What is an accessibility statement?
An accessibility statement is a page on your website that sets out how accessible the site is, which standard it aims for (usually WCAG 2.1 AA), any known gaps, and how someone can get help or report a problem. It is part proof of effort, part contact point — and some laws now expect one.
What an honest statement says.
Short, specific and true — not a marketing claim.
- The standard you aim for — typically WCAG 2.1 AA.
- How accessible the site currently is — fully, partially, or with known issues.
- Any known problems and what you’re doing about them.
- How to get help — a contact for anyone who hits a barrier.
- When it was last reviewed — a date that shows it’s kept current.
Increasingly expected.
UK public-sector sites are required to publish one, and the European Accessibility Act expects accessibility information for the services it covers. For a private business it is not always mandatory — but it signals genuine effort, gives users a way to flag issues, and is far better than silence if a complaint ever comes.
Don’t claim what isn’t true.
An accessibility statement that says ‘fully compliant’ on a site that isn’t does more harm than good — it’s a claim a plaintiff can quote back to you. State where the site genuinely is, name the gaps, and show the work in progress. Honesty is the safer position and the truer one.
Common questions.
What is an accessibility statement?
A page on your website explaining how accessible the site is, which standard it targets (usually WCAG 2.1 AA), any known issues, and how to get help or report a barrier.
Do I need an accessibility statement?
UK public-sector sites must have one, and the European Accessibility Act expects accessibility information for covered services. For most private businesses it is not strictly required, but it is strongly advisable.
What should an accessibility statement include?
The standard you aim for, how accessible the site currently is, any known problems and your plan for them, a contact for help, and the date it was last reviewed.
How do I write an accessibility statement?
State the target standard, describe the site’s real current state, list known gaps honestly, give a contact route, and date it. Templates exist (for example UK government ones), but the content must reflect your actual site.
Should my statement say the site is fully compliant?
Only if it genuinely is — and few sites fully are. Claiming full compliance you can’t back up can be used against you. State the real position instead.
Where should the accessibility statement go?
Somewhere easy to find — commonly linked in the footer — so users and, if it comes to it, a court can see you have addressed accessibility openly.
Keep reading
Related questions
Make sure your statement reflects the real site.
The free Diagnostic gives you a first read on your site’s accessibility so your statement can be honest. No email gate.