The template we’ve had to buy for the new store needed a few button alterations – not a problem. However on opening the header file up I noticed that the logo and all of the buttons were missing alt attributes. Simply put, turn off the images and the navigation and you’re left with nothing – that’s what a screen reader user will also get – nothing.
This isn’t due to osCommerce but more the template. Despite the template being a nice look and design, it’s not been marked up very well. Luckily there aren’t too many images in use and they’re in includes so it only means updating the odd file here and there. However when it comes to using templates it’s something to consider. Alt attributes are required for accessibility and also good SEO (Search Engine Optimisation). osCommerce stores can sometimes have a tough time getting into search engines as it is, leaving out alt attributes doesn’t help things.
