Keyboard | ��app Higher Education

Keyboard - Success Criterion 2.1.1 (Level A)

Question

Can all functionality and content be operated through the use of a keyboard or keyboard interface?

Why is this important?

People with vision and motor impairments may find it difficult or impossible to use a mouse. They rely on the keyboard or an alternate keyboard interface to access and operate content.

A site or application that is fully functional through a keyboard, will also provide users flexibility to navigate and operate content using various types of keyboards or assistive technologies.

Whom does it benefit?

Example 1

As a person with low vision, it is difficult for me to see and use the mouse pointer.
I want to navigate my science eText using my keyboard
so that I can orient myself and complete my assignments.

Example 2

As a person who is blind, I use a combination of assistive technologies.
I want to be able to navigate and interact with content using my keyboard while my screen reader narrates
so that I can complete important tasks.

Example 3

As a user who recently broke my hand that I use to operate the mouse,
I want to be able to use the keyboard to navigate my online course
so that I can continue my assignments.

What should you do?

Make sure keyboard functionality is available for all content.
Do not require users to complete multiple keystrokes in a short period of time.
Do not require users to hold a single key for an extended period of time for an action to be recognized.
Ensure that keyboard commands do not interfere with standard operating system functionality.

Exception: If functions are dependent on recognizing the user’s path or movement, rather than just the end points, these functions do not have to be available to the keyboard (e.g. a free-hand drawing program).

How do you do it?

In most cases, using standard HTML controls will ensure keyboard accessibility.
If functionality requires going beyond standard HTML controls, use to ensure that keyboard functionality is maintained.