The origin of the accessibility statement can be traced back to the growing awareness of the importance of web accessibility for individuals with disabilities, particularly in the context of digital technology and the internet. Web accessibility is the practice of ensuring that websites and digital content can be used and understood by people with a wide range of disabilities, including those with visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive impairments.

The concept of web accessibility gained prominence in the late 20th century as the internet became more integral to daily life. People with disabilities found it increasingly difficult to access and interact with websites and digital content that were not designed with their needs in mind. This led to the development of various guidelines and standards for web accessibility, most notably the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which have been published by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).

As awareness of web accessibility grew, so did the need for organisations to demonstrate their commitment to making their digital content accessible to all. This need gave rise to the accessibility statement. An accessibility statement is a document or statement that organisations, particularly those with a significant online presence, create and publish on their websites. It serves several purposes:

1. Transparency: An accessibility statement provides transparency about an organization's efforts to make its digital content accessible. It communicates the organization's commitment to inclusion and accessibility for all users.

2. Compliance: It often includes information about how the organization aligns with specific accessibility standards and guidelines, such as WCAG. This demonstrates the organization's efforts to comply with established accessibility standards.

3. Contact Information: Accessibility statements typically include contact information for users to report accessibility issues or request accommodations. This facilitates communication between users with disabilities and the organisation.

4. Progress and Updates: Some accessibility statements also include information on the organisation's ongoing efforts to improve accessibility, as well as updates on accessibility initiatives and milestones achieved.

5. Accessibility Features: The statement may highlight specific features or accommodations the website offers to enhance accessibility, such as text-to-speech options, keyboard navigation, alternative text for images, and more.

The goal of an accessibility statement is to provide a clear and concise overview of an organization's commitment to web accessibility and its efforts to make digital content accessible to everyone. It helps users with disabilities know what to expect from the website and how to seek assistance if they encounter accessibility barriers.

Over time, the creation and publication of accessibility statements have become a common practice, especially among government agencies, educational institutions, businesses, and organizations that value inclusivity and accessibility on the web. These statements not only benefit users with disabilities but also help organisations avoid legal issues related to web accessibility compliance.