User Experience Design
Accessibility Statement Template for Business Websites
We write accessibility statements for client websites after each audit. This guide is for business owners who want to publish a clear, honest statement. It explains what a statement covers, provides a template and shows how to keep it current. Use it after an accessibility review, so visitors know what to expect and how to get help.
What an accessibility statement covers
An accessibility statement explains how accessible your website is and how people can get help. It shows customers you take accessibility seriously. It also tells them what to do if they hit a barrier. Public sector websites must publish one, and many businesses choose to as well.
A good statement is honest about known problems. It explains what does not yet work and when you plan to fix it. It offers alternative ways to access information or services. Vague promises without detail undermine trust.
Keep the language plain and the structure simple. Many readers use assistive technology, so the statement page itself must be accessible. Link to it from your website footer.
Accessibility statement template
The template below suits most business websites. Replace the prompts with your own details. Keep each section short and specific. Public sector bodies should follow the official government model statement instead.
| Section | What to include |
|---|---|
| Commitment | A sentence stating that you want everyone to be able to use your website |
| Standard | The standard you aim to meet, such as WCAG 2.2 Level AA |
| How accessible the site is | What works well and any known problems, in plain language |
| Alternative formats | How people can request information in another format, such as large print |
| Reporting problems | An email address or phone number for reporting accessibility problems |
| Response time | How quickly you aim to respond to reports |
| Testing | When the site was last tested and how |
| Last updated | The date the statement was last reviewed |
Write the known problems section honestly. List each issue, who it affects and your plan to fix it. Update the section as fixes are made.
How to keep your statement up to date
A statement is only useful when it reflects the current website. Out-of-date statements mislead visitors. A regular review keeps it accurate. Follow these steps.
- Review the statement after every accessibility audit.
- Update the known problems section when issues are fixed or found.
- Check the contact details still work.
- Record the date of each review.
- Respond to every accessibility report within your stated time.
Review the statement at least once a year. Our website accessibility checklist helps you run the audit that feeds it. Our accessibility guide explains the standards in more detail.
Accessibility statement checklist
Use this checklist when you write or review your statement. Each item makes the statement clearer and more useful. Review it at least once a year.
- Commitment written in plain language
- Target standard stated
- Known problems listed honestly with fix plans
- Alternative format requests explained
- Contact details for reporting problems
- Response time stated
- Testing date and method recorded
- Statement linked from the website footer
Good to know
Accessibility statement FAQs
Does my business need an accessibility statement?+
Public sector bodies in the UK must publish one. Private businesses are not always required to, but a statement shows commitment and helps customers. It also gives people a clear route to report problems. Many businesses publish one as good practice.
Where should the accessibility statement go?+
Publish it on its own page and link to it from your website footer. That makes it easy to find from any page. Use a clear link label, such as "Accessibility". Make sure the page itself is accessible.
Should I list problems I have not fixed yet?+
Yes, an honest statement lists known problems and your plans to fix them. Visitors can then find alternative ways to access what they need. Hiding problems damages trust when people encounter them. Update the list as you make fixes.
Keep your accessibility statement linked in your footer and reviewed each year. Share it with your team so everyone knows how to respond to reports. So you can show customers you take accessibility seriously and help them when barriers remain.
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