Is web accessibility required by law?

In the US, ADA compliance is legally required for many businesses — accessibility helps you comply.

Does accessibility improve SEO?

Yes — many accessibility practices (alt text, structure) also improve SEO.

How do I make my Shopify store accessible?

Choose an accessible theme, add alt text, ensure keyboard navigation, check contrast, and use an accessibility app.

Should I use an accessibility app?

Apps like accessiBe help, but they're not a complete solution — combine with good theme and content practices.

Glossary Term

W

Web Accessibility

Q: What is web accessibility in Shopify?

Making your store usable by everyone, including people with disabilities — visual, motor, cognitive, or auditory.

Making your store usable by everyone — including people with disabilities.

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Key Takeaways
Web Accessibility makes your store usable by everyone.
It includes people with visual, motor, cognitive, or auditory disabilities.
It involves alt text, keyboard navigation, color contrast, and more.
It's the right thing to do — and good business.
It's often legally required (ADA) and improves SEO.

Overview

Web Accessibility is the practice of making your store usable by everyone, including people with disabilities — visual, motor, cognitive, or auditory. On Shopify, accessibility involves theme choice, alt text, keyboard navigation, color contrast, and tools like accessiBe.

Accessibility is the right thing to do — and it's good business. An accessible store reaches more customers, ranks better in SEO, and is often legally required (ADA in the US). Accessibility improves the experience for everyone, not just those with disabilities.

Web accessibility pairs with Shopify ADA compliance (the service), user experience (UX) (the broader field), and SEO (Search Engine Optimization) (which it helps). It's an inclusivity and compliance practice.

1

Why Web Accessibility Matters for Shopify Merchants

1
Inclusivity
Accessibility makes your store usable by everyone — the right thing to do.
2
Larger Audience
Accessible stores reach more customers — 15% of people have a disability.
3
Legal Compliance
ADA compliance is legally required in the US — accessibility helps.
4
SEO Boost
Accessibility practices (alt text, structure) improve SEO.
5
Better UX
Accessibility improvements benefit all users — better experience.

2

Improving Web Accessibility

1
Choose an accessible theme
Start with a theme designed for accessibility — a strong foundation.
2
Add alt text
Add descriptive alt text to all images — for screen readers.
3
Ensure keyboard navigation
Make sure your store works with keyboard only — for motor disabilities.
4
Check color contrast
Ensure text-background contrast meets standards — for visual impairments.
5
Use an accessibility app
Apps like accessiBe add accessibility features and scan for issues.