The holiday season is upon us, a time for joy, giving and finding the perfect gifts for our loved ones. But for many people with disabilities, the excitement of holiday shopping often comes with frustration and exclusion. While eCommerce has revolutionized the way we shop, the reality is that many online stores still fail to meet basic accessibility standards thus excluding people with disabilities from being able to buy.
As we make our holiday wish lists, let’s add something for everyone: accessible online shopping experiences. Dear Santa, it’s time to make shopping accessible this Christmas—for the joy of inclusion and the spirit of the season.
Why Accessibility Matters This Holiday Season
Imagine the excitement of finding the perfect gift, only to be unable to navigate the checkout page because it doesn’t work with a screen reader. Or trying to browse sales on your favorite store’s website, but the buttons can’t be activated with a keyboard. For millions of people with disabilities, these scenarios aren’t imaginary—they’re a common reality.
The holidays are one of the busiest shopping times of the year, with eCommerce booming. According to recent studies, holiday shopping online grew by over 15% last year, and this year is expected to break new records. But when websites and apps are inaccessible, businesses risk alienating a significant portion of their audience, missing out on a loyal and eager customer base.
The Gift of Inclusive Shopping
Accessible websites aren’t just the right thing to do—they’re the smart thing to do. An inclusive eCommerce experience ensures that:
- Everyone Can Shop with Ease: Accessible features like properly labeled forms, descriptive alt text for images, and keyboard-friendly navigation allow people with disabilities to shop independently and confidently.
- Holiday Stress is Reduced: The holidays are hectic enough. Accessibility improvements streamline the process for all customers, from intuitive navigation to smoother checkouts.
- Businesses Grow Their Reach: Globally, over 1 billion people have disabilities, representing an estimated $7 trillion in annual spending power. When businesses prioritize accessibility, they open their doors to a vast and loyal audience.
What Santa’s Workshop Can Teach Us
Just as Santa ensures every toy is ready for children of all ages and abilities, businesses can approach accessibility with the same care. Here are some features to prioritize this holiday season:
- Screen Reader Compatibility: Ensure that product descriptions, prices, and checkout options are fully compatible with screen readers by using semantic HTML, properly labeled buttons, and alt text for all images. This allows users with visual impairments to navigate and complete their purchases confidently.
- Keyboard Navigation: Make sure every part of your website—menus, filters, forms, and checkout—is accessible via keyboard-only navigation. Add focus indicators and intuitive tab ordering to cater to users with motor disabilities.
- Clear and Consistent Design: Use high-contrast color schemes for text and backgrounds, legible fonts, and predictable layouts. Avoid cluttered designs to ensure customers of all abilities can easily find what they need without confusion.
- Accessible Gift-Giving Options: Features like gift-wrapping and personalized messages should be fully accessible, with clear text input fields for custom messages, descriptive alt text for wrapping options, and easy-to-use gift card interfaces. Ensure gift recommendations and delivery scheduling are intuitive and compatible with assistive technologies.
By focusing on these elements, businesses can create a shopping experience that captures the joy of the season while being inclusive and welcoming for everyone.
Don’t Miss the Business Opportunity
The holidays are a time for connection, kindness and making everyone feel included. Businesses that prioritize accessibility not only align with the season’s spirit but also build brand loyalty that lasts well beyond December.
Let’s not leave anyone out in the cold this Christmas. Whether it’s adding accessibility to your website or enhancing existing features, every small step makes a big difference.
A Holiday Wish for Inclusion
Dear Santa, this Christmas, let’s make online shopping inclusive for all. It’s time to create eCommerce experiences that reflect the joy and magic of the season—accessible, easy, and welcoming for users of all abilities.
To businesses everywhere: It’s not just a gift to your customers; it’s a gift to your brand. Let’s make this holiday season a truly accessible one.
Happy holidays, and may we all shop with ease and joy this Christmas!
