Accessible Websites for Shopping

Accessible Websites for Shopping

Originally published December 16, 2024

The holidays are a time for giving, but online shopping can be stressful and inaccessible for many people. That's why today, on Day 5 of our "12 Days of Accessibility" campaign, we're focusing on accessible websites that make online shopping a breeze for everyone.

Accessible Websites for Simple Online Shopping

Here are some key features of accessible websites:

• Clear and concise design: Websites should be easy to navigate with a logical layout and consistent formatting.

• Screen reader compatibility: Websites should be compatible with screen readers, which convert text to speech for people with visual impairments.

• Accessible images: Images should have alt text descriptions that explain what the image is for people with visual impairments.

• Keyboard accessibility: Users should be able to navigate the website using only a keyboard, without needing a mouse.

• Color contrast: Websites should have sufficient color contrast between text and background colors to make them easy to read for people with visual impairments.

Here are some tips for finding accessible websites:

• Look for websites that have an accessibility statement.

• Use the WAVE Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool to check how accessible a website is.

• Ask the website owner directly if they have any accessibility features.

By choosing to shop on accessible websites, you can help make the holidays a more inclusive and enjoyable time for everyone.

Examples of major retailers with accessible websites include: Amazon, Walmart, Apple, and Best Buy.