Digital accessibility laws are evolving and expanding globally.
Last month, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) officially went into effect, setting new requirements for companies that serve customers in the European Union. In the U.S., the Department of Justice recently finalized its rule under ADA Title II, adopting WCAG 2.1 AA as the standard for digital accessibility across state and local governments, public universities, and their vendors.
Whether your organization operates internationally or serves a domestic audience, having a clear internal accessibility policy is essential. It signals your commitment to inclusion and provides the foundation for long-term, measurable progress.
If your company sells digital products or services in the EU, now is the time to book a meeting with UsableNet to get expert accessibility support.
What Is an Accessibility Policy?
An accessibility policy is an internal document that defines your organization's commitment to making digital experiences usable by people with disabilities. Unlike a public-facing accessibility statement, a policy guides internal teams, clarifies scope and standards, and helps enforce accessibility throughout your operations.
Why an Accessibility Policy Matters
A well-crafted accessibility policy document outlines intentions and fosters a shared understanding across your organization.
Begin by clarifying why accessibility is important to your company. That might include meeting legal requirements, supporting DEI goals, or improving the user experience for all customers.
Next, define the scope of your policy. Outline which digital properties it covers, such as public websites, mobile apps, intranets, and future digital launches.
Be clear about which standards your teams will follow, typically WCAG 2.1 or 2.2 AA.
Finally, assign accountability. Specify who’s responsible across departments, set remediation timelines, and describe how progress will be measured and maintained.
With global legislation, such as the European Accessibility Act (EAA), taking effect this month, demonstrating a sustainable accessibility process is becoming just as important as achieving technical compliance.
What to Include in Your Accessibility Policy
Below are the key sections every accessibility policy should address:
1. Mission and Commitment
Open with a clear statement of your organization's commitment to accessibility. This section can often pull from existing diversity or values-driven language already used across your brand.
2. Scope of Coverage
List the digital products and services covered by the policy, including:
- Current websites, mobile apps, and portals
- Third-party tools or embedded services (e.g., chatbots, cookie banners)
- Any planned digital properties launching within the next 12–18 months
Use this section as an opportunity to inventory your digital ecosystem.
3. Accessibility Standard
Cite the specific guidelines your organization adheres to:
- WCAG 2.1 AA or 2.2 AA for most organizations
- EN 301 549 if you serve EU customers or fall under the EAA scope
- Section 508 or Title II guidelines if working with U.S. public entities
4. Timeline to Conformance
If your organization isn’t fully compliant yet, that’s okay—what matters is having a clear path forward.
Start by identifying and prioritizing issues that create barriers for people with disabilities.
Then, set realistic remediation milestones to track progress over time.
Finally, establish a process to reassess accessibility after major updates or new releases.
5. Testing and Monitoring
Clearly describe how your team will track accessibility conformance over time.
This might include:
- Running a combination of automated scans and manual audits
- Conducting user testing with individuals with disabilities
- Integrating accessibility checks into your SDLC, such as QA cycles or design reviews
- Defining how often testing occurs and where results will be documented and reviewed
Establishing a consistent process helps maintain accountability and ensures accessibility stays part of your ongoing digital strategy.
6. Roles and Responsibilities
Clarify who owns accessibility across teams. Responsibility often spans multiple teams, including:
- Developers, designers, and content creators, who shape the user experience
- Legal and compliance teams, who monitor risk and ensure regulatory alignment
- Procurement and vendor managers, who evaluate third-party tools and services
To support coordination, designate a central point of contact or establish a center of excellence where teams can access guidance, training, and best practices.
7. Vendor Expectations
Include accessibility expectations for third parties. Share your policy when onboarding vendors or selecting platforms to ensure alignment from the start.
8. KPIs and Accountability Measures
Define how success is measured. Examples include:
- % of pages tested and remediated
- Time to resolve issues
- Adoption of accessible design frameworks
These metrics help teams stay focused and demonstrate progress.
9. Update Cadence
Treat your accessibility policy as a living document. It should evolve alongside your digital strategy, tools, and regulatory landscape.
Plan to revisit and revise it:
- Quarterly or bi-annually, depending on your organization’s pace of change
- When new digital platforms, tools, or processes are adopted
- After major regulatory updates, such as the release of WCAG 2.2 or clarifications to the European Accessibility Act (EAA)
Regular updates ensure your policy stays relevant, actionable, and aligned with current requirements.
TL;DR: Accessibility Policy vs. Accessibility Statement
Understanding the difference between an accessibility policy and an accessibility statement is essential for digital accessibility compliance:
- Accessibility Policy: An internal document that outlines your organization’s governance, roles, and procedures for implementing and maintaining accessibility. It supports long-term compliance with laws like the ADA, Section 508, and the European Accessibility Act (EAA).
- Accessibility Statement: A public-facing document that communicates your current level of accessibility, outlines ongoing efforts, and provides users with ways to report issues or request support.
Final Thoughts
An accessibility policy aligns your teams, clarifies expectations, and sustains accessibility across the product lifecycle. Organizations that prioritize this step build trust, enhance user experiences, and mitigate long-term legal risk.
Need help getting started?
UsableNet can guide you through creating an accessibility policy tailored to your organization's specific needs. To learn more, watch our on-demand webinar: Why Accessibility Policies and Statements Are Essential for Compliance.
🤝 Or request a consultation to discuss your specific accessibility and compliance requirements with our team.
