How to Write an Accessibility Statement for Your Store

In today’s digital world, an accessibility statement is just as important as your Privacy Policy or Shipping Terms. It is a public-facing document that explains how your website or app is accessible to people with different abilities—such as those with visual impairments, hearing loss, or motor challenges.

If you run an store, this statement isn't just about "being nice"; it’s about opening your doors to 15% more of the global population and protecting your business from legal risks.

1. Why Does Your Store Need One?

• Legal Compliance: In 2026, regulations like the European Accessibility Act (EAA) and the ADA make it mandatory for digital stores to be usable by everyone.
• Customer Trust: Shoppers are more likely to buy from a brand that is transparent about its values.
• Better SEO: Google rewards websites that are structured for accessibility because they are also easier for search engines to crawl.

2. What Should Be in Your Statement?

You don’t need to be a lawyer to write a great statement. A solid, plain-language statement should include these four sections:

A. Your Commitment

Start with a friendly opening. State that your shop is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities.

Tip: Keep it human. Use phrases like, "We want everyone to feel welcome at [Shop Name]."

B. The Standard You Are Following

Most websites aim for WCAG 2.1 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) Level AA. Mentioning this shows you are following the international "gold standard" for web design.

C. Known Barriers (The "Honesty" Section)

No website is 100% accessible 100% of the time. If your store uses a third-party app (like a "Spin-to-Win" wheel or a specific chat bot) that isn't accessible, say so!

• Example: "Our currency converter is currently difficult to navigate by keyboard. We are working on a fix."

D. Contact Information

This is the most critical part. You must provide a way for a user to contact you if they get stuck.

• Provide an email address.
• Provide a phone number (if possible).
• State your typical response time.

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to publish your statement today:

1. Do a Quick Test: Try to buy something on your site using only your Keyboard (the Tab, Enter, and Arrow keys). If you get stuck, make a note of it.
2. Use a Template: Don't start from scratch! Use the "Fill-in-the-Blanks" template provided below.
3. Be Specific: If you sell clothes, mention that you are adding descriptions (Alt-text) to your photos so people can "hear" what the fabric looks like.
4. Make it Visible: Put the link in your Website Footer. Don't hide it inside your "About Us" page.

4. Fill-in-the-Blanks Template

Copy, paste, and edit the text below for your shop:

Accessibility Statement for [Insert Shop Name]Our Commitment At [Insert Shop Name], we are committed to ensuring digital accessibility for everyone. We are continually improving the user experience for all shoppers and applying the relevant accessibility standards.Our Standards We work to ensure our store conforms to WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards. This means we focus on clear text, keyboard-friendly navigation, and descriptive images.Current Status While we strive for perfection, we know some areas can be improved. Currently, [mention a limitation, e.g., our video reviews do not have captions yet]. We are working to resolve this by [insert date or 'soon'].Feedback & Assistance If you encounter any difficulty using our site, please contact us. We are happy to help you complete your purchase manually.Email: [Insert Email]Phone: [Insert Phone]Last Updated: [Insert Date]

Final Thought

An accessibility statement is a living document. As you add new products, apps, or designs to your store, revisit your statement once a year to make sure it still reflects the shopping experience you are providing.

Updated on: 28/04/2026