Implementation advice
Access keys
Access keys enable a user to bring focus to page elements using the keyboard. This may assist those with motor skill difficulties and prove a convenience to all.
To enhance the usefulness of access keys the following standard has been adopted for implementation on all Queensland Government web sites:
- 1: Queensland Government Gateway;
- 2: agency home page;
- 3: site map;
- 4: contact us;
- 5: search field (focus on the input field);
- 6: not in use;
- 7: not in use;
- 8: not in use;
- 9: not in use;
- 0: access key help.
Implementation is simply a matter of adding the accesskey attribute to the appropriate element. Of course this has already been added to the template code.
0 is attributed to the Access keys link in the template footer. If followed this link should provide the user with an explanation of the access keys implemented on the site, together with instructions for use. On the PC / Windows platform 'alt + the access key number' brings focus to the element. If a link, 'enter' will take the user to the linked destination. On a Macintosh 'control + the access key number' highlights the link, with 'return' taking the user to the destination page.