Digital Accessibility Statements are key documents under new regulations designed to ensure digital content is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. These statements outline the level of compliance with accessibility standards, provide help to users encountering accessibility issues, and offer directions for escalating unresolved issues.
These statements must be easy to find on websites and provide information on known accessibility issues, solutions, and contact methods for reporting problems. For more information on Digital Accessibility please visit https://abilitynet.org.uk/accessibility-services/what-digital-accessibility.
Key Elements of a Digital Accessibility Statement
- Information on Known Issues:
- Clearly list any accessibility issues identified in the digital content.
- Provide detailed descriptions of the nature of these issues.
- Workarounds or Fix Plans:
- Offer practical solutions or temporary workarounds for users affected by the accessibility issues.
- Outline ongoing efforts or plans to fix the identified issues, including timelines if available.
- Contact Methods for Reporting Issues:
- Provide various ways for users to report accessibility problems or seek support. This can include email addresses, phone numbers, and contact forms.
- Links to the EASS and Escalation Process through EHRC:
- Include links to the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS) for additional help.
- Detail the process for escalating unresolved issues through the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).
- Specific Wording Stating Level of Compliance:
- Use clear, specific language to state the current level of compliance with accessibility standards, such as WCAG 2.1 AA.
- Mention any partial compliance and areas where the digital content falls short.
Example Structure of a Digital Accessibility Statement
- Introduction: Briefly introduce the purpose of the accessibility statement.
- Compliance Status: State the overall compliance level with the accessibility standards.
- Known Accessibility Issues: List the specific issues, their impact, and the sections of the content they affect.
- Efforts to Improve Accessibility: Describe the actions being taken to address and resolve the issues.
- User Support and Contact Information: Provide detailed contact information for users to report issues or seek assistance.
- Escalation Process: Include links and instructions for users to escalate their concerns to EASS and EHRC if necessary.
- Feedback: Encourage user feedback on accessibility issues and experiences to continually improve accessibility.
Sample Wording for Specific Sections
- Compliance Status: “This website is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA standard due to the known issues listed below.”
- Known Issues and Workarounds: “We are aware of the following accessibility issues on our website: [List issues]. We are working to resolve these by [date], and in the meantime, users can [workaround].”
- User Support: “If you encounter any accessibility issues or need support, please contact us at [email] or [phone]. We aim to respond within [timeframe].”
- Escalation: “For further assistance, you can contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS) at [link]. If you remain unsatisfied, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) offers an escalation process detailed here: [link].”
This format ensures that your digital accessibility statement is comprehensive, user-friendly, and adheres to regulatory requirements.
What to Avoid in Digital Accessibility Statements
- Leaving the Accessibility Page Blank: Ensure the accessibility page is complete and informative. A blank page conveys negligence and a lack of commitment to accessibility.
- Using Placeholder Text (e.g., Lorem Ipsum): Avoid using placeholder text. It gives the impression that the accessibility statement is an afterthought and not taken seriously.
- Mentioning Obsolete Browsers (e.g., Netscape, AOL): Do not reference browsers that are no longer in use. It shows that the information is outdated and may undermine the credibility of the accessibility statement.
- Claiming the Website is Fully Accessible Without a Separate Statement: Always provide a separate accessibility statement. Claiming full accessibility without it can seem dismissive of the need for ongoing accessibility efforts and user feedback.
- Posting Text in Multiple Languages on the Same Page, Especially as an Image: Avoid cluttering the accessibility page with multiple languages in one document. Use separate pages or sections for different languages. Text as images is not accessible to screen readers and other assistive technologies.
- Referencing Outdated Standards (e.g., WCAG 1.0): Mention current accessibility standards such as WCAG 2.1 or later. Referring to outdated standards can signal that the website is not up-to-date with accessibility requirements.
- Referring to Outdated Legislation (e.g., Disability Discrimination Act 1995): Use current legislation references unless operating specifically in regions where older laws still apply (e.g., Northern Ireland). This ensures the statement is relevant and legally compliant.
- Claiming Disproportionate Burden Without Evidence: Avoid claiming that making the website accessible imposes a disproportionate burden unless you have clear, documented evidence. This should be a last resort, not a means to avoid commitment.
- Claiming Exemptions Excessively to Avoid Commitments: Do not overuse claims of exemptions to evade accessibility commitments. This can damage credibility and trust.
By avoiding these pitfalls, you ensure your digital accessibility statement is both useful and credible, demonstrating a genuine commitment to accessibility.
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