--- title: "Accessibility Policy: Why It Matters and What to Include" description: Learn why having an internal accessibility policy is crucial for compliance and inclusion. Discover key elements to include for digital accessibility. image: https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Collaboration.jpg --- - [skip to menu](https://blog.usablenet.com/accessibility-policy#nav) - [skip to content](https://blog.usablenet.com/accessibility-policy#main-content) - [skip to footer](https://blog.usablenet.com/accessibility-policy#footer) Test the accessibility of your website for free! Try UsableNet AQA. [Test now!](https://usablenet.com/automated-accessibility-testing-tool) Close [![UsableNet home](https://blog.usablenet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SaaS%20Theme/2023%20Header%20and%20Footer/logo.png?width=429&height=62&name=logo.png)](https://usablenet.com/) - [Solutions](https://usablenet.com) ## Solutions [UsableNet Assistive](https://usablenet.com/technology/assistive-technology-services) A managed service combining experts, technology and legal support to make your website accessible [UsableNet AQA](https://usablenet.com/technology/aqa) Accessibility management and testing software for designers, developers, and testers [Accessibility Audits & Support Services](https://usablenet.com/services) Expert guidance and training to empower your team to create accessible digital experiences Explore which of our digital accessibility solutions is right for you [Watch a Demo](https://info.usablenet.com/choose-a-demo?__hstc=181257784.2243d86205d8f41e204908d6f6578263.1725908600455.1737658630173.1737669055746.199&__hssc=181257784.7.1737669055746&__hsfp=3011104808) - [Resources](https://usablenet.com/resources) ## Resources - [E-books & Guides](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=E-books%20and%20Guides) - [Case Studies](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Case%20Studies) - [Reports](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Reports) - [Webinars](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Webinars) - [Tools](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Tools) - [All Resources](https://usablenet.com/resources) ## Essential Resources ![](https://blog.usablenet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SaaS%20Theme/2023%20Header%20and%20Footer/resources-1.png?width=100&height=100&name=resources-1.png) [ADA accessibility lawsuit tracker](https://info.usablenet.com/ada-website-compliance-lawsuit-tracker) ![](https://blog.usablenet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SaaS%20Theme/2023%20Header%20and%20Footer/resources-2.png?width=100&height=100&name=resources-2.png) [Checklist: how to achieve and maintain digital accessibility](https://info.usablenet.com/digital-website-accessibility-checklist) ![](https://blog.usablenet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SaaS%20Theme/2023%20Header%20and%20Footer/resources-3.png?width=100&height=100&name=resources-3.png) [Which remediation approach is right for me?](https://info.usablenet.com/website-accessibility-remediation-quiz) ![](https://blog.usablenet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ADA%20Primer.png?width=100&height=100&name=ADA%20Primer.png) [A Primer on ADA and Digital Accessibility](https://info.usablenet.com/a-primer-on-ada-and-digital-accessibility) The EAA is in Effect — Is Your Website Compliant? [Get Help with EN 301 549 Compliance](https://info.usablenet.com/eaa-en-301-549-compliance) - [Who We Serve](https://usablenet.com/strategic-relationships) ## Industry [E-commerce and Consumer Goods](https://info.usablenet.com/e-commerce-accessibility-solutions) [Food Service and Hospitality](https://info.usablenet.com/-industries-food-service-hospitality) [Banking and Financial Services](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-financial-services) [Healthcare](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-healthcare) [Technology and Business Services](https://info.usablenet.com/-industries-technology-and-business-services) [Public Sector and Education](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-public-sector-and-education) ## Compliance [Canadian Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-canada) [European Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/eaa-en-301-549-compliance) [Other International Accessibility](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-international) [United States Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-united-states) 2026 Midyear report on digital accessibility lawsuits in the US [Download Now](https://info.usablenet.com/2026-midyear-report) - [Pricing](https://usablenet.com/pricing) - [Blog](https://blog.usablenet.com/) - [About Us](https://usablenet.com/about-us) [Get a Demo](https://info.usablenet.com/contact) Close Open Menu - Solutions ## Solutions [UsableNet Assistive](https://usablenet.com/technology/assistive-technology-services) A managed service combining experts, technology and legal support to make your website accessible [UsableNet AQA](https://usablenet.com/technology/aqa) Accessibility management and testing software for designers, developers, and testers [Accessibility Audits & Support Services](https://usablenet.com/services) Expert guidance and training to empower your team to create accessible digital experiences Which accessibility remediation approach is right for me? [Take our Quiz](https://info.usablenet.com/website-accessibility-remediation-quiz) - Resources ## Resources [E-books & Guides](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=E-books%20and%20Guides) [Case Studies](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Case%20Studies) [Reports](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Reports) [Webinars](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Webinars) [Tools](https://usablenet.com/resources?contentType=Tools) [All Resources](https://usablenet.com/resources) ## Essential Resources [ADA accessibility lawsuit tracker](https://info.usablenet.com/ada-website-compliance-lawsuit-tracker?__hstc=181257784.2243d86205d8f41e204908d6f6578263.1725908600455.1736198093211.1736205902814.174&__hssc=181257784.1.1736205902814&__hsfp=3011104808) [Checklist: how to achieve and maintain digital accessibility](https://info.usablenet.com/digital-website-accessibility-checklist?__hstc=181257784.2243d86205d8f41e204908d6f6578263.1725908600455.1736198093211.1736205902814.174&__hssc=181257784.1.1736205902814&__hsfp=3011104808) [Which remediation approach is right for me?](https://info.usablenet.com/website-accessibility-remediation-quiz?__hstc=181257784.2243d86205d8f41e204908d6f6578263.1725908600455.1736198093211.1736205902814.174&__hssc=181257784.1.1736205902814&__hsfp=3011104808) [A Primer on ADA and Digital Accessibility](https://info.usablenet.com/a-primer-on-ada-and-digital-accessibility?__hstc=181257784.2243d86205d8f41e204908d6f6578263.1725908600455.1736198093211.1736205902814.174&__hssc=181257784.1.1736205902814&__hsfp=3011104808) The EAA is in Effect — Is Your Website Compliant? [Get Help with EN 301 549 Compliance](https://info.usablenet.com/eaa-en-301-549-compliance?__hstc=181257784.2243d86205d8f41e204908d6f6578263.1725908600455.1736198093211.1736205902814.174&__hssc=181257784.1.1736205902814&__hsfp=3011104808) - Who We Serve ## Industry [E-commerce and Consumer Goods](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-e-commerce-consumer-goods) [Food Service and Hospitality](https://info.usablenet.com/-industries-food-service-hospitality) [Banking and Financial Services](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-financial-services) [Healthcare](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-healthcare) [Technology and Business Services](https://info.usablenet.com/-industries-technology-and-business-services) [Public Sector and Education](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-public-sector-and-education) ## Compliance [Canadian Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-canada) [European Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-europe) [Other International Accessibility](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-international) [United States Accessibility Laws](https://info.usablenet.com/compliance-united-states) 2026 Midyear report on digital accessibility lawsuits in the US [Download Now](https://info.usablenet.com/2026-midyear-report) - [Pricing](https://usablenet.com/pricing) - [Blog](https://blog.usablenet.com/) - [About Us](https://usablenet.com/about-us) [Get a Demo](https://info.usablenet.com/contact) # Accessibility Policy: Why It Matters and What to Include **By** [UsableNet](https://blog.usablenet.com/author/usablenet-1) on Jul 29, 2025 **Topics:** [Web Accessibility](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/web-accessibility), [Title II](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/title-ii), [European Accessibility Act](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/european-accessibility-act) 0 Comments - - - ![Team discussing an accessibility policy](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Collaboration.jpg) 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](https://calendly.com/usablenet-accessibility/introduction?month=2025-05)[**to book a meeting with UsableNet**](https://calendly.com/usablenet-accessibility/introduction?month=2025-05)[to get expert accessibility support.](https://calendly.com/usablenet-accessibility/introduction?month=2025-05) ## 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)](https://blog.usablenet.com/eaa-faq-scope-penalties-and-compliance-steps), 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](https://blog.usablenet.com/wcag-2.2) for most organizations - EN 301 549 if you serve EU customers or fall under the EAA scope - Section 508 or [Title II guidelines](https://info.usablenet.com/industries-public-sector-and-education) 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*.](https://info.usablenet.com/accessibility-policies-and-statements-is-essential-for-compliance) 🤝 Or [**request a consultation**](https://calendly.com/usablenet-accessibility/introduction) to discuss your specific accessibility and compliance requirements with our team. ![UsableNet](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/UsableNet%20Logo%20150%20x%20150.png) ### [UsableNet](https://blog.usablenet.com/author/usablenet-1) Founded in 2000, UsableNet created some of the first tools and platforms to make websites accessible and usable for all people. Starting out, we worked with government agencies as well as universities and corporations. Today, accessibility has become important to almost all companies. We provide accessibility solutions to Fortune 1000 companies, small and medium enterprises, government, and education organizations across industries including retail, travel, hospitality, food services, automotive, financial services, and healthcare. - - - - ### Related posts ![Hotel Website Accessibility: Check-in, Messaging, and In-Stay Barriers for Blind Guests](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Beachside-min.jpg) [Hotel Website Accessibility: Check-in, Messaging, and In-Stay Barriers for Blind Guests](https://blog.usablenet.com/hotel-website-accessibility-check-in-and-in-stay-barriers-for-blind-guests) Jul 15, 2026 ![Hotel Website Accessibility: Browsing Room Options](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Beachside-min.jpg) [Hotel Website Accessibility: Browsing Room Options](https://blog.usablenet.com/hotel-website-accessibility-browsing-room-options) Jul 14, 2026 ![Inside the 2026 Midyear Numbers: The ADA continues to be the ONLY true enforcement around](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Registration%20-%20Midyear%20Report.png) [Inside the 2026 Midyear Numbers: The ADA continues to be the ONLY true enforcement around](https://blog.usablenet.com/inside-the-2026-midyear-numbers-where-digital-accessibility-litigation-is-going) Jul 8, 2026 ![The Low-Cost Moves That Strengthen an ADA Website Defense](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/The%20Low-Cost%20Moves%20That%20Strengthen%20an%20ADA%20Website%20Defense.png) [The Low-Cost Moves That Strengthen an ADA Website Defense](https://blog.usablenet.com/the-low-cost-moves-that-strengthen-an-ada-website-defense) Jun 16, 2026 ### Sign Up for the UsableNet Blog ### Recent Posts ![feature image](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Beachside-min.jpg) [Hotel Website Accessibility: Check-in, Messaging, and In-Stay Barriers for Blind Guests](https://blog.usablenet.com/hotel-website-accessibility-check-in-and-in-stay-barriers-for-blind-guests) Jul 15, 2026 ![feature image](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Beachside-min.jpg) [Hotel Website Accessibility: Browsing Room Options](https://blog.usablenet.com/hotel-website-accessibility-browsing-room-options) Jul 14, 2026 ![feature image](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Registration%20-%20Midyear%20Report.png) [Inside the 2026 Midyear Numbers: The ADA continues to be the ONLY true enforcement around](https://blog.usablenet.com/inside-the-2026-midyear-numbers-where-digital-accessibility-litigation-is-going) Jul 8, 2026 ### Posts by Topic - [Web Accessibility (311)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/web-accessibility) - [User Experience (113)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/user-experience) - [ADA Lawsuits (45)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/ada-lawsuits) - [ADA Website Compliance (38)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/ada-website-compliance) - [European Accessibility Act (34)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/european-accessibility-act) - [Mobile Web (30)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/mobile-web) - [Mobile Apps (27)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/mobile-apps) - [Retail (27)](https://blog.usablenet.com/topic/retail) ![](https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Consultation%20Icon.svg) Need to improve digital usability, accessibility or performance? We can help. [Partner with us. 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Stay up-to-date on our insights, the latest tech news and digital trends. ![International Association of Accessibility Professionals logo](https://blog.usablenet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SaaS%20Theme/2023%20Header%20and%20Footer/IAAP-logo.png?width=150&height=81&name=IAAP-logo.png) © 2026 UsableNet Inc. ![International Association of Accessibility Professionals logo](https://blog.usablenet.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SaaS%20Theme/2023%20Header%20and%20Footer/IAAP-logo.png?width=150&height=81&name=IAAP-logo.png) © 2026 UsableNet Inc. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "UsableNet", "url" : "https://blog.usablenet.com/author/usablenet-1" }, "dateModified" : "2025-07-30T14:48:31.503Z", "datePublished" : "2025-07-29T17:01:03.000Z", "headline" : "Accessibility Policy: Why It Matters and What to Include", "image" : [ "https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/Collaboration.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.usablenet.com/accessibility-policy", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.usablenet.com/hubfs/UsableNet%20Logo_Black.png" }, "name" : "UsableNet Inc." } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "FAQPage", "mainEntity" : [ { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "The Disability Equality Act (BGG Act) is a German law enacted in 2002 that aims to eliminate barriers for individuals with disabilities, including in digital services. It primarily applies to federal public bodies and institutions funded by the German federal government. While private companies aren't directly required to comply, those working with government agencies must ensure their digital services are accessible." }, "name" : "What is the BGG Act and who does it apply to?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "BITV 2.0 (Barrier-Free Information Technology Ordinance) provides the technical standards needed to implement the BGG Act’s requirements. It adopts WCAG 2.0 guidelines and mandates that public sector websites, mobile apps, and intranets be accessible. It also requires websites to include accessibility statements. Though not mandatory for private companies, adopting BITV 2.0 standards is recommended to broaden digital reach and reduce reputational risks." }, "name" : "What is BITV 2.0 and how does it support the BGG Act?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Non-compliance with the BGG Act, BITV 2.0, or EAA can lead to legal disputes, financial penalties, and loss of business opportunities, especially in public procurement. Germany has established an arbitration service under the BGG Act to resolve disputes, and enforcement of the EAA will increase after its 2025 implementation." }, "name" : "What are the risks of not complying with digital accessibility laws in Germany?" } ] } ```