Keyboard Navigation Tester – Test Accessibility

Keyboard navigation allows users to interact with websites using only a keyboard (no mouse). This is essential for: People with motor disabilities who cannot use a mouse Blind users who rely on screen readers and keyboard commands Power users who prefer keyboard shortcuts for efficiency Users with temporary injuries or situations where a mouse isn't available WCAG 2.1 requires that all functionality be accessible via keyboard (Success Criterion 2.1.1).

A keyboard trap occurs when a user can navigate into a component but cannot navigate out using only the keyboard. This violates WCAG 2.1.2 (No Keyboard Trap). Common causes: Modal dialogs that don't allow Escape key to close Custom widgets that capture focus indefinitely Iframes or embedded content without exit mechanism Solutions: Ensure Escape key can always exit modals and overlays Implement proper focus management in custom components Provide clear instructions if unusual keys are required Test thoroughly with keyboard-only navigation

To make custom interactive elements keyboard accessible: Use semantic HTML: Prefer <button>, <a>, <input> over <div> Add tabindex="0": For non-standard interactive elements Never use positive tabindex: This disrupts natural tab order Implement key handlers: Support Enter, Space, arrow keys as appropriate Add ARIA roles: Use role="button", role="link", etc. Style :focus states: Ensure focus indicators are visible Manage focus: Move focus logically in dynamic content

Focus indicators are visual cues (usually an outline or border) that show which element currently has keyboard focus. They're required by WCAG 2.4.7 (Focus Visible). Best practices: Never remove focus outlines with outline: none without replacement Ensure sufficient color contrast (3:1 ratio minimum) Make focus indicators at least 2px thick Use consistent focus styles across your site Test focus visibility against all backgrounds Consider using :focus-visible for mouse vs keyboard distinction

Essential keyboard shortcuts to test: Tab: Navigate forward through interactive elements Shift + Tab: Navigate backward Enter: Activate links and buttons Space: Activate buttons, toggle checkboxes Escape: Close dialogs, cancel operations Arrow keys: Navigate menus, radio groups, sliders Home/End: Jump to first/last item in lists Page Up/Down: Scroll content Also test any custom keyboard shortcuts your application provides.

Skip links allow keyboard users to bypass repetitive navigation and jump directly to main content. They're especially important for users who navigate sequentially through a page. Implementation tips: Place skip link as the first focusable element on the page Make it visible when focused (can be hidden by default) Link to an id on the main content container Use descriptive text like "Skip to main content" Ensure it works in all browsers and screen readers This satisfies WCAG 2.4.1 (Bypass Blocks) and significantly improves user experience.