Squarespace Accessibility: 6 Fixes Your Store Needs Before 2026

The threat of ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) lawsuits isn't receding; it's intensifying. With the passage of the EAA (Equality Act) in 2026, digital accessibility standards will be even more strictly enforced. For Squarespace users, this means proactively addressing accessibility issues now to avoid costly legal battles and ensure a welcoming online experience for all. This article outlines six critical fixes your Squarespace store needs before 2026, with actionable steps you can implement today.

Understanding the Landscape: ADA, EAA, and Squarespace

The ADA requires businesses to provide equal access to services for individuals with disabilities. While initially focused on physical spaces, its interpretation has expanded to include websites. The EAA, expected to be fully implemented by 2026, strengthens these protections and broadens the definition of “public accommodation” to include websites. This significantly increases the scope of ADA and EAA compliance.

Squarespace, while offering some built-in accessibility features, isn't inherently accessible. Many themes and customizations introduce barriers for users with disabilities. Understanding this is the first step towards a compliant store. WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), specifically version 2.2, serve as the technical standard for achieving accessibility. Squarespace's own accessibility documentation can be found here.

1. Image Alt Text: More Than Just Description

Proper alt text (alternative text) for images is fundamental. It provides a textual description of an image for screen readers, enabling visually impaired users to understand the image’s context. Many Squarespace users treat alt text as optional, but this is a critical accessibility error.

1. In your Squarespace admin panel, navigate to the page or block containing the image.
2. Click on the image to open its settings.
3. In the “Alt Text” field, provide a concise and accurate description. Avoid generic phrases like "image" or "picture."
4. If an image is purely decorative, leave the alt text field empty (alt=""). This signals to screen readers to ignore the image.

"We’ve seen countless lawsuits triggered by missing or inadequate alt text. It’s a surprisingly common vulnerability."

Consider a product image of a handcrafted leather wallet. Instead of "image of wallet," use "Brown leather wallet with multiple card slots and a bill compartment." Context is key.

2. Color Contrast: Ensuring Readability

Insufficient color contrast between text and background is a major accessibility barrier. Users with low vision or color blindness may struggle to read content with poor contrast. WCAG 2.2 requires a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text (18pt or 14pt bold).

1. Squarespace's built-in Style Editor allows you to adjust text and background colors. Be mindful of these changes.
2. Use a color contrast checker (like WebAIM’s Contrast Checker) to verify that your color combinations meet WCAG requirements.
3. Consider using a high-contrast theme or template if you're struggling to achieve adequate contrast within your existing design.

A dark text color on a similarly dark background, or light text on a light background, will both fail contrast checks. Simple adjustments can dramatically improve readability.

3. Keyboard Navigation: Beyond the Mouse

Many users rely on keyboard navigation due to motor impairments or assistive technologies. Your Squarespace store must be fully navigable using only the keyboard.

1. Test your store's keyboard navigation. Use the Tab key to move between interactive elements (links, buttons, form fields).
2. Ensure the focus indicator (the visual cue that highlights the currently selected element) is clearly visible. Squarespace's default focus indicator can be customized in the Style Editor.
3. Avoid keyboard traps – situations where a user gets stuck and can’t navigate away from an element using the keyboard.

Squarespace's "Content Management" section in the admin panel allows some control over keyboard focus order, but complex customizations may require code modifications.

4. Form Labels and Instructions: Clarity is Key

Forms are essential for e-commerce stores, but poorly designed forms can be incredibly frustrating for users with disabilities. Clearly associated labels and helpful instructions are crucial.

1. Ensure all form fields have properly associated labels. Squarespace’s form builder generally handles this automatically, but double-check.
2. Provide clear and concise instructions for each field, especially for complex or required fields.
3. Use ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) to enhance the accessibility of custom form elements. This often requires custom code or a developer.

For example, a password field should have a label like "Password (minimum 8 characters)" and a clear explanation of the requirements.

5. Semantic HTML: Structure and Meaning

Squarespace automatically generates some semantic HTML, but custom code and design choices can introduce semantic errors. Semantic HTML uses elements like <header>, <nav>, <main>, <article>, and <aside> to structure content logically. This helps screen readers understand the page’s organization.

1. Review any custom HTML you’ve added to your Squarespace store.
2. Use semantic HTML elements whenever possible. Avoid using <div> elements for everything.
3. Ensure heading levels (<h1> to <h6>) are used hierarchically. Don't skip levels (e.g., going from <h1> to <h3>).

Squarespace’s code injection feature allows you to add custom HTML and CSS, but it’s essential to do so responsibly and with accessibility in mind.

6. Avoid Reliance on Color Alone

Don't use color as the only means of conveying information or indicating action. Users with color blindness may miss critical cues.

1. If you use color to indicate required form fields, also include a visual marker (e.g., an asterisk) or text label.
2. If you use color to highlight important links or buttons, also use text or an icon.
3. Ensure that error messages are presented in a way that doesn't rely solely on color.

For instance, instead of only highlighting a required field in red, include the text "(required)" next to it.

Key Takeaways

• Proactive compliance is essential: Waiting for an ADA lawsuit is a costly and stressful experience.
• Alt text is non-negotiable: Accurate and descriptive alt text is a fundamental accessibility requirement.
• Color contrast matters: Ensure sufficient contrast between text and background for readability.
• Keyboard navigation is critical: Test your store’s keyboard accessibility thoroughly.
• Semantic HTML provides structure: Use semantic elements to organize content logically.
• Don't rely solely on color: Provide alternative cues for users with color blindness.

AI-powered accessibility tools like Accessio.ai are becoming increasingly valuable in identifying and fixing accessibility issues at scale. Unlike simple overlay widgets, Accessio.ai analyzes the underlying code, ensuring that accessibility is baked in from the start, leading to more sustainable and effective solutions.

Next Steps

1. Conduct an Accessibility Audit: Use accessibility testing tools (like WAVE or Axe) to identify issues on your Squarespace store.
2. Prioritize Fixes: Address the most critical issues first, focusing on those that impact the largest number of users.
3. Consult with an Accessibility Expert: Consider engaging a professional accessibility consultant to provide guidance and ensure comprehensive compliance.
4. Explore Accessio.ai: Evaluate how Accessio.ai can streamline your accessibility efforts and improve the overall user experience. Learn more about Accessio.ai.
5. Stay Updated: Accessibility standards are constantly evolving. Stay informed about the latest guidelines and best practices.

By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of ADA lawsuits and create a more inclusive online experience for all your customers before the EAA regulations fully take effect in 2026.