Writing A Web Accessibility Statement: Step 1 of 5 Toward WCAG Compliance

Step 1: Web Accessibility Statement

The first thing to do before testing your site is to write an accessibility statement that is plainly written and easy to understand. In other words, take your legalese and throw it out the window. This statement must be in plain language – it’s for your site visitors, not the lawyers. To help you write the accessibility statement, the WCAG Guidelines suggest:

• Show your users that you care about accessibility with information about the accessibility of your content.
• Demonstrate commitment to accessibility, and to social responsibility.
• Add a link to the statement from several places such as, in the footer, in a help menu, in the sitemap, and other prominent areas to help users to find it easily. Here are examples of a simple policy, a comprehensive policy, and finally a policy template.
• Have a simple way for users to contact you regarding accessibility issues.

Once you have your statement published and are ready to receive feedback from users, continue through the preliminary WCAG tests and checks in Step 2 or browse the other chapters below.

The AIMCLEAR Guide to Web Accessibility and WCAG Best Practices

• Introduction

A Guide to Help Make Your Content Accessible

• What is WCAG and why is it important?
• WCAG Section 508 & The Laws

5 Steps to WCAG Compliance and A Better User Experience

• Step 1: Web Accessibility Statement
• Step 2: Preliminary WCAG Tests and Checks
• Step 3: Going Mobile
• Step 4: Accessible Off and On-Page Elements (Your SEO was right)
• Step 5: Audio, Video, Forms and Design

Summary and Next Steps

• Start Making Your Web Sites & Apps Accessible