[Accessibility_sig] question: are there any "safe" access keys?

[Erik Fruin]

If you look at that list on the WATS site, you'll see that nearly every
letter, number and symbol are used by one or more app/AT for some function.
The few that are unused are also not very logical to use, like "ALT + :".
And, as mentioned in an earlier email, multi-key combinations (CTRL + ALT +
KEY) can be difficult for those with limited mobility.  For this reason, I
(and many others) strongly recommend against using any access keys,
especially if the site is public.  You never know who will be coming to it.


Mike Moore and I discussed this topic once, and he said that using access
keys in a restricted access site (like an intranet) or on a web-based
application (like online banking) could be acceptable if users are made
aware of the access keys and might not mind letting them override the
behavior of their AT for that specific site.  I agree with him in principle,
but the actual application of this needs to be thoroughly thought out before
implemented.  I think Mike would agree with that statement. : )

That's my $0.02.

Erik

----------------------------------------
Erik Fruin
President
ELF Computer Consultants
 
22136 Westheimer Pkwy
Suite 212
Katy, TX 77450
 
281-804-5960
 
efruin at elfcc.com
 
www.elfcc.com
----------------------------------------


-----Original Message-----
From: accessibility_sig-bounces at knowbility.org
[mailto:accessibility_sig-bounces at knowbility.org] On Behalf Of Jon Gibbins
(dotjay)
Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2007 11:38 AM
To: Discussion list for web and software accessibility issues
Subject: Re: [Accessibility_sig] question: are there any "safe" access keys?

Jon Gibbins (dotjay) wrote:
> In general, it's best to look at using numerical access keys on 
> websites. More information here:
> http://www.boxofchocolates.ca/archives/2003/12/06/accesskey-conflicts

Another good resource on accesskey conflicts is here:
http://www.wats.ca/show.php?contentid=43

Jon

-- 
november5th.net
dotjay.co.uk

_______________________________________________
Accessibility_sig mailing list
Accessibility_sig at knowbility.org
http://knowbility.org/mailman/listinfo/accessibility_sig_knowbility.org