Improving Digital Accessibility at JD
At JD we recognise the importance of providing a website that is accessible and usable for all our users. That’s why
over the coming months we are implementing new accessibility frameworks and designing with accessibility at the
forefront of our design methodology to make some serious changes for our customers.
- Website and App Audits
We will begin by conducting comprehensive accessibility audits of our website and mobile applications using both
automated tools and manual testing methods. These audits will help us identify current gaps in compliance with the
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 standards. User testing with individuals who have disabilities will
also be integrated into this process to ensure real-world functionality and usability.
- Design and Development Enhancements
Accessibility will be embedded into every stage of our digital design and development processes. Our teams will
follow inclusive design principles, ensuring that interfaces support screen readers, keyboard navigation, sufficient
colour contrast, and scalable text. Interactive components like forms, carousels, and menus will be reviewed and
re-engineered where necessary to support accessible use.
- Staff Training and Awareness
We will roll out accessibility training programs for our developers, designers, content creators, and digital
colleagues. This training will focus on understanding the needs of users with disabilities, how to implement
accessible features, and how to test for compliance.
Our aim is to build accessibility awareness into the culture of our digital teams.
- Ongoing Monitoring and Updates
Accessibility is not a one-off task—it requires continuous effort. We will establish a monitoring system to regularly
check our digital properties for accessibility issues, particularly after site updates or redesigns. Tools such as
axe DevTools, Lighthouse, and WAVE will be used alongside regular human audits. We will also provide a clear method
for users to report accessibility issues directly, so that we can respond quickly and effectively.
- Inclusive Content and Communication
Our digital content will be made more accessible through the use of descriptive alt text, properly structured
headings, closed captions for videos, and transcripts for audio materials. We will also ensure that all downloadable
content (e.g., PDFs, lookbooks) is accessible and readable by assistive technologies.
By taking a user-first approach and making accessibility a foundational part of our digital strategy, JD aims to
create a more inclusive environment for all customers. While we are not placing a hard deadline on these
improvements, our goal is to make steady, measurable progress and evolve with the needs of our diverse customer
base.
Let us know if you have feedback—we’re listening.
You can contact us at Accessibility@jdplc.com if you have any questions or queries around
accessibility at JD.