[wp-trac] Re: [WordPress Trac] #6352: Tabindex bugs in trunk

[WordPress Trac]

#6352: Tabindex bugs in trunk
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 Reporter:  westi           |       Owner:  westi      
     Type:  defect (bug)    |      Status:  new        
 Priority:  high            |   Milestone:  2.9        
Component:  Administration  |     Version:  2.5        
 Severity:  major           |    Keywords:  needs-patch
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Comment(by Elpie):

 The TABINDEX attributes in the core should be removed. If the code has a
 logical order, users who tab through the links and form fields will be
 able to follow through the order without the need for tabindex. Links and
 form fields receive focus in the code order without any problems.
 BUT, if only a few tabindex attributes are applied (which is the case
 now), then those receive focus in the order specified by the tabindex.
 Anything without a tabindex attribute is unable to be accessed until all
 tabindexes have been hit.
 WordPress (as of 2.8 beta) does not have tabindex attributes on all links
 and form fields & this decreases accessibility.
 Currently, anyone who develops an admin theme has a heck of a job working
 around the limitations of the core tabindexes. Trying to get a good
 document flow is impossible unless those developers hack the core. As the
 admin becomes easier to theme there will be more people hitting up against
 this issue. Core hacks are also the easiest way for most users to get rid
 of the tabindexes that are output in themes.

 This is a case of "too much accessibility" resulting in less usability for
 people who rely on navigation with the tab key.
 More information is here: http://www.rnib.org.uk/wacblog/articles/too-
 much-accessibility/too-much-accessibility-tabindex/

 So, my suggestion is - remove all tabindex attributes and rely on ensuring
 the code outputs a logical flow. It will make WordPress more accessible.

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Ticket URL: <http://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/6352#comment:5>
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