EAA Deadline 2026: 7 Critical Wix Accessibility Fixes to Avoid Legal Risk

The Equal Access to Online Act (EAA) deadline is rapidly approaching, and its impact on e-commerce businesses, particularly those using platforms like Wix, is substantial. Many Wix users are unaware of the increased legal risks they face if their online stores aren't fully accessible. This isn't just about being “nice”; it's about legal compliance and protecting your business. This article outlines seven critical accessibility fixes specifically for Wix users, focusing on practical implementation steps to ensure your site is ready for 2026 and beyond.

Understanding the EAA and Why Wix Users Are at Risk

The EAA, building upon existing legislation like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), significantly broadens the scope of online accessibility requirements. It specifically targets businesses that conduct transactions online, which includes almost all e-commerce sites. Unlike the ADA, which historically lacked clear guidance for online accessibility, the EAA provides more defined standards, largely based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2.

"The EAA's increased clarity and enforcement mechanisms mean that Wix businesses, often relying on a simplified platform, are particularly vulnerable to lawsuits if accessibility isn't prioritized."

Wix’s ease of use can be a double-edged sword. While it lowers the barrier to entry for creating an online store, it also means many users haven't actively considered accessibility, relying on Wix's default settings, which are often insufficient. This lack of proactive accessibility measures puts Wix stores at a higher risk of legal action.

1. Keyboard Navigation: Ensuring Full Functionality

Many users navigate the web using only a keyboard, often due to motor impairments or assistive technology. A Wix site must be fully navigable using only the Tab key, arrow keys, and Enter/Spacebar.

Wix Implementation:

1. Check Existing Navigation: Use the Tab key to navigate your entire Wix site, including menus, product listings, cart, and checkout process. Identify any elements that become “stuck” or inaccessible.
2. Focus Indicators: Ensure clear focus indicators (the visual highlight that shows which element is currently selected) are visible when using keyboard navigation. Wix themes often have minimal focus indicators. Customize these within the Theme Editor under “Site Styles” -> “Focus Styles.” Make them high contrast and easily discernible.
3. Custom Code (If Needed): If you’ve used custom code (e.g., custom menus or sliders), thoroughly test keyboard accessibility. You may need to add tabindex="0" attributes to elements to make them focusable and ensure proper keyboard event handling (e.g., onkeydown events). Use the Wix Developer Console (accessible via the "Dev Mode" toggle in the Wix Editor) to inspect the HTML.
4. Wix App Integration: Several Wix apps focus on keyboard navigation testing and improvements. Research and implement these if needed.

2. Semantic HTML: Structuring Content for Screen Readers

Screen readers are assistive technologies used by visually impaired users to interpret and vocalize website content. They rely heavily on semantic HTML to understand the structure and meaning of a page. Wix, by default, generates HTML that isn’t always semantically optimal.

Wix Implementation:

1. Heading Hierarchy: Use headings (H1-H6) logically to structure your content. Avoid using headings solely for visual styling – they must reflect the document's outline. In the Wix Editor, headings are created using the "Add Text" element and selecting the appropriate heading style.
2. Alternative Text for Images (Alt Text): Every image on your site must have descriptive alt text. This text is read by screen readers and displayed if the image fails to load. In the Wix Editor, click on the image, then click the "Image Settings" icon. The "Alt Text" field is where you provide the description. Be specific and concise – describe the purpose of the image, not just its appearance.
3. Link Text: Link text should be descriptive and accurately reflect the destination. Avoid generic phrases like "Click here." For example, instead of "Click here to learn more," use "Learn more about our return policy."
4. Wix Corvid (Custom Code): For more complex structures, leverage Wix Corvid to generate more semantic HTML. This allows for greater control over the underlying code.

3. Color Contrast: Ensuring Readability

Insufficient color contrast between text and background makes it difficult for users with low vision to read content. WCAG 2.2 requires a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text.

Wix Implementation:

1. Wix Accessibility Checker: The built-in Wix Accessibility Checker (found in the left-hand panel of the Wix Editor) flags many color contrast issues. Address these immediately.
2. Color Contrast Analyzers: Use online color contrast analyzers (like WebAIM's Contrast Checker) to verify that your color combinations meet WCAG requirements.
3. Theme Customization: Carefully review and adjust the color palette within the Theme Editor. Consider offering high contrast themes as an option.
4. Wix Velo (formerly Wix Studio): For advanced users, Wix Velo provides fine-grained control over styling and allows for dynamic color adjustments based on user preferences.

4. Form Accessibility: Labels, Instructions, and Error Handling

E-commerce sites rely heavily on forms (e.g., checkout, contact forms). These forms must be accessible to users with disabilities.

Wix Implementation:

1. Labeling: Associate form fields with clear and concise labels. Use the "Label" field in the Wix Form element.
2. Instructions: Provide clear instructions for filling out forms.
3. Error Handling: When errors occur, provide clear and specific error messages that are associated with the relevant form fields. Wix Forms have built-in error handling, but customize the messages to be user-friendly.
4. ARIA Attributes (Corvid): For complex forms or custom fields, use ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes to provide additional information to screen readers.

5. Video and Audio Accessibility: Captions and Transcripts

Videos and audio content must have captions and transcripts to be accessible to users who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Wix Implementation:

1. Wix Video Element: When uploading videos to Wix, use the Wix Video element. Wix automatically generates captions, but these often need to be reviewed and corrected for accuracy.
2. Third-Party Video Platforms: If using third-party video platforms (e.g., YouTube, Vimeo), ensure captions are enabled and accurate.
3. Transcripts: Provide transcripts for all audio and video content. These can be text files or embedded on the page.

6. Dynamic Content: Announcing Updates to Screen Readers

Dynamic content updates (e.g., cart updates, product recommendations) should be announced to screen readers so users are aware of changes.

Wix Implementation:

1. ARIA Live Regions (Corvid): Use ARIA live regions to notify screen readers of dynamic content updates. This requires using Wix Corvid and implementing custom JavaScript.
2. Wix Notifications: While not a direct replacement for ARIA live regions, Wix notifications can provide some awareness of updates. Ensure notifications are clear and concise.

7. Automated Accessibility Scanning: Continuous Monitoring

Manual testing is important, but it’s impossible to catch every accessibility issue. Automated scanning tools can identify many common problems.

Wix Implementation:

1. Wix Accessibility Checker: Utilize the built-in Wix Accessibility Checker regularly.
2. Third-Party Scanners: Consider using third-party accessibility scanning tools.
3. Accessio.ai: Consider implementing Accessio.ai, an AI-powered accessibility solution, to proactively identify and fix accessibility issues at the source code level. Unlike overlay widgets, Accessio.ai addresses the root causes of accessibility problems, ensuring a truly accessible website.

Key Takeaways

• The EAA 2026 deadline demands proactive accessibility measures for Wix e-commerce sites.
• Keyboard navigation, semantic HTML, color contrast, and form accessibility are critical areas to address.
• Leverage Wix's built-in tools and consider third-party apps and Corvid for more advanced customization.
• Automated scanning and ongoing monitoring are essential for maintaining accessibility.
• AI-powered solutions like Accessio.ai offer a more effective approach than simple accessibility overlays.

Next Steps

1. Run the Wix Accessibility Checker: Begin by addressing the issues flagged by the built-in checker.
2. Conduct a Keyboard Navigation Test: Manually test your site's keyboard accessibility.
3. Review Alt Text for Images: Ensure all images have descriptive alt text.
4. Explore Wix Apps: Research and implement accessibility-focused Wix apps.
5. Consider Accessio.ai: Evaluate Accessio.ai as a comprehensive solution for ongoing accessibility management.
6. Consult with an Accessibility Expert: For complex websites or significant accessibility challenges, engage with a qualified accessibility consultant.