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A well-structured template for an accessibility statement helps you implement legal requirements efficiently and transparently. Using such a template helps you systematically document the most important requirements and transparently assess the accessibility of your website or digital application. For organizations in the public sector, education, business, or the nonprofit sector in particular, a template provides a solid foundation for creating an accessibility statement that is legally compliant and easy to understand.
Typical challenges include correctly adapting and regularly updating the model accessibility statement, as well as avoiding common sources of error. A well-thought-out structure and customization to the specific digital offering are crucial for providing a meaningful and up-to-date accessibility statement. This page offers a practical overview of the structure, implementation, and maintenance of a model accessibility statement and highlights what different types of organizations should pay particular attention to.
The sample accessibility statement follows a clear structure based on legal requirements such as the BFSG, BITV 2.0, and WCAG 2.1 AA. The goal is to document the accessibility of digital offerings in a transparent and comprehensible manner. The structure of such a statement typically includes several mandatory components as well as supplementary voluntary information, which may vary depending on the type of organization and the digital offering.
The required information includes, among other things, a description of the current state of accessibility, a list of non-accessible content, details on the testing methodology, contact information for providing feedback, and a reference to the enforcement procedure. In addition, voluntary information such as further details on accessibility, planned improvements, or references to assistive tools may be included. Practical examples show that a well-organized structure with clear sections significantly improves the clarity and usability of the statement.
| Component | Description / Mandatory or voluntary |
|---|---|
| Accessibility status | Mandatory; current level of implementation according to BFSG/BITV 2.0 |
| List of non-accessible content | Mandatory; specific description of exceptions |
| Testing methodology and date | Mandatory; type of testing (e.g., self-assessment, external audit) |
| Contact option for feedback | Mandatory; e.g., email address, form |
| Enforcement procedure | Mandatory; notice of complaint option |
| Voluntary additional information | Voluntary; e.g., planned measures, assistive tools |
The accessibility statement aims to provide transparency regarding the current state of accessibility of a digital service and to fulfill the obligation to inform all users. It serves as a binding statement detailing which areas are accessible, where barriers still exist, and how users can contact the organization if they encounter problems. This enhances the transparency of an organization’s accessibility efforts and fosters trust in digital services.
For people with disabilities, the accessibility statement is a key informational tool that provides guidance and facilitates access to digital content. It differs from other legal documents, such as the legal notice or the privacy policy, in its specific focus on accessibility and participation. Its relevance extends to all digital offerings, from websites and mobile applications to PDF documents.
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An accessibility statement is considered successful if it contains all relevant mandatory information in full, is written in a way that is understandable to users, and is updated regularly. Key criteria for success include a clear description of the current state of accessibility, a transparent list of existing barriers, and clear information on the testing methodology and planned improvements. Only in this way can the statement fulfill its purpose and meet legal requirements.
The evaluation standards used by supervisory and auditing bodies are based on these criteria. In particular, they assess whether the information is up-to-date, understandable, and accessible to all users. Practical evaluation criteria include the transparency of the information, the timeliness of the content, the clarity of the structure, and the accessibility of contact options. A systematic evaluation system facilitates the ongoing optimization of the accessibility statement.
| Success criterion | Assessment by auditing bodies |
|---|---|
| Completeness of mandatory information | All legally required information is included and presented in a comprehensible manner. |
| Currency of information | Regular review and updating of content, information on the latest status available. |
| Traceability and comprehensibility | Clear, understandable language and transparent presentation of the accessibility situation. |
| Contact and complaint options | Easily accessible and functional contact channels for user feedback and complaints. |
The review of accessibility statements is conducted by different authorities, depending on the organization and area of application. Market surveillance authorities are responsible for external monitoring and conduct random checks to verify compliance with legal requirements. Additionally, many organizations conduct internal audits to regularly ensure the quality and currency of their own accessibility statement and to identify optimization needs early.
A key component of the audit process is the comprehensive documentation of all relevant actions and results. The evidence provided includes test reports, reports on identified barriers, and details of planned improvements. Typical procedures involve preparing for the test, conducting it according to established criteria, documenting the results, and preparing the final report. This ensures that the accessibility statement meets the requirements not only in form but also in substance.
| Type of review | Typical tasks and documentation requirements |
|---|---|
| External review by market surveillance authorities | Random checks, request for evidence, assessment of compliance with legal requirements |
| Internal audit | Regular review of the statement, internal documentation, derivation of improvement measures |
| Provision of evidence | Preparation of audit reports, documentation of barriers, proof of planned adjustments |
For the practical implementation of a template for the accessibility statement, a structured approach is recommended. First, the template is selected and adapted to the specific circumstances of your own website or app. Both technical information (e.g., technologies used, existing barriers) and editorial content (e.g., contact options, information on the enforcement procedure) should be entered precisely. The step-by-step guide includes transferring the template content into your own structure, adding individual information, and checking for completeness.
In the next step, integration into the existing digital offering is crucial. The content must be regularly updated and maintained to ensure ongoing compliance with legal requirements. Practical examples show that continuous revision and adaptation to technical changes (e.g., new features or design adjustments) significantly increase the long-term benefit of a template statement.
| Implementation Step | Practical Example / Note |
|---|---|
| Select and adapt template | Choose template, enter specific content such as assessment date and contact information |
| Integrate technical content | Document barriers, specify technologies used |
| Add editorial content | Insert contact options, enforcement body, and feedback channels |
| Regular maintenance and updates | Reflect changes to the website promptly in the statement |
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The regulatory classification of template accessibility statements is based on different legal foundations, including the Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG), the Accessible Information Technology Regulation (BITV 2.0), and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Public bodies are generally required to publish an accessibility statement according to established standards, while private providers are subject to different requirements depending on their scope and size. Using a template can help implement legal requirements in a structured and traceable manner.
The binding nature of templates depends on the respective legal framework: for public bodies, certain content and structures are mandatory, while private providers have more flexibility in their design. Unlike other legal disclosure obligations such as imprint or privacy policy, the accessibility statement focuses clearly on the accessibility of digital offerings. A clear distinction from other disclosure documents is therefore essential to correctly fulfill the respective requirements.
| Regulatory Aspect | Public Bodies vs. Private Providers |
|---|---|
| Legal Basis | BFSG, BITV 2.0, WCAG for both, but different depth of application |
| Binding Nature of Template | Mandatory for public bodies, guidance for private providers |
| Distinction from Other Disclosure Obligations | Accessibility statement complements imprint and privacy policy, does not replace them |
| Content Requirements | Public bodies: detailed requirements; private providers: sometimes less strict |
Adopting template accessibility statements involves typical challenges that frequently lead to errors in practice. Particularly problematic are incomplete or outdated information, as these significantly limit the validity and reliability of the statement. Similarly, templates are often adopted without sufficient customization, resulting in specific barriers or characteristics of one’s own digital offering not being correctly represented.
Another critical point is the technical integration of the statement on the website or in the app. Faulty links, poor discoverability, or non-accessible presentation can significantly impair usability. To avoid these sources of error, careful review and adaptation of the template statement as well as regular updates and technical checks are recommended.
| Challenge / Source of Error | Note on Error Prevention |
|---|---|
| Incomplete or outdated information | Regular review and update of content |
| Lack of customization | Adaptation to the specific circumstances of your own website/app |
| Technical integration problems | Ensure accessible implementation and good discoverability |
| Unclear or generic wording | Use clear, precise, and understandable language |
Various templates are available for creating an accessibility statement, provided by authorities, professional associations, or software solution providers. These templates differ significantly in structure, scope, and level of detail. While authority templates are usually very formalized and comprehensive, associations often offer practice-oriented and adaptable templates. Software solutions frequently integrate templates directly into their tools, thus facilitating technical implementation.
The practical suitability of different templates depends heavily on individual requirements and resources. Those seeking high legal certainty and standard compliance are well advised to use an authority template. For flexible and specific adaptations, templates from associations or industry-specific organizations are suitable. Software-based templates are particularly useful when technical integration and ongoing maintenance are priorities. When selecting, it is advisable to consider currency, adaptability, and support for maintenance.
| Template Source | Characteristics & Practical Suitability |
|---|---|
| Authorities (e.g., ministries, state offices) | High standardization, detailed requirements, less flexible, very formal structure |
| Associations and professional organizations | Proven in practice, adaptable, often industry-specific, good balance between depth and comprehensibility |
| Software solutions | Automated integration, ongoing maintenance possible, technical support, dependent on tool scope |
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The adaptation and customization of template statements is crucial to properly reflect the actual circumstances and characteristics of one’s own digital offering. A blanket adoption is generally insufficient, as specific accessibility measures, technologies used, and individual user groups must be taken into account. The integration of current technical assessment reports and user-friendly feedback mechanisms increases the validity and practical utility of the statement.
In terms of content, clear, understandable, and audience-appropriate language is recommended. Practical examples show that individual adaptations such as mentioning specific measures (e.g., special screen reader support), notes on planned improvements, or direct links to assessment reports significantly strengthen credibility. Customization should also be reflected in the structure and scope of information to optimally meet users’ information needs.
| Individual Adaptation | Practical Example/Note |
|---|---|
| Consideration of specific barriers | Specific description of non-accessible content on your own website |
| Integration of technical assessment reports | Link to current audit reports and test results |
| Feedback mechanisms | Establishment of an accessible contact form for user feedback |
| Linguistic customization | Use of clear, audience-appropriate wording |
A standard accessibility statement provides a general framework that is easy to adapt. Custom accessibility statements, on the other hand, take into account the specific circumstances, measures, and barriers of the digital offering in question. Standard statements are particularly suitable for smaller organizations with limited resources, while custom statements allow for a better fit and more effective compliance with legal requirements.
Using a template for the accessibility statement provides a structured and time-efficient way to meet the legal requirements for digital services. However, it is crucial that each template statement be customized, regularly updated, and technically integrated correctly. Only in this way can transparency, traceability, and practical usability be ensured for all user groups.
Key aspects include a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of accessibility, the inclusion of technical test reports and feedback mechanisms, and a clear distinction from other legal disclosure documents. Various sources provide suitable templates tailored to different types of organizations and specific needs; however, these templates should always be adapted to the organization’s specific circumstances.
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A model accessibility statement must include the following information: the current status of accessibility, a description of non-accessible content, the methodology and date of the assessment, contact information for feedback, and information on the enforcement procedure.
A model accessibility statement must include the following information: the current status of accessibility, a description of non-accessible content, the methodology and date of the assessment, contact information for feedback, and information on the enforcement procedure.
An accessibility statement based on a template should be reviewed and updated at least once a year. Changes to the website, new audit results, or user feedback are additional reasons to make immediate updates.
Industry-specific templates for accessibility statements are available, particularly from professional associations and organizations in sectors such as education, government, and healthcare. Common errors occur when such templates are adopted without modification and industry-specific characteristics are not taken into account.
Common mistakes when using templates for accessibility statements include blindly adopting general templates or industry-specific templates without adapting them to one’s own requirements. In certain sectors—such as education, government, or healthcare—industry-specific information is often required.
