In the context of digital accessibility, what does "keyboard accessibility" mean?

Keyboard accessibility refers to the ability for users to navigate and interact with digital content and applications using a keyboard alone, without relying on a mouse or other pointing devices. This aspect of digital accessibility is crucial because some users may have physical disabilities that prevent them from using a mouse, making a keyboard their primary means of navigation.

Ensuring that all functionality can be accessed using a keyboard means that every element of a website or application—such as buttons, forms, links, and menus—can be reached and activated through keyboard commands. This is significant as it allows users with varying abilities to engage with digital products fully.

The focus on keyboard accessibility encompasses various guidelines and standards, such as those laid out in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These guidelines emphasize that users should be able to use the Tab key to move through interactive elements and use other keys to activate those elements, fulfilling the needs of a diverse user base.

Other options do not capture the essence of keyboard accessibility effectively. For instance, simply ensuring keyboards are available does not address the functionality aspect that individuals with disabilities need. Limiting access to keyboard users only would undermine the concept of accessibility by restricting use instead of enhancing it. Creating keyboard shortcuts, while beneficial for efficiency, is just one aspect of