I have a confession, (deep breath) my personal website is not accessible to those with disabilities. There I said it and admitting there is a problem is always the first step to resolving any issue.
After this admission of guilt, I went about detailing what I could do to improve my site. My site, like many on the internet, relies on Squarespace. I know many web developers and designers are rolling their eyes reading this. Up until a few years ago, I had very little practical knowledge of how to build a functional website or at least one that I was proud of.
For those with minimal web experience, or none for that matter, Squarespace genuinely makes it easier to have a functioning website. Generally, their templates paired with quality photos yields something aesthetically pleasing. At least on the surface. This simplicity doesn’t come without consequences.
The accessibility problem that Squarespace unwittingly created was that by creating a platform anyone can use they sacrificed those with expert knowledge of the legal requirements that businesses are mandated, by law, to follow. (American Disabilities Act or ADA)
It’s the equivalent of allowing a restaurant owner to build his own restaurant without the guidance of an architect. Only to find out after the building is completed that you need a ramp for those in wheelchairs or limited mobility to get through the front door.
Does this mean you can’t design an accessible website with Squarespace? Yes and No. Squarespace offers their users some helpful tips to enhance their accessibility under their “Tips and Advice” but unless you’re looking for this info chances are you won’t come across it… or read it. Squarespace if you’re listening at least have the decency to move it into its own section.
The other problem we run into is the lack of ARIA labels or rather the lack to implement them. Squarespace templates based on everything I’ve seen completely remove the ability to implement this code into the website design.
(A quick summation of what ARIA labels do is that its code to assist screen readers. Any sited user would never know of their existence if present or absent. I could write another blog post just on ARIA labels but I will refrain from going to deep.)
You can have a perfectly accessible website without them but to remove them entirely as an option to edit/add/change is irresponsible.
If you plan to use Squarespace or if you have one of their templates already in place be sure to do your own research or be sure to work with someone familiar with accessibility requirements.