Access keys
- Government recommended access keys will be used for the main Hantsweb navigation
- All pages will include the standard access keys implemented through the corporate header
- Any access keys implemented in collections must not impact on the corporate access keys
The government recommended access keys must be included in every page to assist with navigation. These will be implemented through the corporate header and footer Server Side Includes (SSIs).
When a visitor comes to the site they bring their collective experience gained from all other sites. It is therefore important that UK Government websites adopt a constant access keys standard. Variations from this will make it more difficult for users as they have to learn new navigational skills each time.
Access keys also provide an alternative to users who cannot use a mouse or make make navigation easier for people who find it difficult to read.
Influences on this standard
UK Government guidelines
Central Office of Information Guidelines, Access Keys
"These provide a keyboard shortcut for users wishing to go directly to specific parts of the site and help those who do not use a pointing device, such as a mouse"
W3C Web Accessibility Initiative
W3C checkpoint 9
"(9.5) Provide keyboard shortcuts to important links... For example, in HTML, specify shortcuts via the "accesskey" attribute.