Creating accessible experiences: GCommerce’s approach to ADA and WCAG Guidelines
At GCommerce, we believe in creating digital experiences that are accessible and inclusive for all users. Accessibility is an important part of delivering exceptional online experiences and ensuring that websites can be used by as many people as possible, including individuals with disabilities.
To support these goals, we follow recognized accessibility standards and best practices, including the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), and incorporate accessibility considerations throughout our design, development, and maintenance processes.
While accessibility standards and recommendations continue to evolve, our approach is centered on creating user-friendly experiences that align with current industry best practices and support broad accessibility objectives.
Important note: GCommerce does not provide legal advice. Organizations with questions regarding legal or regulatory accessibility requirements should consult qualified legal counsel.
Our accessibility best practices
We incorporate accessibility considerations throughout every phase of a project, from design and development to ongoing maintenance. While we strive to follow recognized accessibility best practices, accessibility is an ongoing process that requires regular evaluation and continuous improvement.
In some cases, visual or interactive design considerations require balancing accessibility, usability, and creative objectives. When these situations arise, we work closely with our clients to evaluate options and make informed decisions that aim to create the best possible experience for the widest audience.
Accessibility during website development
Design phase
- Contrast and visibility: We evaluate color contrast ratios for calls-to-action, navigation elements, and body copy using accessibility testing tools. When appropriate, we utilize image overlays and other design techniques to improve text readability.
- Clear layouts and navigation: We design website structures to support intuitive navigation patterns and improve compatibility with assistive technologies.
- Thoughtful animation: We avoid flashing or disruptive visual elements and favor subtle animations designed to minimize distraction and support usability.
Development phase
- Semantic HTML: We implement semantic, well-structured HTML to improve compatibility with screen readers and assistive technologies.
- Proper content hierarchies: Headings, forms, and content sections are organized using clear structural hierarchies to support accessibility and improve the user experience.
- Logical navigation order: Page elements are developed in a logical sequence to support keyboard navigation and predictable interactions.
Content integration
- Clear link styling: Links are differentiated through visual treatments such as color, underlining, and descriptive language to provide additional context.
- Readable typography: Font sizing, spacing, and layout decisions prioritize readability across devices and user needs.
- Alternative text best practices: We provide alternative text for images during website launch and recommend that clients follow accessibility best practices when adding new content after launch.
- Accessible room content: For hospitality websites, we recommend that accessible accommodations be presented alongside other room types using consistent navigation structures, such as tabs, menus, or dropdowns, to support discoverability and usability.
Quality assurance
Accessibility testing
As part of our quality assurance process, we perform accessibility reviews using tools such as WAVE to identify potential issues and opportunities for improvement before launch.
Automated testing tools provide valuable insights, but accessibility also requires ongoing evaluation and consideration of real-world user experiences.
Ongoing accessibility support
As part of our Preventive Website Maintenance services, we provide ongoing accessibility support by:
- Periodically reviewing websites using accessibility evaluation tools
- Identifying newly introduced accessibility concerns
- Notifying clients of missing or incomplete alternative text for newly added images
- Recommending updates based on evolving accessibility best practices
Accessibility is not a one-time project but an ongoing commitment to improving digital experiences.
Platform-specific accessibility considerations
WordPress
We follow accessibility recommendations and best practices established by the WordPress Accessibility Team, including:
- Semantic markup
- Accessible navigation structures
- Keyboard accessibility support
- Clear content hierarchy and organization
Webflow
We leverage Webflow's built-in accessibility tools and checklists while incorporating additional accessibility considerations based on the unique requirements of each website.
PDF accessibility support
Accessibility considerations extend beyond websites to include downloadable resources such as menus, brochures, and informational documents.
We are happy to facilitate PDF accessibility remediation services. For more complex remediation projects, we work with trusted third-party accessibility specialists who can:
- Assess document structure, tagging, reading order, and metadata
- Improve compatibility with assistive technologies and screen readers
- Apply accessibility best practices related to formatting, organization, and visual presentation
We coordinate communication with our third-party partners, obtain quotes for client approval before work begins, and provide remediation services at cost.
Summary
GCommerce is committed to creating digital experiences that are accessible, inclusive, and user-friendly. By incorporating recognized accessibility best practices throughout design, development, and ongoing maintenance, we help organizations improve usability and support broader accessibility goals.
Accessibility is an evolving discipline, and we remain committed to staying informed about emerging standards, technologies, and best practices.
If you would like to review the accessibility of your current website or discuss opportunities to improve accessibility for your users, our team is here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions About ADA and WCAG Guidelines
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a U.S. civil rights law, while the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are technical standards published by the World Wide Web Consortium that describe how to make digital content more accessible. WCAG is frequently referenced as a benchmark for digital accessibility, but it is a set of guidelines rather than a law. GCommerce follows WCAG best practices in our design and development work. For questions about legal or regulatory requirements that apply to your organization, we recommend consulting qualified legal counsel.
No. There is no universal certification that declares a website permanently accessible. Accessibility is an ongoing process rather than a one-time milestone, because content changes, platforms update, and best practices continue to evolve. Automated tools such as WAVE surface many potential issues, but they cannot account for every real-world user experience. This is why we build accessibility considerations into every phase of a project and provide periodic reviews through our Preventive Website Maintenance services.
We recommend presenting accessible accommodations alongside all other room types using the same navigation structure, such as tabs, menus, or dropdowns, rather than separating them into a different section of the site. Consistent placement makes accessible rooms easier to discover, easier to compare, and easier to book. Clear descriptions and accurate alternative text on room imagery further support guests who use assistive technologies.
