Website Accessibility Statement Under the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
(WCAG)

Summary

This template can be used as a template for a policy statement about a company's compliance with the current Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG). This template includes practical guidance and drafting notes. The WCAG is issued by the World Wide Web Consortium (or "W3C") regarding website access and functionality for persons with disabilities. WCAG are consistent with the requirements of Title III (Public Accommodations and Commercial Facilities) of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). The W3C is an international consortium of staff persons and member organizations whose mission is the promotion of the international interoperability and integration of the Internet (or "Web"). W3C has issued numerous other guidelines for Web developers, including the Authoring Tool Accessibility Guidelines (ATAG). The WCAG should be considered mandatory because the U.S. Department of Justice and courts regard them as authoritative in determining whether to impose a fine for violations of the ADA. You are urged to closely collaborate with IT professionals in compiling the statement, given its many variables involving information technology (IT) concepts. However, simple language should be used throughout; overly technical jargon is to be avoided. Additionally, this statement should be hyperlinked throughout your company's website—especially in logical places used by searchers for such purposes, such as in the "About" and "Help" pages. It is also recommended to place it in the footer of each page. It should be consistently named in all such places. For additional guidance, see Americans with Disabilities Act Website Compliance and Website Policy and Agreements. For a resource kit that collects Practical Guidance content on accessibility to public accommodations, buildings, commercial facilities, and websites, see Public Accommodation, Building, and Website Accessibility Resource Kit.