BigCommerce Accessibility: 3 Fixes Your Store Needs Before the EAA Deadline 2026

The Enforcement Authority Act (EAA) of 2026 is rapidly approaching, significantly strengthening digital ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) enforcement. For BigCommerce users, this means a renewed and intensified focus on website accessibility. Ignoring these requirements isn’t just a legal risk; it’s a business risk, impacting potential customers and brand reputation. This article outlines three critical accessibility fixes BigCommerce stores need to address before the EAA deadline, detailing BigCommerce-specific implementation steps.

Understanding the EAA and Its Impact on BigCommerce

The EAA of 2026 removes several protections previously afforded to businesses, including the “good faith effort” defense. This means demonstrating a genuine commitment to accessibility is now paramount. Digital ADA compliance, therefore, goes beyond simply having a website; it requires demonstrable, ongoing effort. The Department of Justice (DOJ) is expected to be more aggressive in pursuing accessibility lawsuits.

The EAA significantly raises the stakes for online businesses. Proving you're actively working to meet accessibility standards is no longer optional; it’s a legal necessity.

BigCommerce, while offering some built-in accessibility features, doesn’t guarantee full compliance. Store owners are responsible for ensuring their themes, apps, and custom code adhere to WCAG 2.2 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) Level AA. This is the generally accepted standard for accessibility.

Fix #1: Image Alt Text - Beyond Simple Descriptions

Many BigCommerce stores fall short on image alt text. Simply describing what an image is isn't enough. Alt text should convey the purpose of the image within the context of the page. For example, a picture of a product doesn’t just need "red shoes" as alt text; it needs "red running shoes, size 9, for women."

Implementation in BigCommerce

Bulk Editing: Use the BigCommerce product bulk editor to update alt text across multiple products simultaneously. This is especially useful for stores with large catalogs.
Theme Customization: If your theme doesn't allow for easy alt text input, you'll need to modify the theme files. Specifically, locate the <img src="..."> tags and add the alt attribute. This requires basic HTML knowledge or engaging a developer.
App Integration: Several BigCommerce apps, such as Accessibility Checker by AccessiWare or similar solutions, can automate alt text generation (though these require careful review – AI-generated alt text isn't always accurate).
Automated Image Recognition: Consider integrating an AI-powered image recognition tool. While not a replacement for manual review, these tools can provide initial alt text suggestions, saving time and improving consistency. This is where platforms like Accessio.ai excel, identifying images and suggesting relevant alt text based on their content and context within the page.

Consider a scenario: a clothing retailer's product page features a model wearing a dress. The alt text "woman in dress" is insufficient. Better alt text would be "Model wearing a floral summer dress, size medium, showcasing the dress's fit and style."

Fix #2: Keyboard Navigation - Ensuring Full Functionality

Many users navigate the web using only a keyboard, and a website that isn’t navigable via keyboard is effectively inaccessible. This includes ensuring all interactive elements – buttons, links, form fields – are reachable and operable using the Tab key and arrow keys.

Implementation in BigCommerce

Theme Review: Thoroughly test your theme’s keyboard navigation. Focus on the product listing pages, category pages, checkout process, and search functionality. Use only the Tab and arrow keys; you shouldn't need a mouse.
Focus Indicators: Ensure clear and visible focus indicators are present for all interactive elements when they are in focus. The default focus indicator in many browsers is often subtle or nonexistent. Customize this within your theme’s CSS.
Skip Navigation Links: Implement "Skip to Content" links at the top of the page. These links allow keyboard users to bypass the navigation menu and jump directly to the main content. This is a simple but impactful accessibility improvement.
Custom JavaScript: Some themes may use custom JavaScript that interferes with keyboard navigation. Carefully review any custom scripts and ensure they don’t trap the keyboard focus or prevent access to interactive elements.
BigCommerce’s Built-in Accessibility Mode: While helpful, this isn’t a complete solution. It primarily adjusts visual styling, but doesn’t guarantee full keyboard navigation functionality.

We’ve seen numerous cases where complex themes, especially those with custom animations or modal windows, break keyboard navigation. A meticulous review is essential.

Fix #3: Form Accessibility – Labels, Error Handling, and Instructions

Forms, particularly checkout forms, are critical touchpoints for online stores. Inaccessible forms create significant barriers for users with disabilities. This includes providing clear labels, handling errors gracefully, and providing clear instructions.

Implementation in BigCommerce

Label Association: Ensure all form fields are properly associated with labels using the <label> tag and the for attribute. This is crucial for screen reader users.
Error Handling: When form validation fails, provide clear and concise error messages that are associated with the specific fields in error. Use both visual cues (e.g., red borders) and text messages.
ARIA Attributes: Utilize ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes to provide additional semantic information to assistive technologies. For example, aria-describedby can link error messages to their corresponding form fields.
Instructions and Examples: Provide clear instructions and examples for complex form fields, such as credit card number formats or password requirements.
BigCommerce Form Builder: When using the BigCommerce form builder, pay close attention to the label and error handling options. Customize these as needed to ensure accessibility. If using custom forms, follow accessibility best practices meticulously.

For instance, a checkout form with a missing credit card number should display an error message like: “Please enter a valid credit card number.” This message should be directly associated with the credit card number field and be announced by screen readers.

Key Takeaways

The EAA of 2026 demands a proactive approach to website accessibility.
Simply having a BigCommerce store isn’t enough; you must actively ensure compliance with WCAG 2.2 Level AA.
Image alt text, keyboard navigation, and form accessibility are three critical areas for improvement.
AI-powered accessibility solutions like Accessio.ai can accelerate the remediation process by identifying and fixing issues at the source code level, offering a more efficient alternative to manual processes or widget overlays.
Consistent monitoring and ongoing maintenance are essential for maintaining accessibility.

Next Steps

Accessibility Audit: Conduct a comprehensive accessibility audit of your BigCommerce store. Consider using automated tools and engaging an accessibility consultant for a manual review.
Prioritize Fixes: Based on the audit results, prioritize the most critical accessibility issues and address them immediately.
Implement Accessibility Training: Train your team – developers, designers, and content creators – on accessibility best practices.
Explore Accessibility Apps: Research and implement BigCommerce apps that can assist with accessibility remediation and monitoring.
Continuous Monitoring: Implement a process for continuous accessibility monitoring and testing. Regularly scan your website and address any new accessibility issues that arise. Consider integrating accessibility monitoring into your development workflow.

By taking these steps, BigCommerce users can not only prepare for the EAA deadline but also create a more inclusive and user-friendly online store for all customers.