EnterpriStore and EquallyAI
The combined power of EnterpriStore and EquallyAI provides the most comprehensive solution for ADA and WCAG 2.1 AA compliance.
True Accessibility Requires Both Platform Compliance and Enhanced Tools
At wcag-compliant-ecommerce.com, we’re dedicated to helping businesses understand that genuine digital accessibility isn’t achieved through shortcuts or quick fixes. Creating a truly inclusive online shopping experience requires both a fundamentally accessible e-commerce platform and specialized accessibility enhancement tools working in tandem.
The Critical Accessibility Gap in E-commerce
Many online retailers believe adding an accessibility overlay or widget to their site makes them compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). This approach has repeatedly failed in court cases and leaves businesses vulnerable to lawsuits.
The Comprehensive Dual Approach to E-commerce Accessibility
1. Start With a Compliant Foundation: Enterpristore
Enterpristore delivers WCAG 2.1 AA compliance built directly into the platform’s core architecture. This means:
Fully Accessible Product Browsing and Discovery
- Proper heading structure for screen reader navigation
- Alt text for all product images
- Keyboard-navigable product filters and sorting options
- Accessible product quick-view features
Complete Checkout Process Compliance
- Form fields with proper labels and error handling
- Clear, accessible instructions at each step
- No time-outs that can’t be extended
- Accessible payment method selection and input
Mobile and Desktop Accessibility
- Responsive design that maintains accessibility across devices
- Touch-friendly targets for mobile users with motor limitations
- Consistent navigation patterns across breakpoints
- Properly implemented viewport settings
WCAG-Compliant Transactional Emails
- Logical reading order for screen readers
- Sufficient color contrast in all communications
- Text alternatives for important graphical information
- Accessible order confirmation and shipping updates
Source Code Level Accessibility
- Semantic HTML structure throughout the platform
- ARIA attributes where appropriate
- Keyboard focus indicators
- Accessible modal dialogs and dynamic content updates
2. Enhance With Specialized Tools: EquallyAI
Customizable Interface Controls
- Text size adjustment
- Color and contrast modifications
- Content spacing options
- Font type changes for dyslexia support
Screen Reader Optimization
- Enhanced navigation landmarks
- Additional descriptive elements
- Virtual keyboard for complex interactions
Cognitive Disability Support
- Reading guides to focus attention
- Dictionary and simplification tools
- Highlighting of important content
- Distraction-free browsing modes
Motor Impairment Tools
- Voice commands for navigation
- Gesture support
- Pointer precision adjustments
- Input timing controls
Seizure Prevention Features
- Animation blocking
- Flashing content controls
- Safe color combinations
- Reduced motion settings
Why You Need Both Solutions: The Technical Reality
Adding an overlay to a non-compliant site creates these specific problems:
1. Keyboard Trap Issues – If your base site has keyboard traps, overlay tools can’t reliably detect and fix these fundamental navigation barriers
2. Form Submission Errors – Non-compliant form validation can still prevent users from completing purchases, regardless of overlay tools
3. Dynamic Content Problems – Content loaded via AJAX or JavaScript may remain inaccessible if not properly coded at the source
4. Mobile-Specific Failures – Many overlays function poorly on mobile devices, leaving mobile users without accessibility support
5. Performance Impacts – Overlays can significantly slow page load times, creating a poor experience for all users, especially those on slower connections
The complete solution requires:
1. WCAG 2.1 AA compliant platform (Enterpristore)
- Ensures fundamental accessibility is built into the site architecture
- Provides compliant templates and components by default
- Maintains accessibility through platform updates
2. Enhanced accessibility tools (EquallyAI)
- Adds user preference controls beyond WCAG requirements
- Provides specialized tools for specific disabilities
- Creates a customizable experience for diverse needs
The Risks of Relying Solely on 3rd-Party Tools
One of the most common mistakes ecommerce businesses make is relying solely on 3rd-party overlay tools like EquallyAI to achieve compliance. While these tools are valuable, they cannot fix underlying issues in your website’s source code. Here’s why this approach falls short:
1. Incomplete Compliance: Overlay tools can’t address structural issues in your website’s code, such as improper HTML tags or missing ARIA attributes.
2. Legal Vulnerability: Courts have ruled that overlays alone are not sufficient to meet ADA requirements. Businesses that rely solely on these tools risk lawsuits.
3. Poor User Experience: Overlay tools may not work seamlessly across all devices or browsers, leading to frustration for users with disabilities.
The solution? Start with a fully compliant platform like Enterpristore.com and then use EquallyAI as an enhancement—not a replacement—for accessibility.
Protect Your Business While Serving All Customers
Our comprehensive approach helps you:
Avoid Legal Liability
Implement true compliance, not just surface-level fixes
Expand Your Customer Base
Reach the 61 million Americans with disabilities (representing $490 billion in disposable income)
Improve Conversion Rates
Accessible sites typically see 15-35% higher conversion rates
Enhance SEO Performance
Many accessibility improvements directly benefit search engine optimization
Why WCAG 2.1 AA Compliance Is Critical for Ecommerce
Avoid Legal Risks
Ecommerce companies are increasingly being targeted by lawsuits for failing to meet ADA and WCAG compliance standards. Many businesses mistakenly believe that simply adding a 3rd-party overlay tool, like EquallyAI, solves their accessibility issues. However, this is a dangerous misconception. Without source code-level compliance, your site will remain vulnerable to legal challenges.
Create a Better User Experience
ADA compliance isn’t just about avoiding lawsuits—it’s about providing an equitable shopping experience for everyone. Accessibility features such as screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, and proper color contrast ensure that individuals with disabilities can browse, shop, and complete purchases with ease.
Expand Your Customer Base
Approximately 15% of the global population lives with some form of disability. By making your ecommerce site accessible, you’re opening your business to a broader audience and showing that you value inclusivity.
Boost Trust and Brand Loyalty
Consumers are more likely to trust and support brands that prioritize accessibility. A WCAG-compliant website demonstrates your commitment to inclusivity, which can enhance customer loyalty and improve your reputation.
Ready to Make Your eCommerce Site Truly Accessible and Inclusive?
Learn how our ecommerce solution ensures accessibility and meets industry standards
Request a demo to see how Equally AI enhances accessibility and user experience
Contact us today for a comprehensive quotation to make your ecommerce or WordPress site WCAG 2.1 compliant