Let’s continue our exploration of accessibility into the second crucial principle: operability. You know how we talked about making websites perceivable in the first part? Well operability takes that a step further and ensures that users can actually interact with the content. It’s about making your site usable for everyone regardless of their abilities.
A Deeper Dive into Operability
Think about the typical way people navigate a website: they use their eyes to read and a mouse or trackpad to scroll.
But what if someone can’t use a mouse or trackpad? Imagine someone with arthritis struggling to use a touch screen or a trackpad.
They might need to rely on a keyboard and that’s where operability really shines.
Keyboard Navigation: The Unsung Hero
Keyboard navigation is a cornerstone of accessibility but sadly many sites ignore it.
It’s like building a beautiful house but forgetting the doors! The basic principle is that users should be able to scroll up and down using arrow keys just like they would with a mouse.
They should also be able to tab through links using the tab key.
This is how most browsers work by default but things can get tricky if you accidentally block this functionality.
The Power of :focus
One of the key elements of keyboard navigation is the :focus CSS pseudo-class. It’s similar to :hover but instead of being triggered when you hover your mouse over an element it’s activated when an element has the browser’s focus. Usually browsers have a default style for focus often a border or an outline.
The issue is these defaults might clash with your website’s design and cause contrast problems.
That’s why it’s important to customize the focus styles to ensure they blend in seamlessly while still providing clear visual cues.
Think of it as a subtle way to highlight the currently selected element.
Focus vs. Hover: A Subtle Distinction
It’s tempting to just mirror hover styles for focus but it’s better to treat them differently.
Why? Because while focus is actively applied by the keyboard or mouse hover is passive.
Imagine a situation where someone hovers over an element while the keyboard focus is on another element.
That creates confusion especially when navigating with the keyboard.
Skip Links: A Shortcut to Accessibility
Let’s talk about skip links (or jump links). They’re hidden links that appear when you focus on them. They’re typically located at the top of the page before any of the site’s layout. These links let users jump past repetitive content like navigation menus and go straight to the main content.
Skip links are an A-level standard meaning they’re legally required but many sites still miss them.
Depending on your theme adding skip links could be as simple as installing a plugin.
If your theme doesn’t have built-in support you might need to add them manually or consult with an accessibility expert.
Going Beyond the Basics: AAA Level Operability
We’ve covered the basics of operability but there are also AAA level standards.
These standards are complex and not legally required but they’re incredibly important for users with certain conditions such as seizures.
Imagine a user who experiences photosensitivity or struggles with complex visual interfaces.
AAA level standards would ensure that they have a positive and comfortable browsing experience even if it means adjusting animation speed contrast or visual complexity.
Operability: A Foundation for Inclusive Websites
Remember operability isn’t just an add-on it’s a crucial foundation for inclusive websites.
It’s about making sure everyone regardless of their abilities can interact with your site without frustration or difficulty.
Think of it as a bridge between a perceivable website and a truly accessible one.
It opens the door for users who might otherwise find your website challenging or even inaccessible.
As you continue to build and design your websites keep operability front and center.
It’s not just about ticking off a box; it’s about creating a better and more inclusive experience for everyone who visits your site.