Operable

Second of the four POUR principles is to ensure that web content interface forms, controls, and navigation are operable.
In this Section

Operable principals include:

Guideline 2.1

Keyboard Accessible: Make all functionality available from a keyboard

Guideline Number

Level

Recommendations

2.1.1 Keyboard

A

All page functionality is available using the keyboard, unless the functionality cannot be accomplished in any known way using a keyboard (e.g., free hand drawing).

 

Page-specified shortcut keys and accesskeys (accesskey should typically be avoided) do not conflict with existing browser and screen reader shortcuts.

2.1.2 No Keyboard Trap

A

Keyboard focus is never locked or trapped at one particular page element. The user can navigate to and from all navigable page elements using only a keyboard.

2.1.3 Keyboard (No Exception)

AAA

All page functionality is available using the keyboard.

Guideline 2.2

Enough Time: Provide users enough time to read and use content

Guideline Number

Level

Recommendations

2.2.1 Timing Adjustable

A

If a page or application has a time limit, the user is given options to turn off, adjust, or extend that time limit. This is not a requirement for real-time events (e.g., an auction), where the time limit is absolutely required, or if the time limit is longer than 20 hours.

2.2.2 Pause, Stop, Hide

A

Automatically moving, blinking, or scrolling content that lasts longer than 5 seconds can be paused, stopped, or hidden by the user. Moving, blinking, or scrolling can be used to draw attention to or highlight content as long as it lasts less than 5 seconds.

 

Automatically updating content (e.g., automatically redirecting or refreshing a page, a news ticker, AJAX updated field, a notification alert, etc.) can be paused, stopped, or hidden by the user or the user can manually control the timing of the updates.

2.2.3 No Timing

AAA

The content and functionality has no time limits or constraints.

2.2.4 Interruptions

AAA

Interruptions (alerts, page updates, etc.) can be postponed or suppressed by the user.

2.2.5 Re-authenticating

AAA

If an authentication session expires, the user can re-authenticate and continue the activity without losing any data from the current page.

Guideline 2.3

Seizures: Do not design content in a way that is known to cause seizures

Guideline Number

Level

Recommendations

2.3.1 Three Flashes or Below Threshold

A

No page content flashes more than 3 times per second unless that flashing content is sufficiently small and the flashes are of low contrast and do not contain too much red. (See general flash and red flash thresholds)

2.3.2 Three Flashes

AAA

No page content flashes more than 3 times per second.

Guideline 2.4

Navigable: Provide ways to help users navigate, find content, and determine where they are

Guideline Number

Level

Recommendations

2.4.1 Bypass Blocks

A

A link is provided to skip navigation and other page elements that are repeated across web pages.

 

If a page has a proper heading structure, this may be considered a sufficient technique instead of a "Skip to main content" link. Note that navigating by headings is not yet supported in all browsers.

 

If a page uses frames and the frames are appropriately titled, this is a sufficient technique for bypassing individual frames.

2.4.2 Page Titled

A

The web page has a descriptive and informative page title.

2.4.3 Focus Order

A

The navigation order of links, form elements, etc. is logical and intuitive.

2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context)

A

The purpose of each link (or form image button or image map hotspot) can be determined from the link text alone, or from the link text and its context (e.g., surrounding paragraph, list item, table cell, or table headers).

 

Links (or form image buttons) with the same text that go to different locations are readily distinguishable.

2.4.5 Multiple Ways

AA

Multiple ways are available to find other web pages on the site - at least two of: a list of related pages, table of contents, site map, site search, or list of all available web pages.

2.4.6 Headings and Labels

AA

Page headings and labels for form and interactive controls are informative. Avoid duplicating heading (e.g., "More Details") or label text (e.g., "First Name") unless the structure provides adequate differentiation between them.

2.4.7 Focus Visible

AA

It is visually apparent which page element has the current keyboard focus (i.e., as you tab through the page, you can see where you are).

2.4.8 Location

AAA

If a web page is part of a sequence of pages or within a complex site structure, an indication of the current page location is provided, for example, through breadcrumbs or specifying the current step in a sequence (e.g., "Step 2 of 5 - Shipping Address").

2.4.9 Link Purpose (Link Only)

AAA

The purpose of each link (or form image button or image map hotspot) can be determined from the link text alone.

 

There are no links (or form image buttons) with the same text that go to different locations.

2.4.10 Section Headings

AAA

Beyond providing an overall document structure, individual sections of content are designated using headings, where appropriate.