As we strive to make the internet a more inclusive space in today’s highly interconnected world, ensuring that everyone can access and engage with the online content we generate is vital. Wix, a leading website builder, is committed to providing an accessible platform that empowers users with diverse needs. In this guide, we will explore the powerful accessibility features of Wix and offer practical guidance on making your website even more inclusive.
Wix’s commitment to accessibility
The company states on its website: “At Wix, we’re committed to making the web a place for everyone. Get specialized tools and features to make your website accessible. Our features comply with the highest global standards (WCAG 2.0).” It adds, “We build all of our products to be as accessible as possible, and we take accessibility as part of the design process.”
That said, Wix acknowledges that it cannot be responsible for ensuring complete accessibility of its websites: “Wix cannot guarantee or ensure that the use of our services is compliant with all accessibility laws and worldwide regulations. You are responsible for reviewing and complying with local legislation applicable to you or to your site visitors.”
For those interested in building an accessible website with Wix, the platform offers a free accessibility statement template that site owners can add to their websites.
What makes Wix sites accessible
There are several built-in accessibility features included with every Wix website.
Fully keyboard-navigable
This ensures that all site elements, including navigation menus, buttons, forms, and media controls, can be accessed and operated using only a keyboard. This is particularly important for users with mobility impairments and others who may have difficulty using a mouse or other pointing devices. By supporting keyboard navigation, Wix allows these users to seamlessly navigate, perform actions such as submitting forms, and engage with content without facing any barriers.
Automatic DOM order
This feature plays a crucial role in enhancing accessibility for users who rely on screen readers and keyboards to browse the web. The Document Object Model (DOM) represents the structure of a web page, and when it's properly arranged, it ensures that the content on the page is presented in a logical, linear order.
Wix takes care of this by automatically organizing the DOM order from left to right, top to bottom, making it easier for assistive technologies to interpret the content and present it to users with visual impairments or mobility limitations. This ensures that users can smoothly navigate through the site, interact with its elements, and have a coherent understanding of the content, regardless of their abilities or the tools they use to access the web.
Site language definition
By specifying the site's language, assistive technologies like screen readers can recognize and interpret the text in the correct language, which is vital for a seamless and coherent browsing experience for users with different language preferences.
This feature enables users with visual impairments to understand the content on the site and promotes inclusivity by considering users with varying language needs.
Correct semantics
Using semantic components means that the structure, meaning, and relationship between different elements on the site are well-defined and easily interpretable by assistive technologies like screen readers.
This clarifies content and its context for users, making the website more user-friendly for a wider audience. For instance, proper use of headings, lists, and landmarks helps assistive technologies to navigate the website efficiently and provide users with a clear understanding of the site's organization.
Smart focus ring
Smart focus rings greatly enhance the user experience for those who rely on keyboard navigation. They automatically appear when users navigate the site using a keyboard, highlighting the currently selected element and providing a clear visual cue for easy navigation.
The dual-color design of the smart focus ring ensures that it remains visible regardless of the background color or other visual elements on the site. This helps users with visual or motor impairments, as well as those who simply prefer using a keyboard, to quickly identify and interact with different components on the website without losing their place.
ARIA attributes
These built-in attributes provide additional context and information about the site's elements, making it easier for assistive technologies, such as screen readers, to interpret and interact with the content. The incorporation of ARIA attributes ensures that Wix websites remain user-friendly and accessible for those who rely on assistive tools.
Heading tags
Wix websites utilize heading tags to provide a clear and hierarchical structure for their content. These tags are essential for users who rely on screen readers, as they organize content and facilitate efficient navigation. This keeps the content flow logical and accessible, making it easier for users to understand the site's layout and find the information they seek.
Alt text
Alt text provides context for images and graphics. This ensures that screen readers can convey the visual content's purpose and meaning, ensuring those with visual impairments can access it.
Skip to content
The “Skip to Content” feature on Wix websites improves navigation for keyboard users, especially those with mobility impairments. By offering a direct link to the main content, this feature allows users to bypass repetitive navigation elements, such as headers and menus, and quickly access the information they need.
How to Make Your Wix Websites More Accessible
Making your Wix website more accessible is essential to engaging your audience. Here are some steps to help you create a more accessible website through Wix:
Use accessible templates – Start by selecting an accessible template from Wix's collection. These templates have built-in accessibility features, such as proper heading structures and sufficient color contrast.
Set your site's language – Define the language of your site so that screen readers can correctly interpret the content.
Enable visual indicators – Ensure that your site has visible focus indicators, such as smart focus rings, to help keyboard users navigate your site more effectively.
Optimize site structure – Organize your site using proper heading tags to create a clear hierarchy that's easy for screen reader users to understand and navigate.
Add alt text to images – Provide alternative text for images and graphics to convey their meaning to users relying on screen readers.
Choose clear fonts – Use legible and easily readable fonts, and maintain a sufficient font size and color contrast to improve readability.
Reduce motion – Limit animations and motion effects on your website, as they can cause discomfort or disorientation for users with vestibular disorders or sensitivity to motion.
Make videos and audio accessible – Include captions and transcripts for videos and audio content, allowing users with hearing impairments to access the information.
Make document files accessible – When sharing PDFs or other documents on your site, ensure that they are accessible, properly formatted, and readable by screen readers.
Test your site – Regularly test your website using accessibility tools and assistive devices, and identify and fix any accessibility issues.
Building an Inclusive Web with Wix
Embracing accessibility is not only a corporate social responsibility. Ensuring your Wix website is inclusive and user-friendly for all visitors is a smart business decision. You can contribute to a more inclusive digital landscape by implementing Wix's built-in accessibility features and taking proactive steps to maximize your website's accessibility. As you optimize your site, you'll not only make it accessible to a wider audience, but you'll also enhance the overall user experience for everyone.
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