Can third-party plugins and widgets cause barriers?
In short and in plain language
Yes, this happens often. These parts are not fully under your control.
Examples are cookie banners, chats and payment forms. If a cookie banner cannot be closed with the keyboard, it blocks the page.
That is why we include such parts in our audit. If needed, we advise other settings or another solution.
Yes, and they are a frequent and awkward source of problems, because they partly escape your direct control. Cookie banners, chat widgets, social media embeds, review widgets and external payment forms regularly show significant defects: focus traps, missing keyboard operation or inaccessible dialogs.
Cookie banners and checkout steps are especially critical here: if the consent overlay alone cannot be closed with the keyboard, it effectively blocks the entire page for affected users.
That is why we include embedded third-party components in our WCAG audit. Where a provider offers no accessible solution, we recommend configuration adjustments or an accessible alternative.