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Accessibility Study Overview

A recent study by AccessibilityChecker.org has drawn attention to significant accessibility failures within the cart and checkout processes of the most frequented eCommerce websites. Released in January 2026, the 2025 eCommerce Accessibility Study serves as a crucial reminder of the barriers faced by millions of users with disabilities, while also spotlighting the missed opportunities for businesses that fail to address these issues.

Key Findings

The comprehensive report evaluated 100 high-traffic online retail platforms, employing a systematic methodology that combined automated audits based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and usability criteria. The findings urge companies to focus on one of the most critical stages of the customer journey—transitioning from shopping to purchasing. Alarmingly, only 11% of cart and checkout pages complied with the minimum WCAG accessibility standards. The average accessibility score across these pages was a concerning 65 out of 100, revealing prevalent issues that continue to hamper the user experience, including:

• - Poor Color Contrast: Many platforms did not provide sufficient contrast between text and background, making it difficult for users with visual impairments to read important information.
• - Missing Labels: Essential features such as buttons and form fields often lacked appropriate labels, which are critical for assistive technology users.
• - Inaccessible Images: Images frequently lacked alternative text descriptions, making it challenging for visually impaired users to understand visual content.

The Importance of Accessible Checkouts

"Accessible checkout is crucial not only for legal reasons but also for ensuring equitable customer experiences and enhancing business success," states Danny Trichter, co-founder of AccessibilityChecker.org. The report emphasizes that inaccessible checkout processes not only alienate a significant portion of potential customers but also lead to inflated cart abandonment rates. Furthermore, brands risk facing escalating regulatory scrutiny and legal challenges due to their failure to comply with accessibility laws.

Regulatory Context

The study contextualizes digital accessibility within a broader framework of regulations such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the European Accessibility Act (EAA), and the updated WCAG 2.2 standards. As online commerce continues to grow, compliance with these regulations has become increasingly critical for websites aiming to provide inclusive experiences. Businesses must recognize that creating an accessible platform is not simply a matter of compliance but also a pathway to capturing a larger audience and improving customer loyalty.

About AccessibilityChecker.org

AccessibilityChecker.org is dedicated to helping organizations identify and rectify accessibility issues on their websites. The platform offers users a robust tool to scan for compliance gaps, helping teams prioritize and resolve issues in alignment with WCAG standards. This support fosters the creation of accessible, inclusive, and legally compliant digital experiences for all users—an essential endeavor in today's increasingly digital marketplace.

In conclusion, the findings from AccessibilityChecker.org's 2025 eCommerce Accessibility Study highlight the urgent need for improvements within the online retail space. Accessible digital environments not only empower individuals with disabilities but also enable businesses to thrive by reaching a wider customer base. Achieving a fully inclusive online shopping experience is no longer just an option; it is a profound necessity for the future of eCommerce.