guide
EN 301 549 on Squarespace: complete compliance checklist
Implementing EN 301 549 compliance on Squarespace means addressing the platform's specific failure modes (decorative blocks without proper labelling, inaccessible animations) while applying EN 301 549 — Accessibility requirements for ICT products and services success criteria across content, code, and editorial workflow.
EN 301 549 in 60 seconds
EN 301 549 is the harmonised European standard for digital accessibility, maintained jointly by ETSI, CEN, and CENELEC, that incorporates WCAG 2.1 AA for web and mobile content and adds requirements for hardware, software, documentation and support — and is the technical reference for both the European Accessibility Act and the Web Accessibility Directive.
Squarespace accessibility — what you are starting with
Squarespace 7.1 templates have improved accessibility, but customisations (custom CSS, code injection) commonly introduce regressions.
EN 301 549 setup checklist for Squarespace
1. Choose a 7.1 template: 7.1 templates are more accessible than 7.0.
2. Maintain heading hierarchy: Use the block-level controls; do not visually mimic headings with text blocks.
3. Add alt text to every image: Squarespace supports alt text per image; mandatory practice.
Common EN 301 549 failures on Squarespace
• Decorative blocks without proper labelling
• Inaccessible animations
• Custom CSS overriding focus styles
• Image-block galleries with weak alt support
Putting it together
Combine EN 301 549's Level AA requirements with Squarespace's native tooling. Bake accessibility into your component library and editorial workflow; instrument axe-core in CI for regression.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Cited answers. Sourced. Updated as standards and case law change.
Is Squarespace EN 301 549-compliant out of the box?
Squarespace publishes an accessibility statement and supports accessibility through its templates and controls. It does not guarantee individual sites are compliant.
What is the easiest path to EN 301 549 compliance on Squarespace?
Start with the platform's most-accessible default theme (where applicable), audit each installed plugin/extension/module, train content authors on alt text and heading hierarchy, and instrument axe-core in your CI pipeline.
Does Squarespace claim ADA compliance?
Squarespace publishes an accessibility statement and supports accessibility through its templates and controls. It does not guarantee individual sites are compliant.
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