Avoid These 5 Common Mistakes in Your Accessibility Statement (and Why They Matter for EAA Readiness)
As we approach the full enforcement of the European Accessibility Act (EAA) in June 2025, organizations across the EU (and those serving EU markets) are racing to ensure their digital experiences meet accessibility requirements. While the EAA doesn’t explicitly mandate public accessibility statements, having one—and getting it right—has become a powerful signal of readiness, transparency, and accountability.
Unfortunately, many organizations treat accessibility statements as a checkbox exercise. In doing so, they miss a critical opportunity to communicate progress, acknowledge limitations, and invite feedback. Worse, common mistakes in these statements can raise red flags for regulators, users, and partners.
At Inclusive Web we help organizations go beyond compliance checklists. Here are five common mistakes we see in accessibility statements—and why fixing them matters if you want to stay aligned with the EAA's broader goals.
1. Claiming Full Compliance Without Qualification
The mistake:
"We are fully compliant with WCAG 2.1 Level AA."
That sounds great—until a screen reader user finds an unlabeled form field or a keyboard trap.
Why it matters for EAA readiness:
The EAA emphasizes usability for people with disabilities, not just box-ticking. Overstating compliance can damage credibility and create legal exposure if issues are reported. A better approach is to state your compliance level and method of evaluation, and to acknowledge known gaps transparently.
Pro tip:
Say something like:
"We aim to conform to WCAG 2.1 AA. This statement is based on a combination of automated testing, manual audits, and real-user feedback conducted in March 2025."
2. Letting the Statement Go Stale
The mistake:
Posting an accessibility statement in 2022 and never touching it again—even after a redesign or new CMS rollout.
Why it matters for EAA readiness:
The EAA expects accessibility to be a continuous process. If your statement doesn’t reflect recent testing, updates, or accessibility improvements, it signals neglect rather than maturity.
Pro tip:
Include a line like:
"This statement was last reviewed on May 30, 2025. We review and update this statement every six months or after major digital updates."
3. Missing or Confusing Feedback Channels
The mistake:
Offering only a generic “Contact Us” link with no clear pathway for reporting accessibility issues.
Why it matters for EAA readiness:
Both the EAA and the Web Accessibility Directive emphasize user feedback. Accessibility isn't just technical—it's experiential. Making it hard for users to report problems undermines your commitment to inclusion.
Pro tip:
Provide a dedicated accessibility contact and clear instructions. For example:
"If you encounter accessibility barriers on this website, please email accessibility@yourdomain.com or call +123 456 789. We aim to respond within 5 business days."
4. Not Explaining Known Limitations
The mistake:
Pretending everything works perfectly—or dumping vague statements like “some content may not be accessible.”
Why it matters for EAA readiness:
Honesty builds trust. Even best-in-class organizations have legacy systems or third-party tools that pose challenges. Acknowledging these shows you’re aware and actively working on solutions.
Pro tip:
Add a section like:
"We are aware that some PDFs published before 2023 are not fully accessible. We are currently updating them and can provide accessible versions on request."
5. Using Legalese Instead of Human Language
The mistake:
Filling your statement with technical jargon, EU directive codes, or accessibility acronyms no one understands.
Why it matters for EAA readiness:
Accessibility includes cognitive clarity. If your statement isn’t readable or understandable by a broad audience, it fails its core purpose. The EAA underscores user-centered communication.
Pro tip:
Write in plain language. Think of your statement as a conversation, not a contract.
In Summary
Your accessibility statement is more than a compliance document. It’s a public declaration of inclusion—a living record of your organization's progress toward equitable digital experiences. While it’s not explicitly required by the EAA, it’s absolutely aligned with its spirit.
By avoiding these five mistakes, you don’t just stay ahead of regulatory risk—you build credibility with users, trust with partners, and alignment with global accessibility standards.
Ready to audit your accessibility statement?
Inclusive Web offers accessibility statement audits and WCAG testing tailored to EAA-readiness.
Book a free review today →