Skip to content
Breaking Barriers: Why Accessibility Compliance is a Must for E-Commerce Success
Introduction
The digital world is evolving, and so are the laws that govern it. With the upcoming UN Ally Act, European Accessibility Act (EAA), and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), online businesses must ensure their stores are accessible to all users.
Beyond legal compliance, accessibility enhances user experience, boosts SEO rankings, and expands customer reach. Ignoring these standards can lead to hefty fines, lost revenue, and reputational damage.
Key Accessibility Requirements
1. Compliance Standards
Websites must adhere to WCAG 2.1 Level AA guidelines, which include:
- Keyboard Navigation – Users must be able to navigate without a mouse.
- Text Resizing & Contrast Adjustments – Content should be readable for users with visual impairments.
- Alt Text for Images – All images must have descriptive alternative text for screen readers.
- Screen Reader Compatibility – The website must work seamlessly with assistive technologies.
- Accessible Forms & Error Identification – Forms should be easily navigable, with clear error messages.
2. Key Deadlines
- European Accessibility Act (EAA): Compliance required by June 28, 2025.
- ADA New Rule (US State & Local Government Websites):
- For large entities (50,000+ population): April 24, 2026
- For smaller entities: April 26, 2027
3. Accessibility Standards
To meet global accessibility laws, websites must comply with the following key standards:
- Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 & 2.2 – Internationally recognized guidelines ensuring digital content is accessible to people with disabilities.
- European Accessibility Act (EAA) – Requires digital products and services in the EU to be accessible by June 28, 2025.
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – Enforces accessibility compliance for US-based businesses and government websites.
- Section 508 (US Government Websites) – Federal law mandating that government digital content is accessible to all users.
EN 301 549 – EU standard defining technical requirements for accessibility in ICT products and services.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Hefty Fines: EU and US regulators impose fines for non-compliance, ranging from €20,000 to €50,000 per violation.
- Lawsuits & Legal Risks: Businesses may face lawsuits from accessibility advocacy groups.
- Lost Revenue: Non-compliant websites may lose customers who rely on accessible features.
- Brand Reputation Damage: Negative publicity can impact customer trust and retention.
Approach to Compliance for Shopify Stores
Option 1: Using Accessibility Apps (Quick Fix)
For e-commerce managers seeking a fast and easy compliance solution, several Shopify apps provide automated fixes:
- Accessibly – Screen reader support, contrast adjustments, and font resizing.
- Accessibility Enabler – AI-powered enhancements, including high-contrast mode.
- HikeOrders Accessibility Tool – Text-to-speech, alt text generator, and WCAG scanner.
- UserWay Accessibility Widget – AI-driven adjustments and compliance monitoring.
- EqualWeb Accessibility – Enterprise-level solution with full compliance audits.
Pros of Apps:
- Quick installation & automatic updates.
- No development expertise is required.
- Regular updates to meet changing regulations.
Cons of Apps:
- Overlay-based solutions may not fully comply with all WCAG guidelines.
- Some apps can slow down website performance.
- Monthly subscription fees apply.
Option 2: Custom Accessibility Development (Long-Term Solution)
For a fully compliant and long-term approach, consider manual customization of your Shopify store:
- Implement ARIA roles for better screen reader navigation.
- Ensure semantic HTML structure for better readability.
- Improve keyboard accessibility for all interactive elements.
- Manually add alt text for images instead of relying on automation.
- Conduct regular audits using tools like Axe DevTools or WAVE.
Pros of Custom Development:
- Provides full accessibility compliance.
- Improved SEO ranking due to better-structured content.
- No reliance on third-party tools.
Cons of Custom Development:
- Requires developer resources.
- Time-consuming to implement fully.
- Maintenance needed with the theme and Shopify updates.
Customization vs. Accessibility Apps: Which One is Better?
| Feature | Customization (Manual Development) | Accessibility Apps |
| Compliance Level | Full Compliance | Partial (depends on app) |
| Setup Time | Few Days | Instant |
| Performance Impact | No impact | May slow down |
| Maintenance | Manual updates | Automatic updates |
| SEO Benefits | High | Moderate |
| Cost | One-time fee | Monthly fee |
| Best for | Large businesses, long-term solutions | Quick fixes, small businesses |
Final Recommendation
If you want a fully accessible website, then go for a customization-based solution.
If you need a quick solution, use accessibility apps till you have a custom solution built.
Impact on SEO
Implementing accessibility positively impacts SEO by improving usability and engagement.
SEO Benefits:
- Structured Content – Helps search engine indexing.
- Alt Text for Images – Improves image SEO.
- Faster Load Speeds – Better user experience (UX).
- Lower Bounce Rates – Increases dwell time, an SEO ranking factor.
SEO Challenges:
- Misuse of ARIA attributes may lead to indexing issues.
- AI-driven accessibility overlays may impact page load speeds.
Impact on Shopify Themes Due to Accessibility Implementation
1. Design & UI Adjustments
Positive Impact:
- Improved readability with high contrast modes and resizable text.
- Enhanced navigation for keyboard users, ensuring logical tab order.
- Clear focus indicators for better visibility of interactive elements.
Potential Challenges:
- Custom themes may require manual styling adjustments to maintain branding.
- Some color contrast changes might conflict with existing brand aesthetics.
- The implementation of skip links for screen readers may require theme modifications.
2. Theme Customization Complexity
Positive Impact:
- Well-structured themes like Dawn, Sense, and Craft already follow best practices.
- Accessibility improvements future-proof themes against legal risks.
Potential Challenges:
- Highly customized themes may require additional development to stay compliant.
- Some older Shopify themes may not be easily adaptable to accessibility requirements.
Challenges & Performance Impact
- Page Speed Concerns: Accessibility overlays or third-party apps may slow down the store.
- User Experience Issues: Some automated fixes may not align perfectly with brand design.
- SEO Considerations: Proper implementation enhances rankings, but poor execution (e.g., overlay apps with bad practices) may have negative effects.
- Server Resources: No additional servers are required unless using AI-powered solutions that demand more processing power.
Shopify Themes & Their Compatibility with EAA
1. Dawn Theme
Shopify’s Dawn theme is designed with accessibility in mind, adhering to WCAG 2.1 AA guidelines. It offers an adaptable layout, site-wide cross-selling sections, and media-optimized product pages to enhance user experience. (Dawn Theme Demo)
2. Sense Theme
The Sense theme provides a fresh and bright design, suitable for health and beauty products. It includes features like in-depth product detail layouts and comprehensive usage of product imagery. (Sense Theme Demo)
3. Craft Theme
The Craft theme is built for artists and creators, offering an elegant, minimalist design with strong accessibility features. (Craft Theme Demo)
Frequently Asked Questions
