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Re: "Skip to content" links, vissibility and keyboard users without screen readers, to hide or not to hide?

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From: Bourne, Sarah (ITD)
Date: Sep 15, 2011 2:36PM


We're working on a design refresh for Mass.Gov. Although we are (of course!) using headings and landmarks, we decided to also include a visible "skip to main content link" because sighted mobile device users like it. This wasn't a huge factor: it was just enough to tip the scales that way. If it's a requirement, a good designer can make sure it looks good.

sb

Sarah E. Bourne
Director of Assistive Technology &
Mass.Gov Chief Technology Strategist
Information Technology Division
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
1 Ashburton Pl. rm 1601 Boston MA 02108
617-626-4502  fax 617-626-4516
http://twitter.com/sarahebourne
<EMAIL REMOVED>
http://www.mass.gov/itd

-----Original Message-----
From: <EMAIL REMOVED> [mailto: <EMAIL REMOVED> ] On Behalf Of Birkir R. Gunnarsson
Sent: Thursday, September 15, 2011 3:18 PM
To: WebAIM Discussion List
Subject: [WebAIM] "Skip to content" links, vissibility and keyboard users without screen readers, to hide or not to hide?

Yea wise people.

I am glancing through the excellent Jim Thatcher course (though it hasnot been updated in 5 years, vast majority of it is still relevant, fortunately).
One thing it highlights, and ihave seen discussed here as well, is use of skip navigation links.
The specific page i am reading is
http://www.jimthatcher.com/webcourse4.htm

I understand the discussion of position a navigation link off-screen, and it only receiving focus when the tab key is used. But later on, the page seem to indicate that vissible skip to content links should be provided for those using a headmouse or other keyboard simulation methods to navigate a webpage. Unfortunately browsers other than Opera, do not allow navigating by headings or other html elements.
So, what is the right thing to recommend here:
a. For skip links to be invissible, a keyboard simulation users will have to tab through each and every link on the page, so the first time he/she uses the tab key the otherwise invissible link will become vissible or b. To have a vissible "skip to content" link at the top of the page, to make navigation of the pge easier for any keyboard users?

The page also discusses IE6 and IE7 bugs that cause samepage links not to work, unless they are configured specifically. (see page for exact description, as it is somewhat lengthy, discussion is towards the end of the page).
Hs this issue been fixed in IE8/IE9? If someone knows off the top of their head it'd be good to know. If not, I'll simply construct a test case myself to find out.
Thanks very much
-Birkir