Vetting WordPress Plugins for Accessibility Before Purchase

December 15, 2024

When choosing plugins for your WordPress website, accessibility often takes a back seat to features, price, or design. However, not prioritizing accessibility could result in usability issues, legal risks, and a poor experience for visitors who rely on assistive technologies. I recently purchased a plugin with so many accessibility issues, that I had to fork it entirely to fix them. Experiences like this make it clear how important it is to vet plugins before committing to them. Let me walk you through how to do this effectively.

Why Accessibility Matters

Accessibility in plugins means that all users, regardless of their abilities, can fully interact with the plugin’s features. This is particularly important for plugins that impact front-end functionality, like forms, sliders, or navigation elements. Inaccessible plugins can prevent users with disabilities from accessing key website functions, introduce issues that affect the overall accessibility of your website, and increase your risk of lawsuits or compliance with regulations like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Accessibility issues introduced from a plugin could at the very least create frustration for users and reputational risks for your brand.

Key Accessibility Features to Look For

When evaluating plugins, focus on these key accessibility features:

• Keyboard Navigation: Verify that all interactive elements can be accessed and used with a keyboard alone, allowing users to navigate without relying on a mouse.
• Screen Reader Support: Ensure that all plugin elements are properly labeled and provide meaningful feedback to screen reader users. For instance, buttons and form fields should have clear labels and descriptions.
• Color Contrast: Check that the plugin’s interface meets WCAG contrast requirements. This ensures text is readable against its background for users with low vision.
• Semantic HTML: Look for proper use of headings, roles, and ARIA attributes. Semantic code ensures that assistive technologies can interpret the content correctly.
• Error Handling: Verify that the plugin provides accessible error messages and form validation. Errors should be clearly described in a way that users of all abilities can understand.

Tools and Methods for Vetting Accessibility

You don’t need to be an accessibility expert to access plugins. Use these tools and methods to help make informed decisions:

• Automated Testing Tools: Tools like WAVE, Axe browser extensions, or the Accessibility Checker WordPress plugin can help you quickly evaluate a plugin’s accessibility on a demo site or staging environment.
• Manual Testing: Test the plugin using only a keyboard or a screen reader (e.g., NVDA or VoiceOver). Ensure interactive, forms, and navigation are accessible with a visual focus state.
• Accessibility Statements: Check if the plugin developer provides an accessibility statement or documentation outlining their commitment to accessibility.
• Support Documentation: Review the plugin’s support resources to see if they address accessibility settings, known issues, or usage tips.

Evaluating the Plugin Vendor

The vendor’s approach to accessibility can tell you a lot about the quality of their product. Consider these factors:

• Commitment to Accessibility: Does the vendor mention accessibility on their website or product pages? A proactive approach is a good sign.
• Reputation: Look for reviews or testimonials from other users, particularly those emphasizing accessibility features.
• Support Channels: Contact the vendor with specific accessibility questions. Their responsiveness and knowledge can indicate how much they prioritize accessibility.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Be cautious if you encounter these issues:

• Custom UI Elements: Be wary of non-standard interface elements that don’t follow accessibility best practices, such as custom dropdowns or sliders without proper ARIA roles.
• Inadequate Documentation: Plugins that lack detailed documentation about accessibility settings or considerations.
• Outdated Plugins: Plugins that haven’t been updated in a long time may not comply with the latest accessibility standards. Always check the plugin’s changelog to see if it is actively maintained and whether updates address accessibility issues or improve compatibility with the latest standards.
• Negative Reviews: User feedback mentioning usability issues or bugs that impact accessibility is a clear warning sign.

Steps to Advocate for Accessibility

Finding accessibility issues in a potential plugin doesn’t mean it’s a no-go. You can take steps to help make the plugin more accessible by:

• Contact Developers: Reach out to the vendor with your concerns or suggestions for improvement. They may be open to updates.
• Contribute Feedback: Provide constructive feedback in reviews or forums to help other users make informed decisions.
• Contribute Code Fixes: Submit code fixes to a public Git repository if one exists. Most plugin creators welcome these contributions.

Conclusion

Vetting plugins for accessibility before purchasing is essential for maintaining an accessible website. Taking the time to evaluate plugins helps you avoid usability issues, legal risks, and poor user experiences. Collaborating with plugin creators to uphold accessibility standards and offering support to improve their products benefits both your website and the web as a whole.