Learn the 5 essential keyboard commands — Tab, Shift+Tab, Enter, Spacebar, and Arrow Keys — that developers and designers need to manually test website accessibility for screen reader users.

SitePoint is a  web development resource that offers tutorials, articles, and courses covering a wide range of topics, from frontend technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to backend frameworks and tools like Node.js, PHP, and Ruby on Rails. With a focus on practical, hands-on learning, SitePoint provides step-by-step guides, code samples, and real-world examples to help developers master essential skills and techniques. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn the basics of web development or an experienced developer seeking to expand your knowledge, SitePoint offers resources to support your learning journey.

SitePoint

Manual accessibility testing using only a keyboard is essential for ensuring screen reader users can navigate websites effectively. Five fundamental keyboard commands cover the basics: Tab moves forward through interactive elements, Shift+Tab moves backward, Enter activates elements like links and form submissions, Spacebar toggles state on checkboxes and radio buttons, and Arrow Keys allow line-by-line reading of page content. Developers should verify focus indicators are visible, tab order is logical, and all interactive elements respond correctly to these inputs.

A Beginner’s Guide to Manual Accessibility Testing with Keyboard Navigation