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Re: arrow key navigation in accessible menu

for

From: ckrugman
Date: Dec 14, 2010 10:54PM

that's interesting because JAWS encourages users to use arrow keys when
coming across dropdown menus and there is a keyboard command to open such
menus.
Chuck
----- Original Message -----
From: "Al Sparber" < <EMAIL REMOVED> >
To: "WebAIM Discussion List" < <EMAIL REMOVED> >
Sent: Tuesday, December 07, 2010 5:58 AM
Subject: Re: [WebAIM] arrow key navigation in accessible menu


> On 12/7/2010 7:27 AM, adam solomon wrote:
>> Is arrow-key navigation necessary for an accessible menu?
>> To the best of my knowledge, arrow key navigation won't work with Jaws 9
>> because those keys are reserved for Jaws (correct me on this if I'm
>> wrong).
>> If so, and if the answer to the first question is yes, what is the
>> solution?
>>
>
> I assume you are referring to a hierarchical or drop-down/fly out menu.
>
> There are many schools of thought on this. Based on our tests, once a
> user gets to a web page menu, traditional application UI conventions are
> not considered. That is, the majority of keyboard users in our tests do
> not even realize that arrow keys are working. The only people, in our
> opinion, who favor arrow keys are able-bodied web designers and
> accessibility consultants :-)
>
> The simplest, most direct way to handle this is to hide the sub-menus
> from reader and keyboard users, activate the root links, and carry all
> links in the context of the page.
>
> There are many other approaches that can be accessible as well - and now
> one also has to consider touch devices.
>
> You'll get a baker's dozen different opinions on this list. Some will be
> good, others not. Your job is to assess them all and see which one makes
> most sense to you and then liver with it - or not :-)
>
>
> --
> Al Sparber - PVII
> http://www.projectseven.com
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