Re: Browser default focus indicators and SC 2.4.7

WCAG and UAAG need to be looked at together (see note 1), and I believe 
this is a classic case where the browser needs to provide the capability, 
to some extent at least like they currently do with zoom,  to adjust the 
style of the focus indicator.  I believe additional capability could also 
be the responsibility of the AT.  For example, ZoomText  currently does a 
great job of rendering the focus indicator to its users. 

There are not only browser considerations, but platform considerations, 
including mobile platforms like iOS and Android.  The accessibility 
community can't but the burden on the web develop to create some kind of 
one-size fits all, nor a set of 2 or 3 canned choices either.  WCAG tries 
to stop at enablement, and leave the rendering up to the browser and user 
settings, but knowing full well that they all have to work in concert to 
provide a real viable solution for everyone.

Note 1: Essential components of Web accessibility 
http://www.w3.org/WAI/intro/components.php 
____________________________________________
Regards,
Phill Jenkins, 
Senior Accessibility Engineer & Business Development Executive
IBM Research - Human Ability & Accessibility Center
http://www.ibm.com/able
http://www.facebook.com/IBMAccessibility
http://twitter.com/IBMAccess
http://www.linkedin.com/in/philljenkins



From:   Terrill Thompson <tft@uw.edu>
To:     w3c-wai-ig@w3.org, 
Date:   04/28/2014 09:50 AM
Subject:        Browser default focus indicators and SC 2.4.7



Is relying on the browser's default focus indicator sufficient to meet SC 
2.4.7 (focus visible)? 

Given that the default focus indicator in certain browsers is very 
difficult to see, 
it seems to me that if web developers do nothing, their page could be said 
to fail on visible focus. 

However, lately I've been hearing more recommendations that it's best to 
just leave the browser's default focus indicator alone, based on the 
premise that some browsers do this well, and changing the default display 
messes with users' expectations. 

Opinions? 

--- 
Terrill Thompson
Technology Accessibility Specialist
DO-IT, Accessible Technology Services
UW Information Technology
University of Washington
tft@uw.edu