Introduction
There is often much confusion about how to write an accessibility statement or how is it different from your organization’s accessibility page. While there aren’t any rules set in stone, and ultimately you need to create these documents to serve your organization’s needs, generally there is room for both. They each serve a different purpose. In this article I will show you how to approach the two documents.
The Accessibility Statement
The accessibility statement is part of your organization’s policies. You would generally update it when there are major changes in your approach to accessibility. Also ensure that the information in the accessibility statement is correct over time. It is a good idea to make it part of your process to update it when you review and update any other policies. The only exception would be when new accessibility legislations are introduced, include information about those in the accessibility statement as soon as you can.
- Are you committed to accessibility? Of course, if you are not, you won’t brag about it here, but in that case, do not state you are.
- Are you compliant with legislation?
- If not to what extent do you comply?
- If you are not compliant do you have an accessibility roadmap? If possible share it if you do.
- Do you test your products and services with assistive technologies?
- Do you test your products and services asking feedback from people with disabilities?
- Do you go above and beyond the legal requirements?
- How can people contact you if they have a question regarding your organization’s accessibility?
- Do you have an accessibility page? If you do, link to it.
The Accessibility Page
The accessibility page is a living, constantly updated document. It is probably the first touch point for people with disabilities who want to interact with your organization.
Make sure that the accessibility page is easy to find, easy to interact with and easy to read. Unlike the accessibility statement, here don’t just list how you comply, it is the best place to tell people with disabilities that you are inclusive and what it means to them.
I often find that even if there is an accessibility page, it is limited to the minimum. In this case, it does not serve much more purpose than the accessibility statement.
Think of this as your best marketing material that people with disabilities will read. Make it easy to find when people arrive at your website.
Let’s look at an example. If you are creating an accessibility page for a museum, you can say that all of your services are accessible to people with disabilities. But that doesn’t say much, and you already probably stated it in your accessibility statement.
Imagine that a person with a disability is planning a vacation. They set aside a day to visit museums. There are dozens of options in town, and there is a chance already that they had negative experiences about visiting a place that claimed to be accessible, but in reality, they hardly checked the accessibility box. Just because it is a legal requirement to be accessible, it doesn’t mean that this is the case. It is a disappointing experience to visit a museum just to find out that the experience is different from what people without disabilities can enjoy. People will pick an entertainment where they can be sure they wouldn’t just waste their time and money.
Using your accessibility page, is your chance to convince people why they should spend their day at your museum, what will they get out of it, and how it will be a memorable experience.
People visiting your museum will go there for different reasons and will have different needs.
Explain how you meet the needs of people with different disabilities.
Do you organize different events? On the accessibility page explain how those events are accessible.
Also, offer a place for people to contact your organization with any accessibility or accommodation needs. This also shouldn’t be a blanket statement, rather, give examples of what kind of services you would provide. Will you be able to provide a sign language interpreter? Do you have a touch tour for visually impaired people upon request? Will you provide materials in alternative accessible formats upon request?
Provide a place for people with disabilities to give you feedback about the accessibility of your organization. This is a great way to gather practical ideas about how to improve your accessibility.
Unlike the accessibility statement, the accessibility page update should be part of your website update process, when you update information about events or services, ensure that relevant information is posted on the accessibility page.
Finally, it is a good idea to link back to your accessibility statement.
Promote your Accessibility Page
Make sure that you promote your accessibility page internally and externally.
Internally, make sure your employees know about the accessibility page, understand the purpose it serves, and think about providing information to be included.
Externally, use it as your marketing material, including your accessibility page where you talk about your events, products or services.
Conclusion
Take this time to review your organization’s accessibility information and ensure that it is adequately addressing the needs of people with disabilities, as well as making your organization a desirable place to visit.
If you need any help with updating your accessibility documents, feel free to contact me.
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