Why You Should Have an Accessibility Statement, Even If Your Site Isn’t Perfect
Some of our clients assume that accessibility statements confirm that their site is fully accessible. It’s easy to understand that confusion. “Statement” sounds like a confirmation, right?
However, we actually recommend creating your statement as one of your first steps on your roadmap to compliance in the Compliance Center. Here’s why.
Progress Over Perfection
It might be helpful to think of an accessibility statement as an accessibility commitment.
By establishing an accessibility page and statement on your website, you’re signaling to the public that you’re making progress toward an accessible site.
Of course, you need to actually take some steps. One of the actions we recommend is to identify an Accessibility Advocate to manage requests and outreach. Giving your users a contact point and avenue to address accessibility issues.
Reporting Barriers
Give your audience a familiar avenue to report accessibility barriers. (And respond!)
If someone cannot request accommodations or report barriers, that’s a problem. You’re ignoring a part of your audience, which can feel dehumanizing. Even if it’s not intentional.
Establish Your Solid Base
The good news is that establishing an accessibility page and statement is not as complicated as it may sound. Many online tools, including our Accessibility Statement Generator, give you a framework to begin the process.
Once you build that foundation, you can show off your accessibility work publicly as you improve your platform. Accessible Web RAMP offers numerous tools to assist you with this process, from identifying issues to documenting fixes.
Want to learn more? View our webinar, Creating an Accessibility Page and Statement, or our beginner’s guide to website accessibility statements.
Get started with the Compliance Center within RAMP to unlock your personalized roadmap towards compliance with ADA, EAA, ACA, and other laws – available at all RAMP levels! Log in to RAMP, start a free trial, or get in touch to learn more.
