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Keyboard Operability Techniques

Contact the Accessible Media Coordinator

Robert Starr
Accessible Media Coordinator

Assistive Technology Initiative
MS: 6A11
Voice: 703-993-5644
Fax: 703-993-4743
rstarr@gmu.edu

Contact the IT Accessibility Coordinator

Kristine Neuber
IT Accessibility Coordinator

Assistive Technology Initiative
MS: 6A11
Voice: 703-993-9815
Fax: 703-993-4743
kneuber@gmu.edu

Have Assistive Technology Questions? Contact Us!

Jackie Servello
Assistive Technology Specialist

Assistive Technology Initiative
MS: 6A11
Voice: 703-993-4329
Fax: 703-993-4743
jservell@gmu.edu

Have questions? Contact the ATI:

Assistive Technology Initiative
MS: 6A11
Voice: 703-993-4329
Fax: 703-993-4743
ati@gmu.edu

Start by moving the cursor to the top of the page. This can be done by: 

  • Start by pressing Ctrl + Home, or 
  • Click the mouse so that the focus is at the top of the page.

Now, use one of the techniques listed below to test keyboard operability:

Option 1:

  • Use the mouse to hover over any menus to see if they change color/drop down, etc.

Option 2 (Using the keyboard alone):

  • If any buttons/links change color or drop down when you hover with the mouse, do the same effects take place when using just the Tab key?
  • If the Tab focus can be moved to an element, can it also be moved away from that element? (i.e., keyboard traps) 

 Option 3 (With a screen reader): 

  •  Do NVDA and/or VoiceOver read all links correctly when pressing the Tab key?