WebAIM - Web Accessibility In Mind

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Re: skip-nav tabindex setfocus etc.

for

From: Christian Heilmann
Date: Mar 15, 2006 12:40AM

> Patrick H. Lauke wrote:
> > Just on this first part, how about a hybrid approach where the skip link
> > is initially hidden and only appears (obviously in a logical, visible
> > place where a user with magnification would not miss it) when
> > tabbed/focussed to it via CSS?
>
> The WebAIM site (which is currently undergoing a major renovation) uses
> this approach. Just be sure that the CSS does not hide/display it in a way
> that screen readers will not read it (e.g., don't use display:none or
> visibility:hidden). Changing the position, adding a background color, or
> similar will provide this functionality without interfering much with site
> design or layout for the majority of users that do not need, use, or even
> notice this feature.

The new WaSP templates will have this as well, however, I personally
think a visible skip link shows buy-in to web accessibility a lot more
than any "WCAG compliant and Bobby Approved" banners would ever do.

We do use visible "back to top" links, why not "skip to navigation"?

The ones on my blog (http://www.wait-till-i.com/) got hardly noticed
by anyone who wanted to just read the content but got good feedback
from people who really needs skip links.

--
Chris Heilmann
Blog: http://www.wait-till-i.com
Writing: http://icant.co.uk/
Binaries: http://www.onlinetools.org/