When was the last time you walked into a store and felt completely welcomed? Maybe there was a helpful sign at the entrance or a staff member who greeted you with a smile. Online, a similar sense of welcome can come from something called accessibility statements. These statements show people that everyone is invited to enjoy a website, app, or digital content. In this article, we’ll explore why accessibility statements are so important, what they include, and how you can make your online content—like marketing emails—more accessible.
Why Accessibility Statements Matter
At their core, accessibility statements are a way for organizations to say, “We care about everyone’s experience.” They let people know that your website or digital content tries to meet standards for accessibility. When you create accessibility statements, you show a commitment to making sure people with different needs can use your services. This helps build trust, especially for those who might worry about facing barriers online.
Here’s the cool part: accessibility statements encourage transparency. They explain what an organization has done to make things accessible, where there might still be challenges, and how users can ask for help. This open, honest style helps everyone feel more confident. People who use assistive technology—like screen readers—find these statements comforting because they know the site owners are aware of accessibility needs. It’s like having a friendly store greeter online.
The Main Ingredients of a Good Accessibility Statement
You might be wondering: What should accessibility statements include? While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all template, here are some common parts:
Purpose and Commitment
Clearly, say that you’re dedicated to making your website or content accessible to everyone. This is the “hello” handshake of your statement.
Standards and Guidelines
Mention which rules or guidelines you follow, like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). This shows people you’re serious about meeting global standards.
Areas of Success
List the parts of your website or content that already meet accessibility standards. This helps people know where they can expect a smooth experience.
Areas Needing Improvement
Nobody’s perfect! Let visitors know if there are certain parts of your site that you’re still working on. Honesty goes a long way in building trust.
Contact Information
Provide an easy way for people to reach out if they find something that isn’t accessible or if they have questions. An email address or contact form is often enough.
By including these elements in your accessibility statements, you show you’re doing more than just talking about inclusion—you’re taking tangible steps to make it happen.
Building Trust and Confidence
When organizations publish accessibility statements, they send a clear message: “We value you.” This is especially meaningful for people who have experienced barriers. Imagine if every time you tried to open a door, it was locked, or the handle was too high. That’s what using an inaccessible website can feel like. By stating your commitment, you give users hope and reassurance that they’re not forgotten.
Also, having a solid accessibility approach can help you follow the law. In some places, regulations require that websites meet certain accessibility standards. An accessibility statement can show you’re aware of these rules and are taking action. Plus, it’s simply the right thing to do—like offering a ramp for a wheelchair user, or providing large-print menus at a restaurant.
Making Marketing Emails Accessible
Let’s switch gears for a moment. While we focus a lot on websites, marketing emails are just as important. In fact, if your emails aren’t accessible, you might lose customers or readers—fast! But don’t panic. It’s not as hard as it sounds. Just as accessibility statements make a promise of inclusion, accessible emails extend that promise right into people’s inboxes.
Here are some steps to make your emails friendlier to all:
Use Clear Subject Lines
Keep your subject lines short and to the point. Screen readers usually announce them right away, so clarity helps everyone.
Include Alt Text for Images
When you add images, use alt text to describe them. If someone can’t see the picture, the alt text tells them what’s there. For example, if you have a picture of a happy dog with a party hat, you can say, “Happy dog wearing a birthday hat.”
Check Your Color Contrast
Make sure the text and background colors are easy to read. High contrast helps people with low vision or color blindness. For tips, check out W3C’s contrast guidelines (opens in a new window).
Use Descriptive Links
Instead of saying, “Click here,” try “Learn more about our new product.” This way, users with screen readers know where the link goes.
Use Headers and Simple Formatting
Break up your email content with headers or bulleted lists. This makes it easier for screen readers to move through the email. And honestly, it looks nicer for everyone.
For more detailed help, you might explore additional resources on email accessibility. These guides dive deeper into coding tips and best practices.
Keeping Things Technical but Simple
You might hear terms like “ARIA labels” or “semantic HTML.” Don’t let these scare you. “ARIA labels” help screen readers understand what a button or link does. “Semantic HTML” means using tags like <header> and <main> so assistive technologies know what each part of a page is.
For emails, focus on including alt text for images, using good color contrast, and providing meaningful link text. If you do want to explore more advanced techniques, you can find lots of resources online that explain them step by step. Just remember to breathe, keep it simple, and maybe have a snack handy while you learn—everyone needs a cookie break now and then!
Continuing Your Accessibility Journey
By creating accessibility statements and ensuring your marketing emails follow best practices, you make inclusion a top priority. But don’t stop there! Keep testing your site and emails. Ask for feedback from people who use assistive technology. Over time, you’ll learn what works best and be able to improve.
Sometimes, you might discover that something you thought was accessible actually needs fixing. That’s normal. Accessibility isn’t a single task—it’s an ongoing journey. Each update moves you closer to a space where every visitor or customer feels welcome.
The Final Click: Making Web Access a Reality
In the end, accessibility statements aren’t just documents—they’re promises that you care about all users, including those from marginalized communities. They show you’re transparent, ready to comply with legal standards, and excited to keep learning. These statements can spark real trust and encourage people of all abilities to engage with your brand or organization.
Adding accessible marketing emails to your strategy is the icing on the cake (or the chocolate chips in the cookie, if you prefer). It proves that you aren’t just talking the talk—you’re walking the walk in every channel. By sharing your accessibility goals, explaining your methods, and welcoming feedback, you create an online environment where everyone feels included.
So go forth and write that accessibility statement. Tweak those emails. Invite people in with open arms. Your users, customers, and future fans will thank you. And if you’re ready to get started, 216digital is here to help! Just fill out the contact form below, and let us know your goals or questions. Together, we’ll create an online space that makes everyone feel invited, included, and inspired.