Hey there, Shopify store owners, developers, and content creators! If you’re reading this, having a stunning online store is critical to attracting customers. But have you ever thought about making your store accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities? In today’s digital age, digital accessibility is crucial and more than just a buzzword. It’s about ensuring everyone can enjoy your site, no matter their abilities. Let’s dive into accessible Shopify themes and why they matter.

Understanding Digital Accessibility

Digital accessibility means designing websites and digital tools so everyone, including people with disabilities, can use them. Disabilities can be visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive, or neurological. When your site is accessible, you’re not just following best practices but also reaching a broader audience, enhancing your SEO, and showing you care about all your visitors.

Why Accessibility Matters for Shopify Stores

Shopify is one of the best e-commerce platforms for creating beautiful online stores. But beauty isn’t everything. Accessibility matters because:

1. Inclusivity: Making your site accessible ensures everyone can use it, including those with disabilities. This increases your potential customer base.
2. Legal Compliance: In the US, websites must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Not following these guidelines can lead to lawsuits.
3. SEO Benefits: Accessible sites are often better optimized for search engines, meaning better rankings and more traffic.
4. Better User Experience: An accessible site is usually more user-friendly, keeping customers returning.

What Makes a Shopify Theme Accessible?

So, what should you look for in an accessible Shopify theme? Here are some key features:

1. Keyboard Navigation: Users should be able to perform actions on your site using just a keyboard.
2. Screen Reader Compatibility: Your site should work well with screen readers, which helps visually impaired users navigate the web.
3. Text Alternatives: All images should have alt text so screen readers can describe them to users.
4. Color Contrast: Text should have enough contrast with the background to be easily readable.
5. Resizing Text: Users should be able to zoom and resize text without breaking your site’s layout.
6. Clear Labels and Instructions: Forms and buttons should be clearly labeled so users know what they’re for.

Top Accessible Shopify Themes Compatible with Online Store 2.0

Now, let’s get into some of the most accessible Shopify themes compatible with Online Store 2.0. These themes are designed with digital accessibility in mind, ensuring your store is usable for everyone.

Dawn

Dawn is Shopify’s flagship theme for Online Store 2.0 and is built with accessibility in mind.

• Keyboard Navigation: Dawn is fully navigable via keyboard, making it accessible for users who can’t use a mouse.
• Screen Reader Support: The theme is compatible with screen readers, ensuring visually impaired users can access all content.
• High Contrast: Dawn offers excellent contrast between text and background, which helps users with low vision.

Craft

Craft is perfect for stores with a focus on aesthetics and usability.

• Text Alternatives: Every image in Craft can have alt text, making it accessible for screen readers.
• Flexible Design: The theme’s layout adjusts well when text is resized, ensuring it remains readable.
• Clear Instructions: Forms and interactive elements in Craft are clearly labeled.

Sense

Sense is a clean and modern theme designed for ease of use and accessibility.

• High Contrast Mode: Sense offers a high-contrast color scheme, improving readability for low-vision users.
• Accessible Forms: Forms are well-labeled and easy to use, ensuring everyone can complete purchases without hassle.
• Keyboard-Friendly: Like the others, Sense is designed to work well with keyboard navigation.

Crave

Crave is a stylish theme that combines modern design with robust accessibility features.

• Responsive Design: Crave’s responsive design ensures it looks great and works well on all devices, which is crucial for accessibility.
• Alt Text: All images can have alt text, which is essential for screen reader users.
• Clear Navigation: The navigation is straightforward to use, making it accessible to everyone.

Refresh

Refresh is ideal for stores that want a clean, modern look without compromising on accessibility.

• Keyboard Navigation: The theme supports full keyboard navigation, ensuring users with disabilities can easily browse.
• High Contrast: Refresh uses high contrast in its design, improving readability.
• Screen Reader Friendly: It’s built to work seamlessly with screen readers.

Tips for Enhancing Accessibility on Your Shopify Store

Choosing an accessible theme is just the first step. Here are some additional tips to make your Shopify store even more accessible:

1. Add Alt Text to Images: Every image on your site should have alternative text. This action helps screen reader users understand what’s on your site.
2. Use Descriptive Links: Instead of “click here,” use descriptive text like “view our latest collection.”
3. Ensure Text Readability: Use large, clear fonts and high-contrast colors.
4. Test Your Site: Regularly check your site with the WAVE Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool for accessibility issues.
5. Provide Keyboard Shortcuts: Offer keyboard shortcuts for common actions to make navigation easier.
6. Accessible Forms: Make sure forms are easy to use and clearly labeled.
7. Regular Updates: Keep your site and theme updated to fix any accessibility issues.

Conclusion

Digital accessibility isn’t just about ticking a box; it’s about creating an inclusive and user-friendly experience for all your visitors. Choosing an accessible Shopify theme like Dawn, Craft, Sense, Crave, or Refresh is a great start.

Remember, an accessible site broadens your customer base, boosts your SEO, and helps you comply with legal requirements. So, take the time to invest in digital accessibility—it’s worth it!

Starting your web accessibility journey on Shopify has never been easier with 216digital by your side. Schedule a complimentary ADA Strategy Briefing with our experts to craft a tailored plan for integrating WCAG 2.1 compliance into your development roadmap. We’re here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring that your online store meets accessibility standards while you focus on growing your business.

Happy selling, and here’s to a more inclusive web!