Accessibility and NX Orders: Understanding WCAG 2.1 Compliance 🌐♿

At NX Restaurant, we believe that everyone should be able to enjoy a great meal, which starts with a seamless online ordering experience. We have optimized NX Orders to align with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards.

This guide explains how we support accessibility and what your responsibilities are as a venue owner to stay compliant.

What is WCAG 2.1 Level AA? 📚

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are the gold standard for digital accessibility. Level AA is the specific tier often cited by legal experts and the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) as the requirement for "reasonable accessibility."

Following these guidelines ensures that your site is usable for people with a wide array of disabilities, including:

• Visual impairments (requiring screen readers or high contrast).

• Motor disabilities (requiring keyboard-only navigation).

• Cognitive or learning disabilities.

What NX Does for You ✨

NX has built the core components of the online ordering interface to meet Level AA standards. This includes:

• Keyboard Navigation: Ensuring customers can navigate the menu and checkout using only a keyboard.

• Screen Reader Support: Proper "Alt-text" and ARIA labels so digital readers can describe the page accurately.

• Structural Logic: Ensuring the flow of the page makes sense to assistive technologies.

• Accessibility Statement: Every NX Orders page includes a footer instructing users who experience difficulties to contact the venue directly via phone for assistance.

Your Responsibility: The "Color" Factor 🎨⚠️

While NX builds the "bones" of the site to be compliant, NX cannot guarantee 100% compliance for your specific site. This is because venues have the freedom to customize their color palette and branding. To remain compliant, you must ensure your color choices meet Contrast Ratio requirements.

Example: If you choose light grey text on a white background, a user with low vision may not be able to read your menu. This would make your site non-compliant, even though the NX platform itself is accessible.

Tips for Staying Compliant:

1. Check Your Contrast: Use a Contrast Checker when picking your brand colors in the NX Portal.

2. Use Clear Images: Ensure your menu item photos are high-quality but don't contain vital text that a screen reader can't see.

3. Keep Your Phone Number Updated: Ensure your venue’s phone number is correct in General Settings, as this is the primary "backup" for users who need assistance.

The NX Accessibility Statement 📜

Each NX Orders site carries an accessibility statement similar to the following:

"We endeavor to conform to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA. If you experience any difficulty accessing any part of this website or need assistance placing an order, please contact us at [Your Phone Number] and we will be happy to assist you."

Need Help? 💡

Why is accessibility so important right now?

There has been an increase in legal action targeting restaurants with non-compliant websites. Ensuring your online ordering is built on a compliant platform like NX is a major step in protecting your business.

How do I check if my colors are okay?

A good rule of thumb is to use dark text on light backgrounds or vice versa. Avoid "vibrant" combinations like red text on green backgrounds, which are difficult for colorblind users to read.

Still worried about compliance?

If you have been targeted by a legal claim or are doing a major rebrand, reach out to an ADA compliance consultant to review your main website, as NX only controls the ordering pages. 🆘✨