Keyboard Access
Enabling keyboard access to areas on the web not only supports those using screen readers to read content and navigation features but also those computer users trying to avoid strain injuries due to excessive mouse use.
Keyboard access can also help those with certain YouTube Video link on keyboard access - Craig from the JISC Regional Support Centre NE Scotland demonstrates how the Intellikeys keyboard can be adapted to access the web along with a trackball and switch access.
If you are unsure about how a screen reader works, Neal Ewers from the Trace Research & Development Center, UW-Madison provides a very good introduction.
Method
Turn your mouse on its back or avoid all use - manual testing is the only option.
You should see the links highlighted as you move through the pages or the cursor flashing when you reach an input box. The enter key should submit or result in a change of status.
Nomensa guide to keyboard access.
Webaim Wave offers a view of the structure and order of items on a web page. Navigation order and the use of the skip navigation link are important where there are several links etc.
WCAG 2.1: Guideline 2.4.3 Focus Order: If a Web page can be navigated sequentially and the navigation sequences affect meaning or operation, focusable components receive focus in an order that preserves meaning and operability. (Level A) How to Meet 2.4.3 | Understanding 2.4.3
Advice
There is much advice on the web as to why keyboard access is so important – here are just a few links for further information:
- Webaim Introduction to Keyboard Accessibility
- Microsoft Windows list of keyboard shortcuts.
- Apple Mac list of keyboard shortcuts.
- NCAM Rich Media : Access Strategies - Keyboard Access for multimedia with examples
- Amanda Koh writing about Keyboard Navigation for Responsive Web Design
Browser Keyboard Shortcuts
- Mozilla Firefox keyboard shortcuts
- Microsoft Edge keyboard shortcuts
- Opera keyboard shortcuts
- Safari keyboard shortcuts - In Help, type “Safari Shortcuts” in the search field for a complete listing.
- Google Chrome
- Lynx text only browser keyboard commands
References
This technique may be used to test the following sections of best practice.
| Document | Section | Heading | |
|---|---|---|---|
| WCAG 2.1 | 2.1.1 | Keyboard | More Info |
| WCAG 2.1 | 2.1.2 | No Keyboard Trap | More Info |
| WCAG 2.1 | 2.1.3 | Keyboard (No Exception) | More Info |
| WCAG 2.1 | 2.1.4 | Character Key Shortcuts | More Info |
| WCAG 2.1 | 2.4.1 | Bypass Blocks | More Info |
| WCAG 2.1 | 2.4.7 | Focus Visible | More Info |