Many websites struggle with accessibility not because of technical challenges, but because of inconsistent processes. An internal website accessibility policy provides a clear framework that ensures accessibility is considered in design, development, content creation, and updates.
This guide walks you through creating a practical accessibility policy that supports long-term compliance and usability.
What Is a Website Accessibility Policy?
A website accessibility policy is a documented set of guidelines that defines:
- Accessibility goals
- Standards to follow (such as WCAG)
- Team responsibilities
- Testing and monitoring processes
- Content requirements
It acts as a roadmap for maintaining accessibility.
Why Your Organization Needs an Accessibility Policy
An accessibility policy helps:
- Prevent accessibility regressions
- Standardize best practices
- Improve accountability
- Support compliance documentation
- Educate team members
Without a policy, accessibility efforts often become inconsistent.
Step 1: Define Accessibility Standards
Most organizations base their policy on:
- WCAG Level AA guidelines
- Applicable legal requirements such as ADA
Clearly state which standards your website aims to meet.
Step 2: Assign Roles and Responsibilities
Define who is responsible for:
- Accessibility strategy (usually website owners or managers)
- Design accessibility
- Development implementation
- Content accessibility
- Testing and monitoring
Shared responsibility prevents gaps.
Step 3: Establish Testing Procedures
Your policy should include:
- Automated accessibility checker scans
- Manual accessibility testing
- Testing after updates or launches
- Scheduled reviews
This ensures continuous accessibility.
Step 4: Create Content Accessibility Guidelines
Include clear rules for content creators such as:
- Using proper headings
- Adding alt text to images
- Writing descriptive links
- Using accessible documents
Content is one of the most frequent sources of issues.
Step 5: Address Third-Party Tools and Plugins
Your policy should require:
- Accessibility review of new plugins or tools
- Regular testing after updates
- Removal of inaccessible components
Third-party content can introduce major barriers.
Step 6: Set Reporting and Improvement Processes
Define how:
- Issues are documented
- Fixes are prioritized
- Progress is tracked
- Reports are shared
This supports accountability and transparency.
Step 7: Provide Training and Resources
Include plans for:
- Accessibility training for team members
- Documentation and reference guides
- Ongoing learning
Education strengthens long-term success.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Making the policy too technical
- Not updating it regularly
- Failing to assign responsibility
- Ignoring content accessibility
- Treating it as a one-time document
Your policy should evolve with your website.
How Accessibility Checkers Support Policy Implementation
Accessibility checkers help enforce policies by:
- Identifying violations consistently
- Tracking progress over time
- Supporting audits and reporting
- Preventing regressions
They turn policy into action.
Final Thoughts
An internal website accessibility policy transforms accessibility from a reactive task into a proactive process. By defining standards, responsibilities, and testing workflows, organizations can maintain WCAG and ADA compliance while delivering inclusive digital experiences.
Accessibility works best when it’s built into everyday operations.
