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Re: Instructions for Custom Keyboard Shortcuts

for

From: Jonathan Avila
Date: Jan 10, 2020 4:42PM


The closest related text (but not applicable text) to custom keyboard commands in WCAG is from 2.1.2 keyboard trap:
"and, if it requires more than unmodified arrow or tab keys or other standard exit methods, the user is advised of the method for moving focus away"

Jonathan

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From: WebAIM-Forum < <EMAIL REMOVED> > On Behalf Of glen walker
Sent: Friday, January 10, 2020 6:33 PM
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Subject: Re: [WebAIM] Instructions for Custom Keyboard Shortcuts

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John, thanks for pointing out that Deque's interpretation is non-normative. That's an important point that is often overlooked.

In this scenario, if the *only* way to perform a certain action is via the keyboard shortcut, then I'd say it's a failure of 3.3.2. The user has no way to discover the shortcut.

However, if the same action can be accomplished via other means that are accessible and discoverable, then not having instructions about the keyboard shortcut might be more of a usability issue. If there's documentation separate from the app itself (perhaps via a Help menu or
button) that explains the app's shortcut keys, I think that's sufficient.