Solved Helix Framework

Web accessibility of the helix template

Asked by Lukas 1 year ago Last activity 1 year ago

I've been asked by Anna T. from JoomShaper support to post this inquiry here:

I'd like to ask whether there are any plans to improve web accessibility of the helix template. Based on EU law, legislation has been passed in Germany which requires websites to be accessible starting at the end of this month (June 2025). This includes the fact that visitors have to be able to navigate through any website using their keyboard only (i.e. primarily the tab key, arrow keys and Enter key).

I've realized that this is not possible on my website. You can select the menu items displayed on the website, but they will not open or expand to lower levels. Also, using the arrow keys has no effect whatsoever.

I - and certainly also many other European users of your product - would be very grateful if this issue could be resolved (particularly as other accessibility measures like writing ALT text, ensuring high contrast etc. already require quite a lot of effort by any admin.

Thank you very much!

Accepted answer

Marked as the solution

Paul Frankowski Senior Staff

1 year ago · edited

Yes, I can confirm that we are working on the next Helix Ultimate version, which will have improved accessibility code. This will include changes to the Main Menu and Offcanvas [=] button. I hope we will soon be able to share the finished version. Yes, I am familiar with our EU regulations.

About high contrast topic, in general it's a webmaster task becuase website colors are controlled/managed by Template Options > Presets, Custom CSS and SPPB color settings that webmaster will use for all displayed elements, like: text, links, headers, buttons, etc.
Of course Template Style add pre-made styles, but all depends on YOUR choices, and every single color can be changed/overriden. So you have to use Accessibility Tester Tool each time.

2 more replies

Atick Eashrak Shuvo Staff

1 year ago

Thank you for your valuable feedback and for bringing this important matter to our attention. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused.

We understand the significance of complying with accessibility standards, especially in light of the new EU legislation. We want to assure you that our development team is actively working on updates for the Helix Ultimate framework, and improved keyboard navigation—such as full menu access via Tab, arrow keys, and Enter—is already on our roadmap.

This accessibility enhancement will be included in the upcoming version of the Helix Ultimate template, as well as in all new templates based on the updated Helix framework. For existing templates built with older versions of Helix Ultimate, this feature may take a bit more time to be fully integrated, but we are committed to extending support there as well.

We truly appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to meet these essential accessibility requirements.

Kind regards

Lukas Asked this

1 year ago

Dear Paul and Team,
thanks a lot for your replies and your effort. That's great news - and great help!
Kind regards.