Use of skip links

Hi WCAG 2.0 Working Group,

Comment regarding WCAG 2.0, Success Criterion 2.4.3 and the use of skip
links.

The "Understanding WCAG 2.0 (Working Draft 23 November 2005)" document,
provides a number of techniques for Addressing Success Criterion 2.4.3,
including:

Start quote:
"Using a technology-specific technique to create links to skip blocks, and
using one of the following techniques to skip blocks of repeated material
Note: (Note: It is preferred that these links be visible.)
	o	Adding a link at the top of each page that goes directly to the main
content area."
End quote.

I strongly support the inclusion of skip links in WCAG 2.0, but I believe
the advice that these links be visible, should be a recommendation rather
than an suggestion.

Skip links allow the user to bypass sections of the page. However, skip
links that are not visible offer no benefit to sighted users of the web who
rely on switching devices.

A user who is dependent on a switching device, such as a pressure switch in
a headrest or a ‘suck –puff’ straw, often has to physically activate the
device many times as they tab though many navigation links on their way to
the page content. The inclusion of a visible “skip to content” link at the
top of the page would allow them to jump directly to the content.

Received on Tuesday, 20 December 2005 06:29:59 UTC