Shopify ADA Compliance: 3 Steps to Make Your Store ADA-Compliant

In this article, you will learn the importance of ADA compliance and how to ensure ADA compliance for your Shopify store.

With a growing number of online shoppers, it’s essential to make your store welcoming to all users. ADA compliance ensures that everyone, including people with disabilities, can use and enjoy what your Shopify store has to offer.

Failing to comply with ADA guidelines can expose your business to costly lawsuits and legal penalties. Additionally, people with disabilities make up 20% of the population, meaning you risk losing a significant portion of potential customers if your store isn’t accessible.

We’ll walk you through actionable steps to make your Shopify store ADA-compliant, ensuring accessibility for all users. Whether you’re starting fresh or improving accessibility, this guide will equip you to create a more inclusive, legally compliant store.

Ideally, making your Shopify store accessible shouldn’t be about legal obligations or avoiding lawsuits. The real focus should be on creating an inclusive experience, welcoming everyone to engage with your website, no matter their abilities.

An inaccessible website is like opening a store with stairs at the entrance but no ramp. While some people can easily walk in, you’re leaving others stuck outside, unable to access what you offer. Don’t be that business – make sure everyone can get through the door.

Way back in the 1990s, Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the Web, said:

“The power of the Web is in its universality. Access by everyone regardless of disability is an essential aspect.”

The creator of the Web designed it with the intent that it should be usable for everyone. As a website owner, it’s your responsibility to honor this vision by making your site accessible to all, regardless of their abilities.

Here are other key reasons why ADA compliance is important for your Shopify store:

• Wider customer base: Accessible websites allow people with disabilities to shop, expanding your reach to a broader audience.
• Improved SEO performance: Accessibility features, such as alt text and semantic HTML, also enhance search engine optimization, helping you rank higher.
• Legal compliance: Meeting accessibility standards helps you avoid lawsuits and comply with global regulations like the ADA and EAA.
• Enhanced user experience for all: Accessibility improvements, such as better navigation and captions, benefit every user, not just those with disabilities.
• Positive brand image: Showcasing inclusivity enhances brand reputation, demonstrating that you care about all customers.
• Increased conversions and loyalty: Accessible sites make the shopping experience smoother for everyone, encouraging customers to return and recommend your store.

While making your Shopify store accessible may involve some costs, the benefits far outweigh them. It helps you reach a wider audience, enhances your brand’s reputation for inclusivity, and mitigates the risk of legal expenses, making it a smart investment.

A small business owner reported on Reddit that their Shopify store was sued for ADA non-compliance despite using Shopify’s theme and accessibility-approved apps. The firm filing the lawsuit gave no prior warning to fix the issues – they went straight to suing.

When the owner reached out to Shopify for support, they were informed that Shopify’s terms of service absolve them of responsibility. The lawsuit cost the business owner thousands of dollars, adding a heavy financial burden to an already overwhelming situation.

This is just one example; many small business owners have been sued over inaccessible websites. In fact, a particular law firm has been targeting small businesses, pushing them toward out-of-court settlements for quick, easy money.

These stories serve as a warning for businesses to ensure full ADA compliance to avoid similar costly legal challenges. Fighting these lawsuits is possible, and some have done so successfully, but it’s an added burden that drains your time and peace of mind.

To make your Shopify store ADA-compliant, simply make sure it adheres to the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards. The ADA references these guidelines as the benchmark for ensuring websites meet accessibility requirements.

Here are the steps to make your Shopify store ADA-compliant:

Step 1: Test Your Website’s Accessibility Using an Automated Tool

Start with an accessibility audit using an automated tool. Tools like WebYes can help you identify barriers that may affect disabled users and potentially lead to legal risks. These audits highlight common issues, such as missing alt text, lack of form labels, or improper headings.

Step 2: Perform Manual Testing

Automated tools detect about 30% to 40% of accessibility issues, but manual testing ensures a thorough review. Hire someone with expertise in accessibility to check usability and user experience aspects, such as keyboard navigation and screen reader compatibility.

Here are additional areas to assess:

• Add alt text to images: Ensure the descriptive alt text is meaningful to help users with visual impairments understand the content.
• Provide descriptive links: Use meaningful link text (e.g., ‘View our summer collection’ instead of ‘Click here’) so users know what to expect.
• Ensure keyboard accessibility: Verify that all functionality is accessible using only a keyboard, such as navigating menus or forms.
• Test for color contrast: Ensure sufficient contrast between text and background to aid users with low vision or color blindness.
• Add navigation elements: Provide skip navigation links and clear headings to improve the browsing experience for screen reader users.

Step 3: Fix the Issues and Continue Monitoring Your Website’s Accessibility

After the audit, the tool will generate a detailed report outlining the issues on your Shopify store. Share the report with your web developer (or handle it yourself) to address each issue systematically. Common fixes include:

• Alt text: Add alt attributes to all images, including product photos and banners.
• Form labels: Label all form fields (like search bars or checkout forms) properly to assist screen readers.
• Headings: Use semantic HTML with appropriate heading structures (H1, H2, H3) for better navigation.
• Interactive elements: Ensure buttons, links, and other interactive elements are accessible and easy to use.

Note that accessibility compliance is an ongoing process. Make it a habit to audit your website’s accessibility every quarter and after website redesigns and migrations. You might also need to audit when there are updates to WCAG guidelines.

Making your Shopify store accessible is not just about avoiding legal risks – it’s about creating an inclusive experience for all users and unlocking new growth opportunities.

By following these steps to achieve ADA compliance, you’re protecting your business and enhancing your brand’s reach and reputation.

Start today by conducting an accessibility audit and making the necessary changes to ensure your site is welcoming to everyone.