For Shopify e-commerce providers, the urgency to prioritize digital accessibility only increases each year. As the leading target for ADA lawsuits, e-commerce websites face a heightened risk of legal challenges. These lawsuits are not just a legal concern but can also impact your brand reputation and customer trust. By aligning your Shopify store with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), you're not only adhering to the Americans with Disabilities Act, Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, and various state laws, but also safeguarding your business against these growing legal risks.

This initiative transcends mere compliance. It's an opportunity to extend your market reach, demonstrate a firm commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and reinforce your brand’s values. Proper WCAG 2.2 remediation of your Shopify store is not just about meeting legal standards; it's about enhancing the site’s design, user experience, organic SEO, and performance. These improvements serve not only to protect against litigation but also to strengthen your business's foundation for a more inclusive and successful future.

Propeller uniquely combines a team with over 27 years in web design with its Accessibility.Works team of industry-leading accessibility experts to deliver best-in category services for web accessibility and Shopify accessibility remediation.

 

The Value of Shopify WCAG 2.2 Compliance

Embracing web accessibility and ADA compliance is crucial, both ethically and from a business standpoint. Here are key reasons to prioritize this for your Shopify store:

Avoiding Lawsuits: The rise in web-related ADA lawsuits affects all industries and company sizes. Ensuring your Shopify store is compliant is critical to avoid legal complications.

Meeting DEI Commitments: Web accessibility reflects your respect for the rights and dignity of all individuals, including those with disabilities and seniors. It underlines your dedication to DEI, which is increasingly important to customers, employees, and stakeholders.

Boosting SEO: ADA compliance practices align with SEO best practices. Elements like clear headings, alt text, and structured markup enhance your store's search engine visibility, broadening your audience reach.

Enhancing Usability and Customer Satisfaction: An accessible Shopify store benefits all users, not just those with disabilities. Improved navigation and interaction lead to enhanced user experience and customer loyalty.

Expanding Market Reach and Sales: The U.S. has 61 million individuals with disabilities and 71 million Baby Boomers, together holding significant purchasing power. Addressing their needs can substantially increase your market reach.

New: Artificial Intelligence Optimization (AIO): With the emergence of AI platforms like Bard, Bing, and ChatGPT, AIO is becoming crucial. These systems, like assistive technologies, require accessible content to function effectively. WCAG compliance thus plays a vital role in optimizing for AIO, enhancing your digital marketing efforts.

 

Shopify Website Redesign or Remediation?

Deciding whether to remodel your existing Shopify store or start anew is crucial. An accessible redesign allows for the integration of accessibility with design, performance, and SEO objectives.

 

Our Remediation Process for Shopify ADA Compliance with WCAG 2.2 A, AA

First, what we do not do. We do not overly rely on software for testing, and we do not use “Overlay” widgets, plugins, toolbars, etc for remediation. In this time of AI, one would expect AI to be effective at both testing and remediation, however that is still not true. Regardless, overlay providers will claim otherwise, as they have for years. Taking that route will not make you compliant but may actually attract litigation. Here is a comprehensive explanation of why overlay widgets are more harmful than good. 

Our process begins with a comprehensive manual audit that utilizes our world-class AccessibilityWorks team of highly qualified accessibility consultants. Each has over 18 years in digital accessibility and they are amongst the best in the industry.

We do start with software to lay the groundwork for our reporting and to capture the low hanging fruit. Our accessibility team then conducts human testing of the site’s “unique pages” with examples of each template and component. They conduct manual testing of the UX, front-side code, and blindfolded user testing with each of the top screen readers. The resulting audit report not only identifies each WCAG issue, but also provides detailed guidance for remediation.

The Propeller team then conducts the remediation to address each issue, and finally the AccessibilityWorks team returns to confirm that each item has been properly addressed.

 

Why Propeller is Your Ideal Shopify WCAG 2.2 Compliance Partner

We are quite unique in having both a web development team with over 27 years in web development, and our AccessibilityWorks team of web accessibility experts with our team lead serving on WCAG 2.2 and 3.0 working groups. Our dual expertise in web development and digital accessibility allows us to offer unparalleled Shopify WCAG remediation services to meet current 508, ADA, and multiple state law requirements for WCAG compliance. We understand the complexities of making your Shopify site both ADA compliant while also improving usability, performance, SEO, and even AI optimization. 

 

Your Long-Term Partner in E-commerce Accessibility

We offer comprehensive services for your Shopify store, including:

Ongoing Compliance Audits: Regular audits to adapt to new regulations and maintain compliance.

Scheduled Updates: Frequent updates to enhance accessibility and adapt to new standards.

Expertise and Experience: Leverage our decades of experience for optimal performance and compliance.

Commitment to Accessibility: Our dedication to digital inclusion ensures your store serves every audience member effectively.

 

Choose Propeller as Your Shopify E-commerce Accessibility Partner

Partner with Propeller for a lasting relationship, ensuring your Shopify store remains an accessible, compliant, and user-friendly e-commerce website. Contact us to start your journey towards digital excellence and inclusivity in the world of e-commerce.