Ecommpay launches free pack to boost eCommerce accessibility

Ecommpay has introduced a free Accessibility Pack to support eCommerce merchants in improving the accessibility of their websites and services.

Data cited by the company indicates accessible websites can generate up to 24% more traffic, highlighting the potential commercial benefits for businesses prioritising inclusivity in their digital operations. The pack draws on Ecommpay's internal experiences and offers merchants practical measures to begin implementing changes for a more accessible user experience.

The Accessibility Pack is an initiative within Ecommpay's ongoing inclusivity programme, Ecommpay for Good. It is designed to provide merchants with essential guidelines, actionable advice and tailored training resources to facilitate greater digital accessibility, regardless of organisational size or experience with accessibility standards.

Speaking about the launch, Miranda McLean, Chief Marketing Officer at Ecommpay, said:

"We understand that making a business fully accessible can feel like a big project, however, even small, thoughtful changes can make a profound difference. We have learnt so much from our own accessibility and inclusivity journey, and this pack shares our vital learnings to help our merchant partners take those crucial first steps with confidence, fostering a more inclusive eCommerce ecosystem. At Ecommpay we are fully committed to continuing the conversation around accessibility in eCommerce and look forward to supporting merchants on this important journey."

The pack comprises several core resources, beginning with an overview of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2. These internationally recognised standards offer specific recommendations on enhancing navigation and interaction for users with a range of disabilities, supporting a better overall digital experience.

Merchants are also given access to a collection of practical tips for creating a more accessible website. Developed in cooperation with the Digital Accessibility Centre, this guide outlines the initial steps businesses can take to ensure adherence to best practices and regulatory standards for accessibility.

Training is a further component of the pack, with free courses available from HSBC Innovation Banking. These courses are structured to help participants understand how digital products, including websites and mobile applications, can be improved to meet the needs of all users, especially those with disabilities.

To assist with ongoing evaluation and adjustment, the Accessibility Pack provides a checklist developed by disability inclusion advocate Cressida Stephenson. This audit tool enables merchants to identify and address key areas for improvement, focusing on practical adjustments that can benefit neurodivergent employees, in particular.

The pack also addresses recruitment and talent retention, offering the Eden Chase Inclusive Hiring Toolkit. This resource highlights common but often overlooked issues within hiring processes, such as inaccessible job descriptions or application platforms, and offers guidance to attract and support neurodivergent and disabled employees throughout the candidate journey.

In addition, an update from the Lending Standards Board (LSB) is included, covering progress in the financial sector to ensure deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals can access relevant tools and services. This annual update reflects current industry practices and highlights the ongoing need for accessibility improvements within financial services.

Ecommpay's Accessibility Pack is presented as a resource to assist businesses in responding to the evolving needs of their customers. The company reinforces its dedication to promoting accessible eCommerce by sharing these materials, maintaining its commitment to supporting merchants in accelerating inclusivity within their digital operations.