Wix Accessibility Checklist: Meeting EAA Requirements in 2026

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) 2025 is rapidly approaching, and for businesses operating within the European Union, non-compliance isn’t just a matter of ethics; it’s a legal risk carrying potentially significant fines. Many Wix users, particularly small businesses and entrepreneurs, are now facing the pressure of ensuring their websites meet these new accessibility standards. This article provides a detailed, actionable checklist specifically tailored for Wix users, outlining the European Accessibility Act (EAA) requirements and how to implement them.

Understanding the EAA and its Impact on Wix Users

The EAA mandates that websites, mobile applications, and other digital services be accessible to people with disabilities. The Act aims to harmonize accessibility standards across EU member states, ensuring a more inclusive digital experience. For Wix users, this means a fundamental shift in how websites are designed and developed. It's not enough to simply “look good”; your Wix site must function effectively for everyone, regardless of disability.

The EAA 2025 applies to websites, mobile apps, and other digital services provided by public and private entities. Non-compliance can result in fines up to 2% of annual global turnover.

Key areas of the EAA impacting Wix sites include:

• Perceivable Information: Content must be presented in a way that users can understand, regardless of sensory impairment.
• Operable Interface: All functionalities must be operable through a keyboard, screen reader, or other assistive technologies.
• Understandable Content: Content and user interface must be clear and easy to understand.
• Robust Content: Content must be designed to work with a wide range of assistive technologies, including those that may emerge in the future.

Wix-Specific Accessibility Issues & Solutions

Wix, while user-friendly, presents unique accessibility challenges. While Wix has made strides in accessibility features, relying solely on Wix's built-in tools isn't sufficient for full EAA compliance. You need to proactively address specific areas.

1. Alt Text for Images

Proper alt text is crucial for screen reader users. It provides a textual description of the image's content and purpose. Missing or generic alt text renders images meaningless to users with visual impairments.

Implementation in Wix:

1. Open the image in the Wix Editor.
2. Click the “Settings” icon (gear icon).
3. In the “Alt Text” field, provide a concise and descriptive alt text. Be specific; "image" or "picture" is not helpful.
4. For purely decorative images, use alt="" (empty alt text) to signal to screen readers to ignore them.

Example: Instead of "image.jpg," use "Close-up of a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie on a wooden cutting board."

2. Color Contrast

Insufficient color contrast between text and background makes it difficult for users with low vision or color blindness to read content. The WCAG 2.2 guidelines (which the EAA references) specify minimum contrast ratios.

Implementation in Wix:

1. Use Wix's built-in color contrast checker (available in the design editor).
2. Choose color palettes with sufficient contrast.
3. Avoid relying solely on color to convey information; provide alternative cues (e.g., text labels, icons).

Wix App Recommendation: Consider using a color contrast checker app from the Wix App Market for more detailed analysis and suggestions.

3. Keyboard Navigation

Many users rely on keyboard navigation due to motor impairments or assistive technology compatibility. Your Wix site must be fully navigable using only the keyboard.

Implementation in Wix:

1. Test keyboard navigation thoroughly. Can you reach all interactive elements (buttons, links, form fields) using the Tab key?
2. Ensure a clear and logical tab order.
3. Wix's default keyboard navigation is generally functional, but custom elements or complex layouts may require adjustments using custom code (Wix Corvid).

4. Form Accessibility

Forms are a common interaction point, and inaccessible forms can be incredibly frustrating for users with disabilities.

Implementation in Wix:

1. Provide clear and concise labels for all form fields. Use the “Label” field in the Wix Form editor.
2. Associate labels with their corresponding form fields using the for attribute (requires Wix Corvid for custom forms).
3. Provide clear error messages and instructions.
4. Ensure form fields are properly structured using semantic HTML.

5. Headings and Structure

Properly structured headings (H1, H2, H3, etc.) create a logical document outline that screen readers can use to navigate content.

Implementation in Wix:

1. Use headings to organize content logically.
2. Avoid using headings solely for visual styling; use them to indicate content hierarchy.
3. Wix’s text editor allows you to apply heading styles. Ensure the hierarchy is correct (H1 for main titles, H2 for major sections, etc.).

6. Link Text

Link text should be descriptive and provide context. Avoid generic phrases like "click here" or "read more."

Implementation in Wix:

1. Review all links on your site and ensure the link text accurately describes the destination.
2. Use clear and concise language.

Example: Instead of "Click here," use "Learn more about our pricing plans."

7. Video and Audio Accessibility

Videos and audio content should be accessible to users who are deaf or hard of hearing, or who have cognitive disabilities.

Implementation in Wix:

1. Provide captions and transcripts for all videos. Wix offers built-in captioning tools, but review for accuracy.
2. Provide audio descriptions for videos that contain important visual information.
3. Offer transcripts for audio content.

8. Dynamic Content and AJAX

Dynamic content updates and AJAX interactions can pose accessibility challenges if not handled correctly. Ensure that screen readers are notified of changes.

Implementation in Wix:

1. Use ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) to announce dynamic content updates to screen readers. This requires using Wix Corvid.
2. Ensure focus is managed correctly when dynamic content appears.

Wix Corvid & Custom Code Considerations

Wix Corvid, Wix’s code editor, offers greater flexibility for accessibility customization, but also introduces more responsibility. Using Corvid, you can implement more complex accessibility solutions and remediate issues that cannot be addressed through the Wix Editor alone.

In our experience, Wix users who attempt to fully customize their sites with Corvid often require specialized accessibility development support.

Common Corvid accessibility tasks:

• Implementing custom ARIA attributes
• Managing focus within custom components
• Creating accessible custom widgets

Using AI-Powered Accessibility Tools

Manual accessibility audits are time-consuming and prone to human error. Accessio.ai offers a powerful solution for identifying and fixing accessibility issues at scale. Unlike simple overlay widgets, Accessio.ai analyzes your Wix site’s source code and provides actionable recommendations for fixing accessibility problems directly. This ensures that your site is inherently accessible, rather than relying on a temporary workaround. Accessio.ai integrates seamlessly with Wix, providing automated accessibility checks and remediation suggestions.

Key Takeaways

• The EAA 2025 mandates accessibility for online services across the EU, impacting Wix users significantly.
• While Wix offers some accessibility features, comprehensive EAA compliance requires proactive effort.
• Focus on alt text, color contrast, keyboard navigation, form accessibility, headings, link text, video/audio accessibility, and dynamic content.
• Wix Corvid allows for advanced customization but requires careful attention to accessibility best practices.
• Consider using AI-powered accessibility tools like Accessio.ai to automate accessibility audits and remediation.

Next Steps

1. Conduct an Accessibility Audit: Use Wix’s built-in accessibility checker and third-party tools to identify accessibility issues.
2. Prioritize Remediation: Address the most critical accessibility issues first.
3. Train Your Team: Educate your team on accessibility best practices.
4. Review and Update Regularly: Accessibility is an ongoing process. Regularly review and update your site to ensure continued compliance.
5. Explore Accessio.ai: Visit https://www.accessio.ai/ to learn how AI-powered accessibility can simplify your EAA compliance journey.

Remember that EAA compliance is not a one-time fix but an ongoing commitment to inclusivity. By taking proactive steps and leveraging available tools, Wix users can create accessible websites that benefit everyone.