In our digital age, creating an online company store that is accessible to everyone is not just a good practice; it’s a necessity. This informative guide explores the importance of accessibility standards, the advantages of building an accessible online company store, and how Coggins’ platform offers specific accessibility options, ensuring an inclusive experience for users with diverse needs.
Understanding Accessibility Standards
Creating an accessible online company store begins with a comprehensive understanding of two accessibility standards: the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These guidelines set the framework for ensuring that digital content, including online stores, is accessible to individuals with diverse abilities.
WCAG
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are a set of global standards developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). These guidelines provide a comprehensive framework for making web content more accessible to people with disabilities.
ADA
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a landmark piece of legislation in the United States that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Title III of the ADA specifically addresses public accommodations, which includes businesses operating online. While the ADA does not explicitly mention websites, courts have interpreted it to apply to digital spaces, emphasizing the need for online content, including company stores, to be accessible.
Advantages of Building an Accessible Online Company Store
- Inclusive User Experience: Making your online store accessible ensures that it can be used by individuals with diverse abilities, providing a seamless and inclusive experience for everyone.
- Legal Compliance and Risk Mitigation: Adhering to accessibility standards, such as WCAG and ADA, not only keeps your online store legally compliant but also mitigates the risk of potential legal issues.
- Improved Reputation and Brand Image: Prioritizing accessibility contributes to an improved reputation, showcasing your commitment to inclusivity and social responsibility, enhancing your brand image.
- Expanded Market Reach/Broader Audience: An accessible online store reaches a broader audience, including individuals with disabilities, tapping into markets that might have been previously underserved.
Key Features of an Accessible Online Company Store
- Adaptive Design and Navigation: Implementing adaptive design ensures that your online store can seamlessly adjust to different devices and browsers, providing a consistent experience for all users.
- Intuitive Navigation for Users with Different Abilities: Creating an intuitive navigation system is essential for users with diverse abilities, making it easy for everyone to find what they need.
- Alternative Text for Images and Multimedia: Adding descriptive alternative text to images and multimedia elements ensures that users with visual impairments can comprehend the content.
- Keyboard Navigation: Facilitating keyboard navigation ensures that users who rely on keyboards can navigate through your online store efficiently.
Coggins’ Accessibility Options
Thanks to our partnership with accessiBe, our platform goes above and beyond to ensure inclusivity by offering tailored accessibility options:
- Assistive Tech and Screen-Reader Optimization: Our platform is optimized for assistive technologies and screen readers, providing a seamless experience for users with visual impairments.
- Keyboard-Navigation Optimization: Tailored keyboard navigation options make the online store easily accessible for users with motor impairments.
- Comprehension Adjustments for People with Cognitive Disorders: Our platform allows for comprehension adjustments, catering to users with cognitive disorders for a more user-friendly experience.
- Options to Stop Flashing Animations: We prioritize safety by preventing flashing animations, creating a secure browsing environment and reducing the risk of epileptic seizures.
- UI and Design Adjustments: The platform offers customizable UI and design adjustments, ensuring that users with vision impairments can personalize their experience.
- Closed Captions: Videos on the platform come equipped with closed captions, making content accessible for users with hearing impairments.
Building an accessible online company store is not just about meeting legal requirements; it’s about creating an inclusive and welcoming space for everyone. By understanding and implementing accessibility standards, incorporating key features, and leveraging Coggins’ platform’s tailored accessibility options, you ensure that your online store is not just accessible but genuinely user-friendly for individuals with diverse needs, fostering a more inclusive digital landscape.
See our accessibility options in action by accessing our demo store here.
