Keyboard Accessibility Audit Guide

Keyboard Accessibility Audit

Keyboard accessibility is fundamental to web accessibility because it enables access for users who cannot use a mouse, including screen reader users, motor-impaired users, and power users who prefer keyboard navigation.

Relevant WCAG Criteria

Criterion	Level	Name
2.1.1	A	Keyboard
2.1.2	A	No Keyboard Trap
2.1.4	A	Character Key Shortcuts
2.4.1	A	Bypass Blocks
2.4.3	A	Focus Order
2.4.7	AA	Focus Visible
2.5.1	A	Pointer Gestures

Testing Methodology

Unplug your mouse (or disable your trackpad) and test the entire page:

1. Tab through all elements — Press Tab repeatedly to visit every interactive element. Verify focus moves in a logical order matching the visual layout.

2. Activate every control — Use Enter for links and buttons, Space for checkboxes and buttons, arrow keys for radio groups and selects.

3. Check for keyboard traps — Ensure you can always Tab away from any element. Modal dialogs should trap focus within the dialog but release it when dismissed.

4. Verify skip links — Press Tab on page load. A "Skip to main content" link should appear and function correctly.

5. Test focus visibility — Every focused element must have a visible indicator (outline, ring, background change).

6. Test custom widgets — Dropdowns, date pickers, carousels, accordions, and modals must all be fully keyboard-operable.

Common Failures

• Custom dropdowns that only open on mouse click
• Modals that do not trap focus or cannot be closed with Escape
• Carousels with no keyboard controls for slides
• Drag-and-drop interfaces without keyboard alternatives
• Hidden focus caused by outline: none without a replacement indicator
• Off-screen elements that receive focus and confuse tab order