WCAG compliance in e-commerce. Accessibility best practices for Magento and Shopify 

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) set the global standard for making websites accessible to people with disabilities. For online stores built on platforms like Magento and Shopify, ensuring WCAG compliance is not just a legal necessity but also a business advantage. Staying updated with the new success criteria in WCAG 2.2 is crucial, as it involves monitoring and adapting to evolving standards for improved accessibility.

This article explores the importance of WCAG compliance in e-commerce, focusing on Magento and Shopify, and provides detailed guidelines on how to make online stores more accessible.

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Introduction to Web Accessibility

Web accessibility refers to the practice of making websites, web applications, and digital content accessible to people with disabilities, including visual, auditory, motor, cognitive, and speech disabilities. The goal of web accessibility is to ensure that everyone can access and use digital information, regardless of their abilities. Web accessibility is not only a moral and social imperative, but it is also a legal requirement in many countries.

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are the internationally recognized standards for web accessibility. WCAG provides a set of guidelines and success criteria for making web content accessible to people with disabilities. By following WCAG guidelines, developers and designers can create accessible websites, web applications, and digital content that can be used by everyone.

Why Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Compliance matters in e-commerce? Legal and ethical considerations.

Many countries have strict accessibility laws requiring online stores to comply with WCAG. WCAG 2.0 serves as a benchmark for web accessibility legislation, including Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. These laws include ADA in the United States, the European Accessibility Act in the European Union, and the Equality Act in the United Kingdom. Non-compliance can lead to legal issues, including lawsuits and financial penalties.

Ethical considerations also play a role, as businesses should strive to provide equal access to all users, including those with disabilities. Ensuring accessibility can expand the potential customer base since around 15% of the global population has a disability. Numbers grow more if add neurodiverse people, even up to 37%.

Taking into consideration 15% of population has disabilities and it is accounted that 37% percent of population is neurodiverse, I would simply ask – what is typical and what atypical. I would say that good interfaces should just be made like all we would be diverse.

A more accessible website also improves search engine rankings, making the store easier to find online. A well-structured website enhances customer experience, leading to higher engagement, lower bounce rates, and better conversion rates. Additionally, customers value inclusivity, which strengthens brand reputation and fosters customer loyalty.

Understanding WCAG standards and success criteria for e-commerce websites

WCAG is built around four core principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust. These principles ensure that web content is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. The guidelines are designed to be comprehensive and cover a wide range of accessibility issues. Testable success criteria provide measurable standards that can be evaluated through automated testing and human assessment to ensure web content accessibility for individuals with various disabilities.

Perceivable 

All images, icons, and non-text content should include meaningful alt text. The content should be readable by screen readers and other assistive technologies. The website should also maintain a strong contrast between text and background to ensure readability. 

Operable 

The website should be fully functional using a keyboard alone. Users should be able to navigate menus and forms without relying on a mouse. Features like pop-ups should allow users to control their display time. Clear menus, headings, and breadcrumbs should guide users efficiently. 

Understandable 

The layout should be predictable, and the content should be written in clear, straightforward language. Websites should display clear error messages with guidance on how to fix mistakes, improving the overall user experience. 

Robust 

Websites should work seamlessly across all browsers, devices, and assistive technologies. The use of clean, structured HTML ensures compatibility with screen readers and other accessibility tools. It is also crucial to ensure that content is operable across various user agents, including assistive technologies and mobile devices.

Magento and Shopify e-commerce WCAG Compliance with assistive technologies

Magento provides flexibility but requires manual efforts to achieve WCAG compliance. Assistive technology plays a crucial role in facilitating user interactions with web content and ensuring comprehensive support for accessibility features.

Steps to improve Magento accessibility: 

1. Use an Accessibility-Friendly Theme (like Hyva). Choosing a theme that meets WCAG 2.1 AA standards ensures a strong foundation for accessibility. The theme should have a clear heading structure and use semantic HTML. 
2. Optimize navigation and forms. Adding skip-to-content links allows users to bypass navigation menus. Forms should include ARIA labels for better accessibility. All interactive elements must be accessible using only a keyboard. 
3. Enhance media and visual elements. Every image, icon, and interactive element should have alt text to describe its function. Video content should include captions and transcripts. Strong color contrast should be maintained to ensure readability. 
4. Ensure an accessible checkout process. Checkout forms should have clear labels and input fields. CAPTCHA tests should not rely solely on visual elements. Providing multiple authentication options enhances usability. 
5. Regular testing and maintenance. Websites should undergo regular usability testing with disabled users to identify potential issues. Accessibility audits, using both automated tools and manual checks, help ensure ongoing compliance. 

Shopify Accessibility and screen readers

Shopify provides pre-built themes that are designed with accessibility in mind, many of which adhere to WCAG 2.1 AA standards. It also includes built-in features like keyboard navigation, screen reader support, and alt text for images. However, merchants must customize their stores to maintain compliance, particularly when adding third-party apps or custom code. User agent functionality is crucial in ensuring compliance with accessibility requirements, as it supports assistive technologies and ensures content is operable across various user agents.

Regular testing and ensuring that all interactive elements are accessible via keyboard and assistive technologies are key to creating an inclusive shopping experience on Shopify.

Websites should undergo regular usability testing with disabled users to identify potential issues. Accessibility audits, using both automated tools and manual checks, help ensure ongoing compliance.

Accessibility WCAG - What is good to know! 

WCAG guidelines are regularly updated, so compliance is a continuous process. Regular audits can help store owners identify new issues and prevent accessibility barriers. Developers, designers, and content managers must work together to ensure accessibility remains a priority. Training teams on accessibility best practices is essential for maintaining compliance. While automated testing is helpful, real-world testing with users who rely on assistive technologies is essential for identifying usability challenges. Web technologies play a crucial role in ensuring web content is accessible to all users and meeting modern user needs.

Shopify and Magento provide tools and documentation to help merchants improve accessibility. Staying informed about new features and best practices simplifies the compliance process.

Summary 

Ensuring accessibility in e-commerce is no longer optional—it is essential. Magento and Shopify store owners should actively implement WCAG guidelines, conduct frequent audits, and seek feedback from real users. A fully accessible store enhances user experience, improves SEO, prevents legal risks, and expands the customer base. It is crucial to ensure that all elements of a web page satisfy accessibility requirements. Additionally, adhering to accessibility standards across multiple web pages is necessary to achieve compliance.