it as a benchmark or have had the site reviewed against it. Avoid claiming conformance unless you have evidence.
What if my site is not perfect yet?
That is normal. A good accessibility statement can acknowledge ongoing work. Honest improvement is better than vague perfection.
Bottom line
A strong accessibility statement does three things:
- It tells people you care.
- It explains what you are actually doing.
- It gives users a practical path when something does not work.
For inclusive businesses, that is exactly the point. Accessibility is not a slogan. It is a relationship between your business and the people trying to reach you.
Sources
- W3C Web Accessibility Initiative — Developing an Accessibility Statement: https://www.w3.org/WAI/planning/statements/
- W3C Accessibility Statement Generator: https://www.w3.org/WAI/planning/statements/generator/
- W3C WCAG 2.2: https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG22/
- ADA.gov Title III overview: https://www.ada.gov/topics/title-iii/
Own or know an inclusive business?
List it free so people can discover it year-round — with a source you control.
List your business