Keyboard access definition
Keyboard access. Can users access all functions and content, and complete all tasks, independently by using only the keyboard (<tab>, <enter>, <spacebar>, <esc>, and arrow keys)? Verify in particular: o There are no keyboard traps that would prevent a user from advancing through the entire page, such as an automatically-refreshing social media embedded feed (tip: try to tab very, very slowly through any such feed to observe whether a user can close it, or move past it, at a reasonable point; if the feed keeps refreshing by automatically adding additional entries to be shown, it causes a trap for those who are unable to use quick keyboard strokes – or a mouse - to navigate);
Keyboard access. Can users access all functions and content, and complete all tasks, independently by using only the keyboard (<tab>, <enter>, <spacebar>, <esc>, and arrow keys)? Verify in particular: o There are no keyboard traps that would prevent a user from advancing through the entire page, such as an automatically-refreshing social media embedded feed (tab very slowly through any such feed to observe whether a user can close it at a reasonable point); o Expandable elements can not only be expanded, but can also be collapsed automatically or with a keyboard command, so they do not block other content; o Pop-ups or modals can be accessed, closed or minimized, and then accessed again after closed or minimized. • Logical reading order: Does keyboard navigation follow a logical, predictable order? • Skip navigation: Can users bypass long or redundant navigation schemes? • Visual focus indicator: Can users visually discern where they are located on the page while navigating with a keyboard? • Alternative (Alt) text: Are all important images and graphics labelled with meaningful text, associated captions, or adjoining descriptions so, for example, people who are blind who use assistive technology will have access to the relevant information contained in the image or graphic? • Links: Are links, including image links, well-named and unambiguous so blind users – without having to read nearby content – will understand the purpose and destination of each link? Common examples of ambiguous link names include “click here,” “read more,” exposed URLs such as http://… type, and other ambiguous phrases. • Color alone: Are there any instances where color alone conveys important information or distinguishes an object or state? If so, add another way to distinguish the object or state. For example, make sure color is not the only way to distinguish link text from the surrounding paragraph text, and ensure color-coding is not the exclusive way used to convey important calendar dates. • Color contrast: Using a manual color contrast checker tool (automated testing is generally insufficient unless manually verified), is there at least 4.5:1 contrast ratio for normal size text and 3:1 contrast ratio for large scale text, comparing foreground and background colors of all text elements and text inside graphics? Text inside logos can be ignored for these purposes.