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Re: Where should focus be on page load?

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From: Tim Harshbarger
Date: Dec 6, 2021 5:00AM

I think this issue is probably less confusing for screen reader users than
most people think. If the focus starts on some kind of form control, I
suspect screen reader users will assume they are not at the top of the page
but somewhere further in it. If it starts on a link, it probably depends on
whether or not the link sounds like it should be something at the top of the
page. For example, if the focus were placed on a skip link or a homepage
link a screen reader user might think they are at the top of the page. Once
a screen reader knows or suspects they are not at the top of the page and if
they want to go there, it is fairly trivial to accomplish that.

I suspect the location of the focus is more important to keyboard users. If
it goes to somewhere on the page they want to be or close to it, you saved
them a lot of tabbing. If it is not close to where they want to go, what
will it take to get them where they want to go?

Thanks,
Tim
Tim Harshbarger