Tips for crafting an effective accessibility statement

In today's digital landscape, ensuring accessibility is no longer optional—it's a must. For sport and recreation organisations, an accessibility statement is a key sign of commitment to providing an inclusive environment for all participants.

‍

In this post we share our tips for writing your own Accessibility Statement to ensure digital accessibility for people with disability on your sport organisations website.

‍

‍

Importance of Accessibility: More Than Just a Statement

An accessibility statement is a public declaration of an organisation's commitment to web accessibility and disability inclusion. It's an open acknowledgment of the steps taken to make sure their digital platform is usable by everyone, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.

A Pledge to Inclusivity

Creating an accessibility statement is a clear demonstration of your organisation's dedication to diversity, inclusion, and social responsibility. It's a pledge to your users that you're committed to providing an accessible experience for everyone.

Facilitating User Access

An accessibility statement serves to inform users about the accommodations your website offers. It provides a seamless experience for users with disabilities, ensuring they can access, navigate, and interact with your content without any barriers.

Showcasing Corporate Responsibility

Including an accessibility statement on your website can serve as a testament to your organisation's corporate responsibility. It shows that you value each user's experience and are committed to creating an inclusive digital space.

‍

‍

Legal Implications: The Necessity of an Accessibility Statement

While the laws may vary from country to country, having an accessibility statement on your website can be a proactive step towards legal compliance.

International Requirements

For organisations operating on a globalscale, certain countries, particularly those in the European Union, may require a detailed accessibility statement. This statement needs to contain specific language and details as outlined in the EU Web Accessibility Directive.

U.S. Legislation: ADA and Section 508

In the United States, there's a common misconception that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act necessitate an accessibility statement. However, these laws do not specifically require it. But having one can highlight your commitment to providing an accessible and inclusive online environment.

Aiding Government Funding

Accessibility statements can be advantageous for sport organisations seeking funding from government agencies. For example, in the USA Under Section 508, federal agencies are obligated to do business with organisations that adhere to equal opportunity regulations,including the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Your local government bodies may have similar requirements. In this context, an accessibility statement serves as evidence of an organisation’s eligibility.

Defense Against Litigation

Having an accessibility statement on your website can serve as a deterrent to potential lawsuits. In web accessibility complaints, organisations are often accused of discrimination against people with disabilities due to a lack of an established accessibility policy. Therefore,an accessibility statement can serve as a proactive defense against such accusations.

‍

‍

Creating an Accessibility Statement: Key Elements

Crafting an effective accessibility statement requires several key elements. The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) suggests that, at a minimum, an accessibility statement should include:

Commitment to Accessibility

Your accessibility statement should begin with a clear commitment to ensuring your content is accessible to everyone.This sets the tone for the rest of your statement and reassures your users of your dedication to inclusivity.

Adherence to Accessibility Standards

The statement should also specify the accessibility standards your website adheres to. These could be WCAG 2.0 or 2.1, depending on your organisation's compliance level (A, AA, or AAA).

‍

Click this link to learn more about Accessibility Standards.

Contact Information

Lastly, your statement should provide contact information for users to provide feedback or request alternative access to the content on your website.

‍

‍

Beyond the Minimum: What More Can You Include?

While the minimum requirements provide a good starting point, there are other elements you can include to enhance your accessibility statement.

Known Accessibility Limitations

If there are known accessibility barriers on your website, it's essential to disclose them. Doing so can prevent user frustration and demonstrate transparency.

Measures Taken for Accessibility

Detailing the specific steps your organisation has taken to ensure accessibility can be beneficial. This could include any modifications made, assistive technology supported, or testing procedures undertaken.

Technical Prerequisites

Providing technical requirements for optimal website performance can also be helpful. This could include the recommended browser or any supported assistive technology.

Legal References

If applicable, you might also want to reference any relevant laws or regulations. This is particularly useful for organisations in countries that require an accessibility statement.

‍

‍

Sport Organisations Leading the Way in Accessibility

Several sports organisations are setting excellent examples with their comprehensive accessibility statements. Follow the links for some inspiration.

Commonwealth Sport

🔗 Link: https://www.commonwealthsport.com/accessibility

UK Sport

🔗 Link: https://www.uksport.gov.uk/about-us/accessibility/accessibility-statement

Sport England

🔗 Link: https://www.sportengland.org/corporate-information/accessibility-statement

AAA Play

🔗 Link: https://www.aaaplay.org.au/accessibility

‍

‍

Call to Action: Implementing Accessibility Solutions

Having your accessibility statement in place is a great start but you also need to make sure your site is as accessible as possible.

‍

To take your organisation's commitment to accessibility a step further, consider implementing the UserWay Accessibility Widget. This tool can enhance your website's accessibility and ensure a more inclusive user experience. This is tool we use on the ISD website and recommend to our clients and community.

‍

You can see it in action on our website, just click the widget icon in the page margin.

‍

Click this link to learn more about the UserWay solution.

‍

‍

Conclusion

In today's digital world, accessibility is not just a 'nice-to-have'—it's a 'must-have'. An accessibility statement acts as a testament to your organisation's commitment to inclusivity and social responsibility. By addressing the key elements in this guide, you can create an effective accessibility statement that not only complies with legal requirements but also delivers a superior user experience.

‍