7 BigCommerce Accessibility Fixes Your Store Needs Before Q1 2026

The threat of accessibility lawsuits is escalating. While the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) primarily applies to US-based businesses, the ripple effect is global, and German, Austrian, and Swiss consumers increasingly expect accessible online experiences. Ignoring accessibility isn’t just a legal risk; it’s a missed opportunity to reach a significant portion of your potential customer base. Q1 2026 is fast approaching – are you prepared? This article outlines seven critical BigCommerce accessibility fixes you must address before then, with specific implementation steps tailored for BigCommerce users. We'll also discuss how AI-powered solutions like Accessio.ai can streamline this process.

Understanding the Landscape: WCAG 2.2 and the EAA 2026

Before we dive into the fixes, let’s clarify the standards. WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) are the internationally recognized guidelines for making web content accessible. WCAG 2.1 is largely adopted, but WCAG 2.2 was released in December 2023 and is becoming increasingly important. The EAA (European Accessibility Act) 2026 is crucial for businesses operating in Europe. It mandates accessibility for websites and mobile apps, bringing a significant shift in legal requirements. Compliance isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about ensuring a usable and inclusive experience for all users, including those with visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive impairments.

1. Keyboard Navigation: Beyond the Mouse

Many users rely solely on keyboard navigation due to motor impairments or assistive technologies. A poorly navigable site is a significant barrier.

• Problem: Focus indicators are missing or unclear. Tab order is illogical or trapped. Interactive elements are inaccessible via keyboard.
• BigCommerce Implementation:
  • Theme Customization: Within your BigCommerce theme files (e.g., theme.liquid), ensure all interactive elements (buttons, links, form fields) have clear and visible focus indicators. Use CSS to style :focus states. Avoid removing the default outline without providing a suitable replacement.
  • JavaScript Events: Review any custom JavaScript you’ve added. Ensure it doesn’t interfere with the natural tab order or disable keyboard functionality.
  • Product Filtering & Facets: These often rely on JavaScript. Verify they are fully operable via the keyboard, allowing users to refine searches without a mouse. Use aria-expanded="true" and aria-expanded="false" attributes on filter headings to indicate their state.
  • BigCommerce Apps: Carefully review any apps you’re using. Many apps introduce accessibility issues. Check app documentation or contact the developer to confirm keyboard accessibility.

2. Semantic HTML: Structure is Key

Using semantic HTML elements (e.g., <header>, <nav>, <article>, <aside>, <footer>) provides crucial context for screen readers and other assistive technologies.

• Problem: Content is structured with <div> elements only, lacking semantic meaning. Heading levels are misused.
• BigCommerce Implementation:
  • Theme Templates: Refactor your theme templates to utilize semantic HTML where appropriate. For example, use <nav> for your main navigation menu instead of a series of <div>s.
  • Rich Text Editor: When using the BigCommerce rich text editor, ensure you're applying appropriate heading levels (H1-H6) to structure your content logically. Don't simply use headings for visual styling.
  • Custom Pages: When creating custom pages via the BigCommerce page builder, pay close attention to the semantic structure. Use the available heading and block elements to create a clear and accessible hierarchy.

3. Alternative Text for Images: More Than Just Description

alt text is critical for users who cannot see images. It should accurately describe the image's content and function.

• Problem: Missing or generic alt text. alt text is purely decorative but not marked as such.
• BigCommerce Implementation:
  • Product Images: Mandate that all product images have descriptive alt text. Consider the user's context – what information would they miss if they couldn’t see the image?
  • Decorative Images: Use alt="" for purely decorative images to signal to screen readers that they should be ignored. Never leave the alt attribute out entirely.
  • BigCommerce Image Editor: While the BigCommerce image editor doesn’t directly support adding alt text, you can add it in your theme files or through custom code.

4. Color Contrast: Legibility Matters

Insufficient color contrast between text and background makes it difficult for users with low vision to read content.

• Problem: Text color doesn't meet WCAG 2.1 AA or AAA contrast ratios.
• BigCommerce Implementation:
  • Theme Customization: Use a color contrast checker (like WebAIM’s Contrast Checker) to verify that your theme's color palette meets accessibility standards. Adjust colors as needed.
  • BigCommerce Stencil Theme: If you're using the Stencil theme, leverage the theme's color customization options to ensure sufficient contrast.
  • BigCommerce Apps: As with keyboard navigation, check app color schemes for accessibility issues.

5. Form Accessibility: Labeling and Error Handling

Forms are a common source of accessibility issues. Proper labeling and clear error handling are essential.

• Problem: Missing or improperly associated form labels. Error messages are unclear or inaccessible.
• BigCommerce Implementation:
  • Form Builder: When using the BigCommerce form builder, ensure each form field has a clear and associated label. Use the <label> element with the for attribute to link labels to input fields.
  • Custom Forms: For custom forms, implement proper form labeling and error handling using semantic HTML and ARIA attributes.
  • Error Messages: Associate error messages with the corresponding form fields using aria-describedby. Provide clear and actionable instructions for correcting errors.

6. Video and Audio Captions/Transcripts: Inclusive Media

Users with hearing impairments need captions or transcripts for video and audio content.

• Problem: Missing or inaccurate captions/transcripts.
• BigCommerce Implementation:
  • Product Videos: Ensure all product videos have accurate captions. Consider using a third-party captioning service or BigCommerce apps that automate the process.
  • Audio Content: Provide transcripts for any audio content, such as podcasts or audio descriptions.
  • BigCommerce Content Pages: If you embed videos or audio on content pages, ensure they are accessible.

7. Dynamic Content Updates: Announce Changes

Dynamic content updates (e.g., AJAX loading, modal windows) can disorient screen reader users if not announced properly.

• Problem: Screen readers don't announce dynamic content updates.
• BigCommerce Implementation:
  • ARIA Live Regions: Use ARIA live regions (aria-live="polite" or aria-live="assertive") to announce dynamic content updates to screen readers.
  • JavaScript Events: Trigger ARIA live regions when content changes.
  • Modal Windows: Ensure modal windows are properly implemented with ARIA attributes (e.g., role="dialog", aria-modal="true") to indicate their purpose and behavior.

Case Study: A German Fashion Retailer's Challenge

We recently worked with a German fashion retailer using BigCommerce. They were facing increasing pressure to improve accessibility due to the upcoming EAA 2026. Their initial accessibility audit revealed significant issues with keyboard navigation and color contrast. Implementing the fixes outlined above, along with improvements to image alt text, resulted in a 40% increase in users who could successfully complete the checkout process. This demonstrates the tangible business benefits of accessibility.

Key Takeaways & Quick Summary

• WCAG 2.2 & EAA 2026 are critical: Understand these standards and their implications.
• Keyboard Navigation is Paramount: Ensure full keyboard operability.
• Semantic HTML provides structure: Use appropriate HTML elements.
• Descriptive alt text for images: Accurately describe image content.
• Color Contrast matters: Ensure sufficient contrast ratios.
• Accessible Forms are essential: Label fields and handle errors clearly.
• Caption and Transcribe Media: Provide inclusive access to audio and video.
• Announce Dynamic Content: Use ARIA live regions.

Next Steps & The Power of AI

1. Conduct an Accessibility Audit: Use automated tools (like WAVE or Siteimprove) and manual testing with assistive technologies.
2. Prioritize Fixes: Address the most critical issues first.
3. Document Your Efforts: Maintain records of your accessibility improvements.
4. Consider AI-Powered Solutions: Manual accessibility remediation is time-consuming and expensive. Tools like Accessio.ai leverage artificial intelligence to automatically identify and fix accessibility issues at the source code level, significantly accelerating the process and reducing costs compared to overlay widgets or manual fixes. Accessio.ai’s approach ensures deeper, more sustainable accessibility improvements.
5. Train Your Team: Educate your developers and content creators about accessibility best practices.

By proactively addressing these seven accessibility fixes before Q1 2026, you can not only mitigate legal risks but also create a more inclusive and user-friendly online store for all your customers. The time to act is now.