Accessibility statement template: blocks to fill in

Which template is yours

There are two different documents. Businesses that offer consumers a service covered by the European Accessibility Act prepare information on how their service meets the accessibility requirements: Directive (EU) 2019/882, Art. 13(2) and Annex V, in Germany Annex 3 of the BFSG, in Poland art. 32 and 33 of the act of 26 April 2024 (Dz.U. 2024 item 731). Public sector bodies publish an accessibility statement based on the EU model: Directive (EU) 2016/2102, Art. 7, and Implementing Decision (EU) 2018/1523.

How to use the templates

• Replace every text in square brackets, then delete the brackets.
• Delete lines that do not apply to you, for example premises if you only sell online.
• Describe barriers in plain words, not only with the number of a requirement.
• Publish the text in an accessible form, such as an HTML page, not only as a scanned PDF.
• Link it where people look for it, for example in the footer of every page.

Template A: businesses

Annex V of the directive lists, where applicable, three elements: a general description of the service in accessible formats, the descriptions and explanations needed to understand how the service works, and a description of how it meets the accessibility requirements. The information goes in the general terms and conditions or an equivalent document. Germany adds the competent market surveillance authority (Annex 3 BFSG). Poland adds the accessibility of premises used for the service or an accessibility certificate, if one was issued (art. 33). Lines marked optional are not listed in these rules; many providers add them anyway.

Accessibility of our service

Scope: This information applies to [name of the shop or service] at [web address], provided by [company, address].

The service: [What customers can do, in plain words, for example search, order, pay, contact us.]

How it works: [Steps needed to use the service: ordering, account and login, payment, delivery, contact.]

How the service meets the accessibility requirements: [For example: the website follows [standard or law]; all functions can be used with the keyboard and with screen readers; texts can be enlarged; forms have labels and clear error messages.]

Premises (Poland, if used for the service): [Accessibility of the premises, or the accessibility certificate.]

Market surveillance authority (required in Germany): [Name and address of the competent authority.]

Optional, known barriers: [Description in plain words], planned fix by [date]. Alternative: [for example ordering by phone at number].

Optional, contact for problems: [email, phone].

Last updated: [date]

Template B: public bodies

Article 7 of Directive 2016/2102 asks for an explanation of the content that is not accessible, with the reasons and, where appropriate, accessible alternatives, a description of and link to a feedback mechanism, and a link to the enforcement procedure. The EU model turns this into mandatory parts. Full compliance may only be stated if all requirements are met without exceptions. The method is an actual evaluation, for example a self-assessment or an assessment by a third party (Art. 3 of the decision).

Accessibility statement

[Name of the public sector body] is committed to making its [website] accessible, in accordance with [national law transposing Directive (EU) 2016/2102].
This accessibility statement applies to [web address or name and version of the app].

Compliance status: This website is [fully / partially / not] compliant with [standard or national law].

Non-accessible content
a) Non-compliance with [national law]: [barriers in plain words].
b) Disproportionate burden: [content, if this exception is invoked].
c) Content outside the scope of the applicable law: [content].
[Accessible alternatives, where appropriate.]

Preparation of this statement: prepared on [date]. Method: [self-assessment / assessment by a third party]. Last reviewed on [date].

Feedback and contact information: [How to report problems and request content that is not accessible, with a link.] Contact: [unit or person, email, phone].

Enforcement procedure: [Description of and link to the procedure; contact of the enforcement body.]

Polish public bodies add the items of art. 10 of the act of 4 April 2019: the dates of publication and last update of the website, how accessibility was assessed, the address of the body with the contact of the person or unit responsible, non-standard keyboard shortcuts, the architectural accessibility of the seat, a sign language interpreter online or the information that there is none, a link to the statement of the mobile app if there is one, the information that users can report a lack of accessibility, and a link to the website of the Commissioner for Human Rights. Each language version of the website gets its own statement in that language. The Polish version of this guide contains these items. For German public bodies, federal and state law add their own rules, which this guide does not cover.

Keeping it current

Businesses must take changes to the service, to the requirements and to the standards into account (Art. 13(3) of Directive 2019/882). The EU model recommends that public bodies review their statement at least once a year. In Poland, public bodies review and update it by 31 March each year and without delay after changes that may affect accessibility (art. 11).

Work with Do4U

The Accessibility check finds common barriers on a page: missing alt texts, the order of headings, unclear links, form labels, the page language and the contrast of inline colours. Use its findings for the lines on known barriers and to plan fixes. It is a quick check, not a full audit and not a legal review, so it cannot tell you whether your text is complete. Do4U finds hints, you fill in the template, check it and decide what you publish.