Summary

This document informs you about recent changes implemented by Uberall to comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 standards. These updates ensure that your Locator & Local Pages provide a better experience for all users and help your brand meet new digital accessibility requirements, particularly in the European Union.

This article details the specific accessibility improvements made, and explains how these changes optimize your website.

Profile

This information is relevant for customers of the Locator & Local Pages. Digital marketers, SEO specialists, and business owners who need to stay updated with compliance regulations will also find this beneficial.

These updates are particularly applicable for businesses operating within the European Union, as the European Accessibility Act (EAA) mandates new digital accessibility requirements by June 28, 2025. Ensuring your Locator is WCAG 2.2 compliant will help avoid potential legal consequences and improve overall user experience.

Solution Breakdown

The Locator & Local Pages accessibility initiative focuses on making your store locator more perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for all users, including those with disabilities. The key components of this solution include:

1. Improved Semantic HTML Structure: This ensures that assistive technologies, like screen readers, can more effectively understand and navigate your web content. This includes proper heading hierarchy, semantic landmarks and regions, and well-structured navigation elements.
2. Enhanced Labelling: Interactive elements are properly described and accessible, enabling users to understand, navigate, and complete tasks without solely relying on visual cues. This involves descriptive alt text for images, clear and informative link descriptions, appropriate ARIA attributes, and clear form field labels and instructions.
3. Visual and Interface Improvements: These improvements focus on ensuring sufficient color contrast, scalable text, consistent layout, and intuitive navigation. Key aspects include enhanced color contrast ratios, text resizing capabilities, and improved readability and legibility.
4. Keyboard Navigation and Usability Improvements: All interactive elements can be operated via keyboard alone, providing full access for users who cannot use a mouse. This includes improved keyboard navigation capabilities, logical tab order, and visible focus states.

Component Analysis

Semantic HTML Structure: The updated Locator uses HTML5 semantic elements (e.g., <main>, <nav>, <aside>, <footer>) to define page regions, enhancing screen reader navigation and overall content comprehension. Proper heading tags (<h1> to <h6>) are consistently applied to create a logical hierarchy, improving readability and navigation for assistive technologies.

Labelling: Descriptive alt text is available for most images, conveying visual content to users who cannot see the images. Images for which alt-text is not available are hidden from screen readers. Currently this includes Location photos and Content Collections photos. Links are designed with clear and informative descriptions to explain their purpose, even when read out of context. ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes are implemented to provide additional information about interactive elements where native HTML is insufficient, improving their usability with assistive technologies.

Visual Design: Default color contrast ratios have been updated to meet WCAG 2.2 standards (minimum 4.5:1 for normal text), ensuring content is readable for users with low vision or color blindness. Note that we will still provide you with the option to customize elements of the Locator & Local Pages, so that you can adjust the pages to your own design or other requirements.

Keyboard Accessibility: Users can navigate and interact with all elements of the Locator using only a keyboard, with a logical tab order and visible focus indicators. This ensures accessibility for individuals with motor disabilities or those using assistive technologies.

These updates are crucial for compliance with the European Accessibility Act (EAA), which becomes fully enforceable on June 28, 2025. Adhering to WCAG 2.2 Level AA standards (the industry standard for web content accessibility) is essential for businesses offering services in the EU to avoid penalties and maintain a positive brand reputation.

Optimization and Best Practices

• Regularly check your Locator + Pages for accessibility issues, especially after making custom CSS/JS changes.
• If you have extensively customized your locator widget with custom CSS or JavaScript, the accessibility updates may affect its appearance. It is best practice to update your custom code as needed to ensure continued accessibility.

Implementation Details

Uberall will push out the latest version of the Locator & Local Pages no later than June 26, 2025. All customers will receive the new version automatically. 

It is recommended that you review and make any necessary updates to your custom code before this date to ensure a smooth transition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the main purpose of this feature?

The primary objective of this update is to ensure the Uberall Locator & Local Pages comply with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 standards, improving the user experience for all individuals and helping businesses meet regulatory requirements, particularly the European Accessibility Act.

How often will the Locator & Local Pages be updated?

Accessibility compliance is an ongoing process, not a one-time task. Uberall continuously works on updates to ensure compliance with the latest standards. We recommend regular self-audits and staying informed about new accessibility guidelines.

Who should I contact if I encounter an issue?

If you encounter any unexpected findings or need assistance, please email us at support@uberall.com. Our team is happy to help

Are there any prerequisites for using this updated feature?

The accessibility updates will be applied to all Locator & Local Pages no later than June 26th. 

How does this update improve SEO/GEO?

By complying with the latest WCAG digital accessibility requirements, you'll enhance how search engines and generative engines show your brand in search results or AI summaries. Well-structured headings, structured data, mobile-friendly layouts, and alt text all contribute to better appearance in AI search results.

What are the main benefits of these accessibility improvements for my business beyond compliance?

Better website accessibility has a positive impact on multiple areas, including SEO (or GEO) and UX, and conversion rate optimization. It leads to a premium customer experience, enhanced brand visibility for desktop and mobile devices, and confident compliance with the law.