Towards the EAA: Digital Accessibility Blueprint for E-Commerce

May 23 2023

Having to comply with the European Accessibility Act (EAA) by June 2025, e-commerce businesses must prioritize accessibility to unlock new market opportunities and provide an inclusive online experience for all users.

In this article, we outline the essential steps you and your organization can take to ensure success in this area.

1. Plan and communicate

To succeed with accessibility, create a strategic plan, communicate it to staff and vendors, and involve everyone in the organization. Establish clear objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs) related to accessibility and ensure that all team members understand their roles and responsibilities in achieving these goals.

All you need to know about the EAA

"In the world of e-commerce, usability is the key to success. By making your site accessible to all users, you're expanding your customer base and increasing your potential for revenue."

Jakob Nielsen

2. Utilize our comprehensive Accessibility Checklist

We have created a comprehensive checklist to help your team get a head start on EAA compliance. This resource outlines the essential steps for creating an accessible digital presence, from planning and communication to testing and maintenance.

Download SQLI's E-Commerce Digital Accessibility Checklist

3. Conduct thorough testing and auditing

Ensure that all digital properties, including multimedia and visual elements like transcripts, captions, and PDFs, meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA standards. While automated testing can provide a general understanding of your website's accessibility status, manual methods like code reviews and assistive technologies are essential for a thorough evaluation.

Request a Custom Accessibility Audit

4. Fix and verify

Collaborate with an experienced partner like SQLI to develop a strategy and address accessibility issues identified through testing. Focus on high-priority issues and collaborate to resolve them, guaranteeing your digital presence aligns with the necessary standards.

5. Document, Train, and Maintain

Track and document your progress and conformance level, summarizing the information for stakeholders involved in the process. Provide ongoing training for employees and promote a strong commitment to accessibility throughout your organization. Continuously evaluate and update your digital channels to ensure a consistently accessible user experience.

Conclusion

Achieving digital accessibility is a journey that involves planning, communication, testing, and ongoing maintenance. By following the steps outlined in this article and partnering with SQLI, e-commerce businesses can ensure compliance with the European Accessibility Act, expand their market reach, and create an inclusive digital experience for all users.