Website Basics - Does the website have an accessibility statement? (It should)

An Accessibility Statement not only meets compliance requirements, but also demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity. Having one can enhance customer relations and potentially avoid legal issues. It’s an essential part of a modern, user-focused website.

An Accessibility Statement can also be an outline of the intentions, efforts, and future plans regarding the accessibility of a website.

Check the website for an Accessibility Statement. Here's why it's important:
An Accessibility Statement describes the steps a site has taken to ensure it can be used by everyone, including people with disabilities. This might include how the website supports assistive technologies like screen readers. It might also include how it offers content in easy-to-read formats.

Many places have laws requiring websites to be accessible to people with disabilities. An Accessibility Statement helps demonstrate that a website is making efforts to comply with these laws. These laws include the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the U.S.

When users see an Accessibility Statement, it builds trust. People know the business cares about all users, including those with disabilities. This can build trust and improve the business's reputation.

The Accessibility Statement can help users with disabilities. It tells them how to navigate the website, what accessibility features are available, and how to get the best experience.

An Accessibility Statement often includes a way for users to provide feedback. They can report accessibility issues they encounter. This is valuable for improvement. It can help avoid complaints or legal issues by solving problems proactively.

Having an accessible website and a clear Accessibility Statement can set a business apart from competitors. It shows commitment to inclusivity, possibly reaching a wider audience including those with disabilities, which can increase the customer base.