What is Accessibility (a11y)? Definition & Examples

What is an Accessibility (a11y)?

Understanding Accessibility (a11y) in E-commerce

Quick Definition

Accessibility (a11y) is the practice of designing digital products, websites, and technologies that can be used by people with diverse abilities and disabilities. It ensures equal access, usability, and experience for individuals with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments, creating inclusive online environments that accommodate different user needs and interaction methods.

2 min read

Understanding Digital Accessibility (a11y)

What is Accessibility?

Accessibility means creating digital experiences that can be perceived, understood, navigated, and interacted with by people of all abilities. The term 'a11y' is a numeronym where '11' represents the eleven letters between 'a' and 'y' in the word 'accessibility'.

Key Accessibility Principles

•
Perceivable: Information must be presentable to users in ways they can perceive, regardless of sensory abilities
•
Operable: User interface and navigation must be usable by all, including keyboard-only and assistive technology users
•
Understandable: Content and operation must be clear and predictable for diverse cognitive abilities
•
Robust: Content must be compatible with current and future assistive technologies

E-commerce Accessibility Considerations

Color Contrast

Ensure sufficient color contrast for readability, supporting users with visual impairments

Alternative Text

Provide descriptive alt text for images, enabling screen reader comprehension

Keyboard Navigation

Enable full site functionality without requiring mouse interactions

Form Labels

Clear, associated labels for form fields to support assistive technologies

Legal and Business Benefits

•
Legal Compliance: Meet ADA, WCAG guidelines and avoid potential lawsuits
•
Expanded Market Reach: Serve approximately 15% of global population with disabilities
•
SEO Improvement: Accessible websites often rank better in search results
•
Enhanced User Experience: Benefits all users, not just those with disabilities

Accessibility in E-commerce Platforms

Modern e-commerce solutions like Growth Suite are increasingly recognizing the importance of built-in accessibility features. By providing configurable interfaces that support diverse user needs, platforms can help merchants create more inclusive online shopping experiences.

Implementing accessibility is not just a technical requirement but a commitment to providing equal digital opportunities for all potential customers.