Crafting an Effective Accessibility Statement for Your Shopify Store

In the digital age, ensuring your website is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, is not just a legal requirement but also a moral and business imperative. The European Union's digital accessibility laws, including the Web Accessibility Directive and the European Accessibility Act, mandate compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1. A key component of this compliance is the creation of an accessibility statement. This blog post delves into the nuances of crafting an effective accessibility statement for your Shopify store.

Outline Compliance

Your accessibility statement should begin with a clear outline of your website's compliance with WCAG 2.1 standards and the EU's digital accessibility laws. This section serves as an assurance to users that your website is committed to digital accessibility. Key points to include are:

• Standard Adherence: Specify the levels of WCAG standards (A, AA, AAA) your website meets.
• Legislative Compliance: Mention the EU directives and acts your site is compliant with.
• Commitment Statement: Express your ongoing commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.

Detail Remediation Efforts

Transparency is critical in your accessibility statement. Detail the specific steps your website has taken to address and remediate accessibility issues. This section demonstrates your proactive approach to accessibility and helps build trust with your audience. Include:

• Actions Taken: Describe the measures implemented, such as alt text for images, keyboard navigation, and text-to-speech functionality.
• Ongoing Efforts: Discuss continuous monitoring and updates to ensure ongoing compliance.
• User-Centric Approach: Explain how user feedback has shaped your accessibility strategies.

Provide Contact Information

Accessibility is an ongoing journey, and user feedback is invaluable. Your statement should provide clear and easy ways for users to contact you regarding accessibility issues or suggestions. This could include:

• Dedicated Contact Options: Provide an email address, phone number, or a contact form specifically for accessibility feedback.
• Response Timeframe: Let users know how quickly they can expect a response to their feedback.
• Alternate Contact Methods: Offer different communication options, such as a chatbot, for users with varying needs.

Ensure Easy Accessibility

Ironically, many accessibility statements themselves are not accessible. Ensure your statement is easy to find and access on your website:

• Prominent Placement: Place a link to the statement in your website footer or main navigation menu.
• Accessible Design: Use high-contrast text, readable fonts, and ensure screen reader compatibility for the statement page.
• Multiple Formats: Consider offering the statement in different formats, such as a downloadable PDF or an audio file.

Regular Updates

The world of digital accessibility is constantly evolving, as are the guidelines and technologies surrounding it. Regularly review and update your accessibility statement to reflect the latest changes and improvements to your site. This not only keeps your site compliant but also demonstrates your ongoing commitment to accessibility.

Conclusion

An accessibility statement is more than a legal requirement; it's a public declaration of your commitment to inclusive digital experiences. By clearly outlining your compliance, detailing remediation efforts, providing contact information, ensuring easy access to the statement, and keeping it updated, you not only comply with the law but also showcase your dedication to making the web a more accessible place for everyone. Remember, accessibility benefits all users and contributes to a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable digital world.

Need an accessibility statement generator, take a look at W3's Accessibility Statement Generator.