Creating an accessibility statement is not only a demonstration of inclusivity but also a legal requirement in many jurisdictions. It shows that you are committed to providing equal access to information and services on your website, regardless of a user’s abilities. This is especially important for Shopify websites, which are often used for e-commerce and therefore need to be accessible to a wide range of potential customers.
An effective accessibility statement can also enhance your Shopify website’s reputation. It sends a clear message to your customers that you value their experience and are taking steps to ensure that everyone can use your site. This can help build trust and loyalty among your customer base, which can ultimately lead to increased sales and customer retention.
Key Elements of an Effective Accessibility Statement
An effective accessibility statement on your Shopify site will consist of a number of crucial elements. Not only these elements help in promoting inclusivity on your site but also contribute towards enhancing your brand’s reputation for being customer-centric.
Clear Language
Your accessibility statement should be communicated in clear and simple language. Avoid using industry jargon or complex legal terms. The idea is for your customers, regardless of their cognitive abilities, to understand your commitment to accessibility.
Accessibility Goals
Transparency is the key here. Share your goals for site accessibility. You can discuss the compliance standards that you’re striving to meet (for example, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines - WCAG) and your plans for maintaining and improving site accessibility.
Contact Information
Offering methods for visitors to reach out with accessibility concerns or suggestions is fundamental. Provide an email address, phone number, or direct contact form, ensuring those with accessibility issues have a voice in your ongoing planning.
Known Limitations
Acknowledge if specific areas of your site are not fully accessible. This communicates transparency and sets customer expectations accurately.
Resources and Tools
If you’re using certain tools or plugins on your Shopify site to improve accessibility, mention them. This gives users a better understanding of how you’re improving their browsing experience.
Accessibility Compliance Certificate
If you’ve been awarded a certificate for meeting accessibility standards, be sure to include it in your statement. It will provide reassurance for your customers that you’re dedicated to maintaining a site that everyone can use.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Accessibility Statement
Following a procedural path can effectively guide your creation of an impactful accessibility statement. Let’s walk you through a step-by-step process to craft one for your Shopify website:
1. Evaluate Your Current Accessibility Status
Before building your accessibility statement, assess your site’s current status. This involves identifying potential accessibility issues within your site. It’s beneficial to use both manual checks and automated accessibility evaluation tools for a comprehensive review.
2. Write a Draft of Your Statement
Start with a rough draft, outlining the key points to include. Make sure to clearly explain your commitment to making your website accessible, the standards you abide by, any known limitations, and procedures for reporting accessibility issues. This draft will serve as a blueprint for the final statement.
3. Use Clear, Understandable Language
In order to reach all users, the use of clear, plain language is vital. Avoid using technical jargon that might confuse some users. The statement should communicate your accessibility efforts in an inclusive, straightforward manner.
4. Include the Necessary Elements
Ensure your draft includes all key elements, such as presenting accessibility goals, offering contact information for feedback, stating known limitations and potential solutions, providing any related resources or tools, and displaying an accessibility compliance certificate if available.
5. Review and Revise
Review your draft thoroughly, checking for clarity and completeness. This is the time to revise any sections that may not be clear or might be missing crucial information. Focus on maximizing the statement’s effectiveness in promoting web accessibility on your Shopify site.
6. Solicit Feedback
Consider seeking feedback from various sources. Both those well-versed in accessibility standards and everyday users can provide valuable input in different ways.
7. Publicize with Prominence
Once you have a finalized version, make sure to display your accessibility statement prominently on your Shopify site. It should be easily found and accessible to all visitors.
8. Commit to Regular Updates
Finally, creating an accessibility statement isn’t a one-off thing. You need to commit to regularly reviewing and updating the statement to reflect changes in both your site’s accessibility features and general web accessibility standards.
Best Practices for Crafting Your Accessibility Statement
Creating an effective accessibility statement is an art that requires attention, empathy, and clarity in communication. Here are some best practices to keep in mind as you develop your statement for your Shopify site.
Acknowledge the importance of Accessibility
Your accessibility statement should emphasize your commitment to accessibility and outline why it’s crucial for your platform. Include a brief explanation about how it aligns with your company’s overall values. This shows the users that you genuinely respect their needs and are not merely complying with legal requirements.
Keep it Current
An outdated accessibility statement can undermine your reliability. Make sure your statement is reviewed and updated regularly, particularly each time significant changes are made to your Shopify site. This continuity will validate your ongoing commitment to accessibility.
Add Changelog
Consider creating a changelog of changes made to the site’s accessibility features. This transparency can generate trust among users who can understand what steps you’re taking to ensure accessibility and regular updates to the site.
Use a Positive Tone
Your accessibility statement is an excellent opportunity to establish a tone that users feel valued and welcomed. Convey your commitment to inclusivity in a positive, proactive manner.
Provide Training to Staff
Make sure your company’s staff understands the accessibility statement and values behind it. This ensures that it’s not just a document on your site, but they are well-equipped to assist users who reach out for help.
Link to Other Accessibility Resources
Within your statement, provide links to useful resources and tools that support accessibility. From guides on how to take advantage of your site’s unique accessibility features, to external resources for accessibility best practices, these links can empower users in their online journey.
Including a Feedback Mechanism
Let your users know you’re open to receiving feedback about your site’s accessibility features. This shows that you’re not just dedicated to improving accessibility, but also to continuous learning and improving based on your users’ needs and experiences.
Remember, crafting a compelling accessibility statement is about expressing your commitment and continuous efforts towards a more inclusive online experience. It should assure all users that they’re welcomed, valued, and appreciated on your Shopify site!
Factors to Consider When Writing an Accessibility Statement
Creating an effective accessibility statement requires thoughtful consideration and thoroughness. Here are a few critical factors that you need to bear in mind.
Your Userbase
Firstly, consider who will be utilizing your website. It’s essential to understand the diverse range of abilities your audience may possess. Some users may require assistive technology to navigate your site, while others may have color vision deficiency or other visual impairments. Tailor your accessibility features to accommodate these needs.
The Nature of Your Website
Are you running an online store, a blog, or a restaurant website? The nature of your Shopify site greatly affects the sort of accessibility features you need to incorporate. The more complex elements your site possesses like multimedia, plugins, and forms, the more thorough your accessibility statement needs to be.
Legal Regulations
Expertise in the legal landscape of web accessibility is a must. Understand the applicable laws and guidelines in your region and make sure your accessibility statement complies.
Comprehensibility
Keep your language clear and concise. Write in a manner that your average user can understand, using plain language and avoiding overly technical jargon.
Continual Improvement
Recognize the reality that accessibility standards evolve over time, and your website’s accessibility features would need to keep up. Be forthcoming about your commitment to continually improving accessibility for everyone.
Addressing Legal Requirements in Your Accessibility Statement
It’s essential to consider the legal requirements related to website accessibility while crafting your accessibility statement. Ensuring compliance with these laws not only makes your Shopify site more accessible but also helps you avoid potential legal complications. Below, we’ll outline some of the key legal standards you may need to address in your accessibility statement.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a vital piece of legislation designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities. The ADA has implications for digital accessibility and can apply to your Shopify website, particularly if you have a substantial American customer base or company presence. It’s therefore advisable to mention your efforts to comply with the ADA in your statement.
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
Outside of specific national legislation, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are a set of globally recognized guidelines for improving web accessibility. Developed with the help of accessibility experts worldwide, these guidelines span a wide range of suggestions for making web content more accessible to people with disabilities. WCAG guidelines are widely regarded as the gold standard in web accessibility, and making a commitment to WCAG compliance in your accessibility statement is a clear indication of your dedication to accessibility.
Section 508
If you’re a U.S. government agency or if any substantial part of your business is linked with the U.S. federal government, then there’s a good chance you’re required to comply with Section 508. In most situations, Section 508 entails conforming to WCAG 2.0 Level AA guidelines. Again, it’s important to clearly state your compliance with this standard in your accessibility statement.
Note that these are just a few examples of legal standards. There may be other laws applicable based on your customers’ geographic locations or the nature of your business.
To sum it up, your accessibility statement should clearly spell out all the legal standards you are complying with to make your website accessible to everyone. Not only does this serve as proof of your commitment to accessibility, but it also reassures your customers that you are a law-abiding business that respects and acknowledges the importance of providing an accessible shopping environment.
Formatting Your Accessibility Statement for Optimal Visibility
Adopting appropriate formatting for your Shopify website’s accessibility statement can significantly enhance its visibility and readability. The combination of a logical structure, easily readable typography, and attention-grabbing design elements can create an effective and engaging statement. Here’s how you can optimize your accessibility statement’s formatting:
Logical Structure
Start by structuring your accessibility statement logically. Section it off into clear, concise points that detail each area you’re addressing, such as accessibility goals, contact information, known limitations, and so forth. Numbering your sections or providing simple headers can guide readers through your content. This layout helps users find relevant information easily.
Readable Typography
Typography plays a key role in readability. Choose a font that is clear and large enough to be read without straining the eyes. Strong contrast between the text and background can also help those with visual impairments. Avoid using all capital letters and italics excessively as these can be difficult to read for some people.
Visual Elements
Add useful visual elements like bullet points, tables, and blockquotes to break up text and highlight key points. This aids in comprehension and makes your text more scannable.
Accessibility Features
Ensure that your accessibility statement itself adheres to accessibility standards. For instance, make sure text alternatives are provided for any non-text content. Also, include features like the ability to enlarge text or change contrast for enhanced readability.
Remember: The goal is not to impress with design flair, but to present your commitment to accessibility in a straightforward and understandable way. The aim is to make the information as accessible as possible, reflecting the ethos of your site.
Incorporating Your Brand’s Voice into Your Accessibility Statement
Let’s talk about the charm of your voice. No, not your actual voice - your brand’s voice! Embarking on a Shopify business venture requires the embodiment of a clear, robust and memorable brand identity, including recognizing the importance of your brand voice. This unique voice should permeate each corner of your website, engaging visitors with your brand’s distinct personality. An essential yet often overlooked aspect where your brand’s voice should shine is within your accessibility statement.
Why it matters
But why bother with incorporating your brand’s voice into something as standard as an accessibility statement? Your accessibility statement is more than just a declaration of your website’s accessibility status. It’s a key opportunity to further present your brand’s uniqueness, your values, and your firm commitment to inclusivity.
Personalizing Your Statement
So, how can you add personal touches to your accessibility statement? Emphasize your brand’s values. If your brand prides itself on transparency, exemplify this in your accessibility statement. Highlight your brand’s commitment to maintaining a fully accessible site that anyone, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities, can enjoy. Basically, use your voice, your style, your words.
Crafting an Engaging Narrative
A dry, formal statement could be off-putting for some visitors. Reword your accessibility statement into a compelling narrative that aligns with your brand’s story, where your commitment to accessibility isn’t just a requirement but a part of your brand’s core narrative.
Maintaining Consistency
Whatever your brand’s voice - be it light-hearted, authoritative, youthful or sophisticated - make sure it remains consistent throughout your entire site, including your accessibility statement. Consistency helps cement your identity in the visitor’s mind. If your brand is associated with a fun, relaxed tone, your accessibility statement should reflect that too. Let it be a celebration of inclusion, not a monotonous formality.
Embrace Creativity, but Stay Clear
A word of caution. While embracing creativity and injecting your brand’s personality into your accessibility statement, always remember the primary purpose of the statement - to inform users about your website’s accessibility status. Balance is key. Be creative, but also be clear, precise, and straightforward.
Weaving your brand’s voice into your accessibility statement might take a little extra effort, but it’s that small detail, that personal touch, that can make an enormous difference to a visitor’s experience. So go ahead, make that difference!
Tips for Displaying Your Accessibility Statement Prominently
Your accessibility statement serves little use if visitors can’t easily find it. It must be readily available and conspicuous. Here are a few tips to ensure that your accessibility statement commands prominence and attention.
Place It Where It’s Visible
Start by placing your statement in a location on your Shopify site that is easily accessible and visible to all visitors. Common locations include the footer or navigation menu of your website. Ensuring it’s always within reach will help visitors understand your commitment to accessibility.
Create a Dedicated Page
Consider dedicating an entire page to your statement. This provides adequate space to cover all necessary information comprehensively, without the risk of deterring visitors due to excessive length. Use clear titles and intuitive URLs, such as “/accessibility-statement”, to enhance visibility in search results and make locating the page intuitive for users.
Include in Your Sitemap and Robots.txt Files
Include a link to your accessibility statement in your website’s sitemap file and robots.txt file. This aids search engine crawlers in identifying and indexing the statement, which could help to boost its visibility in search engine results.
Use Readable Fonts and Colors
Your statement should be easily legible. Use a readable font size and considerate color contrasts, keeping in mind that visitors might have visual impairments. A clean layout and organized structure will enhance the statement’s readability and ensure the information is digestible.
Point it Out in User Onboarding
If your Shopify site includes a user onboarding process or welcome guide, incorporate your accessibility statement in there. It’s a valuable place to highlight your commitment to providing an inclusive and accessible user experience. Remember: The goal of an accessibility statement is to communicate your commitment to accessibility, but it must be easily discoverable to fulfill that purpose. Consider these tips while incorporating your statement into your Shopify site to give your commitment to accessibility the prominence it deserves.
Plugins for Displaying Your Statement on Shopify
Shopify offers a variety of plugins that can help you showcase your accessibility statement in an effective and visually pleasing way. These plugins not only simplify the process but also enhance your website’s overall accessibility. Here, we’ve listed a couple of top-rated options for you to consider:
1. EasySlide Accordion FAQ & Guide
This plugin, known as EasySlide, is a simple yet effective tool to use. It assists in creating a comprehensive FAQ section where your accessibility statement could feature prominently. It’s known for its user-friendly interface and customizable layouts, making it a viable option for even the most novice of Shopify store owners.
2. ADA Compliance Tool
ADA Compliance Tool serves a dual function. Firstly, it ensures your site is ADA compliant, and secondly, it provides a sophisticated platform for displaying your accessibility statement. The plugin offers explicit guidelines on crafting an ADA-compatible statement and where to position it for maximum visibility.
3. Plobal Accessibility
Favorably reviewed, Plobal Accessibility provides several tools aimed at promoting inclusive website design. This includes functionality that allows for the display of a prominent and interactive accessibility statement.
4. UserWay
UserWay is a successful plugin that helps ensure your website abides by accessibility standards. Furthermore, it also provides ample guidance on integrating an accessibility statement into your website. The plugin’s user-friendly design and informative resources make it an ideal choice.
5. W3C Accessibility Widget
As a robust tool for accessibility, the W3C Accessibility Widget provides a host of features that help facilitate a more accessible website design. Alongside these, it also provides a dedicated area for your accessibility statement, offering customizations to personalize its look and feel according to your brand ethos.
Remember, the most critical aspect of selecting an appropriate plugin is to ensure it matches both your website’s design language and functionality. Always trial a plugin before deciding its effectiveness and contribution to your site’s overall accessibility.
Monitoring and Updating Your Accessibility Statement Regularly
Regular monitoring and updating of your Shopify site’s accessibility statement is crucial to ensure its effectiveness and relevance. Your website’s content, regulations, and userbase may change over time, and your accessibility statement should reflect those changes.
Set a Review Schedule
Make a commitment to review and update your accessibility statement regularly. This could be done yearly or semi-annually, depending on the rate of changes on your site. Having a set schedule helps to ensure your statement remains accurate and up-to-date.
Monitor Regulatory Changes
Your accessibility statement should always comply with current regulations. Keep an eye on updates or changes in web accessibility legislation to ensure your statement---and your website---remain compliant.
Respond to Feedback
Be proactive in responding to feedback from users about the accessibility of your site. If a user points out an area of your site that is difficult to access or navigate, take the time to improve that area and reflect these changes in your accessibility statement.
Track Changes
Keep a log or “change history” for your accessibility statement. This log should include the date of each update you made, as well as a brief overview of the changes. This helps users to understand what improvements have been made and see your commitment to accessibility over time.
Involve Experts
If possible, involve accessibility experts in the review and update process. Their specialized knowledge can be invaluable for understanding the latest advancements and best practices in web accessibility, ensuring that your Shopify site provides an inclusive user experience to all visitors.
Use Automated Tools
While nothing replaces manual checking and user feedback, automated accessibility testing tools can be used to supplement your regular updates. These can alert you to potential issues that you might not have otherwise spotted.
Remember, an accessibility statement is not a “set and forget” document---it requires ongoing attention and effort to remain effective. By frequently monitoring and updating your accessibility statement, you’re demonstrating to everyone who visits your Shopify site that you are committed to being inclusive and accessible for all.
Case Study: Outstanding Accessibility Statements on Shopify Sites
Taking a look at real-world examples can be a fantastic way to understand how to create an engaging and effective accessibility statement for your Shopify website. Here are three outstanding examples from Shopify-based online stores that have incorporated sound accessibility practices into their statements.
1. Shopify’s Accessibility Statement
Start with Shopify’s own accessibility statement. It clearly outlines Shopify’s commitment to making its services accessible for everyone, regardless of their ability or background. Some key features of Shopify’s own accessibility statement include:
- Clear language: Shopify’s statement is straightforward, easy to understand, and jargon-free.
- Commitment to accessibility: Shopify emphatically expresses its dedication to providing an inclusive user experience.
- Contact information: Shopify invites feedback and includes details for a dedicated accessibility team.
- Known limitations: They acknowledge working towards improving areas of their site that currently aren’t fully accessible.
2. Allbirds
Allbirds is another Shopify-based site that takes the cake for their well-crafted accessibility statement. Here are some highlights:
- Audience acknowledgment: Allbirds understands the diversity of their customers and strives to accommodate all user experiences.
- Positive tone: Their language is empowering, projecting a positive attitude towards accessibility.
- Call-to-action: Allbirds encourages users to contact them if they encounter any accessibility issues.
- Continuous improvement: They express their commitment to continuously improving their website’s accessibility.
3. Kylie Cosmetics
Kylie Cosmetics is a Shopify retailer that excels in crafting a comprehensive and practical accessibility statement. Noteworthy elements of their statement include:
- Inclusive language: The statement uses inclusive language, focusing on all users and their unique needs.
- Frequent review: Kylie Cosmetics notes their regular reviews of their site for accessibility improvements.
- Feedback mechanism: The statement includes an option for users to provide feedback on the site’s accessibility.
- Detailed contact information: They provide a method for users to reach out to them for any accessibility-related inquiries.
These examples should give you a clear view of what an effective accessibility statement looks like, and inspire you to create an inclusive web presence for your Shopify site. No matter your brand or product, it’s crucial to remember that your online store should be accessible to everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shopify Accessibility Statements
In this section, we’ll answer some of the most common questions that users have about creating, displaying, and maintaining accessibility statements on Shopify websites. We’re all about helping you make your website more accessible, so let’s dive right in!
Are Shopify Stores Required to Have Accessibility Statements?
While Shopify itself does not require stores to have accessibility statements, legal regulations such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) may require businesses to make their websites accessible. An accessibility statement is a great way to demonstrate your commitment to accessibility.
How Often Should I Update My Accessibility Statement?
The frequency of updates to your accessibility statement largely depends on the changes and improvements made to your website’s accessibility. As a rule of thumb, it’s recommended to review and update your statement annually, or whenever significant changes to your site’s accessibility are made.
What Should I Include in My Shopify Accessibility Statement?
At its most fundamental, an accessibility statement should include an overview of your site’s accessibility features, any known limitations, your commitment to accessibility, and contact information for users who experience difficulties. The structure and content may vary, but it should be clear, comprehensive, and easy to understand.
Where Should I Display My Accessibility Statement?
Your accessibility statement should be displayed prominently so that it’s easy for all users to locate. This could include featuring it on a dedicated web page, linking it in the footer of your website, or highlighting it in user onboarding processes.
How Can I Ensure That My Accessibility Statement is Truly Accessible?
Making your accessibility statement truly accessible involves considerations of language use, typography, visual elements, and logical structure. Consistently monitoring, soliciting feedback, and making necessary improvements will also help ensure its accessibility.
Are There Tools to Help Me Create an Accessibility Statement?
Yes, there are plenty of online resources and tools available to aid you in creating an accessibility statement. Shopify plugins such as UserWay and W3C Accessibility Widget are great tools for making your website more accessible and aiding you in crafting an effective statement.
In wrapping up, as a Shopify store owner, your commitment to accessibility is instrumental in building an inclusive online experience for all users. Recognize this as both an ethical and legal obligation, and use the suggestions in this guide as a roadmap while creating your accessibility statement. Whether you are just beginning this journey or are looking to enhance your accessibility efforts, the tools, practices, and principles outlined here can further inform your approach. Lean on tools that exist to aid you through this process, and remember, you’re investing in not only compliance but also enhancing the customer experience for everyone. Good luck!
