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Re: Instructions for Custom Keyboard Shortcuts

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From: Paul Rayius
Date: Jan 10, 2020 12:41PM

Hi Peter,
WCAG 2.1 - 3.3.2 is actually dealing with Forms and not really addressing keyboard shortcut functionality.

This might be a stretch but Guideline 3.2 requires that "Webpages appear and operate in predictable ways." The "stretch" then, is applying this to keyboard shortcuts, requiring that they also operate in predictable ways. In other words, if you're using a keyboard shortcut for something other than what it's "universally known to do" then that could be considered unpredictable and, as such, providing clarification or instructions on what happens when someone uses that keyboard shortcut would be necessary.

Unfortunately, the answer to your question does not appear to be totally cut and dry, though.

I hope that helps at least a little. I'm interested to read what input others can provide!

Paul Rayius
Director of Training
CommonLook