guide
RGAA on Squarespace: complete compliance checklist
Implementing RGAA compliance on Squarespace means addressing the platform's specific failure modes (decorative blocks without proper labelling, inaccessible animations) while applying Référentiel général d'amélioration de l'accessibilité success criteria across content, code, and editorial workflow.
RGAA in 60 seconds
France's Référentiel général d'amélioration de l'accessibilité (RGAA) is the French government's national web accessibility methodology, currently at version 4.1, that operationalises EN 301 549 / WCAG 2.1 AA with 106 control tests and is mandatory for public-sector and (since the EAA transposition) large-private-sector French websites.
Squarespace accessibility — what you are starting with
Squarespace 7.1 templates have improved accessibility, but customisations (custom CSS, code injection) commonly introduce regressions.
RGAA 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 RGAA 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 RGAA'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 RGAA-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 RGAA 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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