Propose removing HTML technique for Skipping link groups under 2.4.3

I recently reviewed the Skipping Link Groups [1] HTML technique for SC 
2.4.3.  I propose that we remove this as a sufficient technique for 2.4.3 
as it does not work properly.  This technique uses the <map> element to 
group a set of links.  The group of links contains as the first link in 
the group a  link for "skip navigation".  The real problem with the 
technique, however, is that it sets a tabindex=1 on the in page link to 
the main content.  When the user loads the page and presses tab,  he is 
taken to the main content link and the navigation links at the top of the 
page are skipped.  But, when the user presses tab again, he is taken to 
the navigation links - basically moving backwards on the page!  Since the 
first link is a link to skip the navigation, pressing enter on that link 
brings the user to the main content (which is where they were on the first 
tab)!  Sorry, this is a bit difficult to describe. I have attached a 
working example that uses CSS to change the background color of the links 
when they receive focus to make it more obvious where focus is being set 
(although IE doesn't change the background when the link does not contain 
an href so the main content location doesn't get a yellow background). 
Thus, I don't believe that this technique accomplishes skipping link 
groups correctly and should be removed. 

-becky

[1] http://trace.wisc.edu/wcag_wiki/index.php?title=Skipping_link_groups


Becky Gibson
Web Accessibility Architect
                                                       
IBM Emerging Internet Technologies
5 Technology Park Drive
Westford, MA 01886
Voice: 978 399-6101; t/l 333-6101
Email: gibsonb@us.ibm.com