7. Keyboard

Requirement

All interactive elements (links, buttons, accordions, etc.) are operable from the keyboard.

Evaluation Process

In addition to seeing that everything is in focus in Visible Focus and Logical Order, all actionable elements must be controllable with a keyboard. From simple links to complex drag-and-drop interactions, there must be a way for a keyboard user to fully interact with the page or application.

For more complex interactive designs, non-standard keyboard commands may be implemented to activate and interact with the design. Such solutions are appropriate provided the keyboard commands are documented.

Scoring Guide

• Pass: All elements can be activated with standard keyboard commands, and if anything requires different keys, they are well documented.
• Partial Fail: All controls have keyboard support, but some complex interactives are not well documented.
• Fail: Any control does not have keyboard support.
• Not Applicable / Unknown: These should not be used.

More Information

More information about keyboard accessibility is available here:

• WebAIM: Keyboard Accessibility

Relevant WCAG Information

• Understanding SC 2.1.1 Keyboard
• Understanding SC 2.1.2 No Keyboard Trap