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Nov 14, 2024
4 min read

How to Create an Accessibility Statement for Your Website Using the W3C Generator

Creating an accessibility-friendly website isn’t just good practice — in many regions, it's also a legal requirement. Whether you run a business site, a school platform, or a personal project, having a clear Accessibility Statement helps users understand your commitment to making your content usable for everyone, including people with disabilities.

How to Create an Accessibility Statement for Your Website Using the W3C Generator

Creating an accessibility-friendly website isn’t just good practice — in many regions, it’s also a legal requirement. Whether you run a business site, a school platform, or a personal project, having a clear Accessibility Statement helps users understand your commitment to making your content usable for everyone, including people with disabilities.

The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) offers a free, easy-to-use tool to help you generate a complete and compliant accessibility statement: 👉 W3C Accessibility Statement Generator https://www.w3.org/WAI/planning/statements/generator/#preview

In this article, we’ll walk step-by-step through how to use it and what to include in your final statement.


Why Do You Need an Accessibility Statement?

An accessibility statement:

  • Shows transparency about your accessibility efforts
  • Helps users know what features support accessibility
  • Clarifies limitations and planned improvements
  • Demonstrates compliance with accessibility standards like WCAG
  • Provides contact details for reporting accessibility issues

It’s an essential piece of an inclusive web experience.


Step-by-Step Guide to Using the W3C Generator

The W3C tool walks you through a series of questions. Here’s how to complete each section effectively.


1. Start the Generator

Visit the generator page: 👉 https://www.w3.org/WAI/planning/statements/generator/#preview

Scroll down until you see the form fields. You’ll build the statement by entering information into these sections.


2. Add Basic Website Information

The tool first asks for:

  • Name of your website
  • Organization name
  • Website URL
  • Publication date of the accessibility statement

Example:

This creates the introduction of your statement.


3. Select the Conformance Standard

You’ll choose the accessibility standard your site aims to meet, typically:

  • WCAG 2.1 AA (most common)
  • WCAG 2.2 AA (newest)
  • WCAG 2.0 AA (older but still used)

If you’re unsure, choose WCAG 2.1 Level AA, as most accessibility policies reference it.


4. Describe the Accessibility Status

The generator asks how accessible your website is:

  • Fully conforms
  • Partially conforms
  • Does not conform

Be honest—many sites are “partially conformant,” and that’s okay if you’re working toward improvement.


5. List Known Accessibility Issues

You can document:

  • Areas not fully accessible
  • Types of users that may face difficulties
  • Planned fixes or ongoing improvements

For example:

  • Some images may lack alternative text
  • Certain PDF documents are not fully accessible
  • Some contrast issues are pending review

Clear transparency builds trust.


6. Add Contact Information

Provide a way for users to report accessibility problems:

  • Email address
  • Phone number
  • Contact form link

Example:

Email: support@yourwebsite.com
Response time: within 3 business days

This section is crucial.


7. Include Your Enforcement Procedure

Some countries require an official “enforcement procedure” or escalation process. If your region doesn’t mandate it, you can keep it simple:

If you do not receive a response to your accessibility request, you may escalate the issue by contacting our compliance team.

The W3C generator helps pre-fill this depending on your location.


8. Generate and Copy Your Accessibility Statement

Once you’ve filled in all fields, scroll to the bottom of the page. You’ll see a preview of your accessibility statement formatted and ready to use.

Click “Copy” and paste it into a page on your website, such as:

  • /accessibility
  • /accessibility-statement
  • Under your footer links

Make sure the page is easy to find from every part of your site.


Tips for a High-Quality Accessibility Statement

  • Update it at least once per year
  • Add dates to show improvements over time
  • Link to your accessibility testing methods (manual, automated, audits)
  • Avoid technical jargon—keep it user-friendly
  • Always include a way for users to get help

Final Thoughts

The W3C Accessibility Statement Generator is one of the simplest and most reliable tools for creating an accessibility statement that is professional, transparent, and aligned with global standards.

By taking a few minutes to generate your statement, you’re helping create a more inclusive web—and showing your users that accessibility matters.