Widget roles require keyboard support

Rule ID Keyboard 1
Definition Elements with ARIA widget roles must have event handlers that support the keyboard interactions required by those roles.
Purpose
  • Keyboard support is required by people who cannot use the mouse and/or gestures to select the options and perform the actions made available to them by interactive elements.
  • Native HTML4 and HTML5 link and form control elements have default keyboard interactions that are built-in and standardized among browsers.
  • When authors create custom interactive elements they need to support the keyboard interaction patterns that users have come to expect.
  • The ARIA Authoring Practices Guide identifies the keyboard interaction patterns that users expect and can rely upon, based on each ARIA widget role.
Mappings
  • HTML4 Legacy Techniques (Required)
  • HTML5 and ARIA Techniques (Required)
WCAG Success Criteria

2.1.1 Keyboard (Level A, Primary Success Criterion)

Rule Category Keyboard Support
Scope Element
Target Resources Elements with ARIA widget roles
Techniques
  • Use the ARIA Authoring Practices guide to identify the keyboard interaction support needed for each ARIA Widget role being used.
  • Add custom keydown, keypress and/or keyup event handlers to support the keyboard interactions required by the ARIA widget role.
  • Verify that keyboard interactions are consistent among browsers and devices (e.g., desktop computers and mobile devices using Bluetooth keyboards).
Informational Links