In an ideal world, accessibility statements would not exist.  All websites and digital assets would be fully inclusive of everyone, regardless of any impairment or technology, that a user might have. Unfortunately, the world in which we live is not ideal, and often, some web users—especially, those with disabilities, find themselves have a challenging time navigating the many sites on the web. Thankfully, this disturbing reality is changing for the better, beginning with an initiative that was enacted 27 years ago—the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA).

ADA and Web Accessibility

Often, after a business has analyzed its digital assets, they find that their site or applications aren’t as accessible as they may have believed, if at all. This situation can leave users with impairments or older technology, with a negative experience, as they may have little or no access, to the goods, services, or information provided by the business. Negative experiences can lead to any combination of negative impacts on business, such as critical reviews, tarnished reputations, and most commonly, lawsuits--all damaging to a company’s bottom line.

 Posting an Accessibility Statement

After a business decides on its accessibility strategy, or its plan to make sure all its assets are accessible, many companies will post an accessibility statement. The accessibility statement shows your users that your business cares about inclusion and is working to ensure that everyone has equal access to whatever, goods, services, or information that you provide.

What is Inside an Accessibility Statement?

In addition to demonstrating your company’s commitment to individuals with impairments, an accessibility statement should include the following:

• The list & levels of ADA guidelines and standards that your business will be complying with.  This list can consist of the latest in web content accessibility guidelines (WCAG), information about the ADA, as well as Section 508 guidelines, the amendment to the US Workforce Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that states that all of a federal agency’s digital assets must be accessible.

• Instructions for users of assistive technology (A.T.). Provide a list of any A.T. that a user may need to use your website and offer a means to download if applicable. 

• Address any accessibility obstacles with your current website and barrier removal features that you have incorporated. For example, your business might say, “we have added thoroughly descriptive attributes for all images and links throughout our website,” if it is applicable.

• Give additional tips that impaired users may need to enhance their experience further using your website or app. Some examples might be size and contrast adjustment capabilities or software updates to A.T. that may improve functionality.

*Helpful Tip: Assist your users by ensuring that your accessibility statement is both accessible and easy to find.

Why You Really Need an Accessibility Statement

The primary purpose of an Accessibility Statement is to ensure that you are doing the right thing by all users of your website or applications. When businesses fail to have accessible digital assets, not only are they losing potential revenue, they are demonstrating true discrimination. 

Currently, one in five people in the US has a disability. Disability knows no race, ethnicity, gender, age, religious preference, or tax bracket. It affects our neighbors, veterans, co-workers, friends, loved ones—anyone. People can be born with a disability or develop them along life’s journey. When a business ceases to think about and develop a plan for accessibility, not only does the law not matter to them, but neither does that 19% and growing number of our population.

How Can You Show Your Business Cares?

Making your commitment to inclusion evident begins with a full assessment of your web presence.  Sign up for a free web accessibility report for your website here.  After you review your report, your business will be empowered with the needed knowledge tomove forward to a state of compliance. Your business can then develop a plan and post an accessibility statement on your website. 

A Few Additional Tips

In the ever-evolving world of technology, staying up-to-date is key, this includes accessibility statements. As technology changes, be sure to consider its accessibility.  There is a saying that goes, “if you see something, say something”. This is especially true for your website or applications. If you find any obstacles that might prevent a user from fully engaging in your website, be sure to address it as quickly as possible.

Let Us Help

At Adot Pro, our team has developed a thorough and comprehensive accessibility solution to assist all businesses. This includes a vetted accessibility plan that can be posted to your website in less than 10 minutes. Following the latest web content accessibility guidelines and Section 508 guidelines, we will provide your business with not only the knowledge needed for compliance, but the tools to implement the needed changes.