WCAG 2.1 AA Compliant eCommerce FAQ
General Compliance Questions
Q: What is WCAG 2.1 AA compliance and why is it important for eCommerce?
A: WCAG 2.1 AA (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) is an internationally recognized standard that ensures websites are accessible to people with disabilities. For eCommerce, it’s not just a legal requirement—it’s essential for reaching a wider audience, protecting against lawsuits, and accessing the $490 billion in spending power from the 61 million Americans with disabilities.
Q: Are accessibility overlays sufficient for WCAG 2.1 AA compliance?
A: No, overlays alone are not sufficient. While they can provide helpful enhancements, courts have ruled that overlays don’t provide adequate ADA compliance. True accessibility requires native compliance at the source code level, which overlays cannot fix fundamental structural issues in website code.
Q: What are the legal risks of not having a compliant eCommerce site?
A: ADA lawsuits have increased 320% in recent years. Businesses relying solely on overlays or non-compliant sites face significant legal vulnerability, costly lawsuits, and potential penalties. Source code-level compliance provides the strongest protection against legal challenges.
Platform and Implementation Questions
Q: What is Enterpristore and how does it ensure compliance?
A: Enterpristore is an eCommerce platform built from the ground up to meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards. It features:
- Native accessibility at the source code level
- Fully compliant checkout processes
- Accessible product browsing and discovery
- WCAG-compliant transactional emails
- Mobile and desktop optimization
- No retrofitting needed
Q: What's the difference between Path 1 and Path 2 compliance solutions?
A:
- Path 1: For existing sites – Get a professional WCAG 2.1 AA compliance audit and expert remediation services for your current platform
- Path 2: Fresh start – Switch to the Enterpristore platform, which is inherently compliant by design
Q: Which eCommerce platforms can be remediated for compliance?
A: Our remediation services support:
- eCommerce Platforms: Adobe Commerce (Magento), Shopify, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, osCommerce, and custom solutions
- Websites: WordPress, Joomla, HTML websites
EquallyAI and Enhanced Accessibility
Q: What is EquallyAI and how does it work with compliant platforms?
A: EquallyAI is an advanced assistive technology overlay that enhances user experience on already-compliant websites. It provides:
- Customizable interface controls (text size, contrast, spacing)
- Screen reader optimization
- Cognitive disability support
- Motor impairment tools
- Seizure prevention features
Q: Why can't I just use EquallyAI instead of fixing my site's source code?
A: EquallyAI is designed to enhance already-accessible sites, not fix fundamental accessibility barriers. Using it on a non-compliant site creates issues like:
- Keyboard trap problems
- Form submission errors
- Dynamic content failures
- Mobile-specific issues
- Performance impacts
Business Benefits and ROI
Q: What business benefits can I expect from WCAG compliance?
A: Key benefits include:
- Legal Protection: Avoid ADA lawsuits and penalties
- Expanded Customer Base: Reach 15-20% more potential customers
- Revenue Growth: Access to $490 billion in disability market spending power
- SEO Benefits: Google prioritizes accessible sites in rankings
- Higher Conversion Rates: Accessible sites typically see 15-35% higher conversion rates
Q: How does accessibility improve SEO?
A: Many accessibility improvements directly benefit SEO:
- Proper heading structure helps search engines understand content hierarchy
- Alt text for images improves image search rankings
- Semantic HTML structure enhances content comprehension
- Better user experience signals boost search rankings
Implementation Process
Q: What does the remediation process involve?
A: Our structured process includes:
1. Accessibility Testing using industry-leading tools (WAVE, Includia, PageSpeed Insights)
2. Detailed Reporting with precise cost estimates
3. Source Code Updates with CMS access for implementation
4. Compliance Verification through independent third-party testing
5. Final Reports documenting achieved compliance
Q: How long does it take to achieve compliance?
A: Timeline depends on your current site’s state and complexity. During our free audit, we’ll provide a detailed timeline estimate. Enterpristore implementations are typically faster since the platform is already compliant.
Q: Do you provide ongoing compliance monitoring?
A: Yes, we provide tools and services to maintain compliance as your site evolves, including staff training to ensure your team understands accessibility maintenance requirements.
Technical Questions
Q: What makes source code-level compliance different from overlay solutions?
A: Source code compliance involves:
- Semantic HTML structure throughout the platform
- Proper ARIA attributes implementation
- Keyboard focus indicators
- Accessible modal dialogs and dynamic content
- Form fields with proper labels and error handling
Overlays cannot address these fundamental structural elements.
Q: Will my site work on mobile devices?
A: Yes, both Enterpristore and our remediation services ensure:
- Responsive design maintaining accessibility across devices
- Touch-friendly targets for users with motor limitations
- Consistent navigation patterns across breakpoints
- Properly implemented viewport settings
Getting Started
Q: How can I get a free compliance audit?
A: Contact us for a comprehensive WCAG 2.1 AA compliance audit that includes:
- Professional assessment of your current site
- Detailed report of accessibility issues
- Expert recommendations for remediation
- Precise quote for necessary improvements
Q: What information do you need to provide a quote?
A: We’ll need your basic contact information and website details. Our team will review your site and provide an estimate of time and resources required for WCAG 2.1 AA compliance.
Q: Can you help with platforms not listed in your supported systems?
A: Yes, we have experience with custom eCommerce solutions and various CMS platforms. Contact us to discuss your specific platform needs and requirements.
Ready to make your eCommerce site truly accessible? Contact us today for your free compliance audit and discover how we can protect your business while expanding your reach to all customers.*
Ready to Make Your eCommerce Site Truly Accessible and Inclusive?
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Contact us today for a comprehensive quotation to make your ecommerce or WordPress site WCAG 2.1 compliant