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  • National Disability Authority
  1. Home
  2. Communications & Digital
  3. Web and Mobile Accessibility
  4. Web Accessibility Techniques
  5. Developer's Introduction and Index
  6. Design accessible navigation

Design accessible navigation

All users need to be able to locate the information they require with ease and confidence. On each page, users need to know where they are on the site and what their options are. Consistency and simplicity are the keys to accessible navigation. Clarity and unambiguity in links and menus is essential.

You must consider users who may be using a linear navigation device, such as a keyboard, or who are using touch-based gestures.

  • In this Section
  • References for this Section
  • Further Reading

Web Accessibility Techniques

  • Design accessible digital content - introduction and index
  • Content Provider's Introduction and Index
  • Developer's Introduction and Index

    • Provide an accessible page structure and layout
    • Design accessible navigation

      • Provide effective navigation based on recognised conventions
      • Provide additional navigational aids
      • Allow users to skip blocks of information easily
      • Use simple mobile gestures for interaction
    • Ensure images, video and audio are accessible to everyone
    • Keep tables and data representation simple
    • Provide accessible forms
    • Ensure Custom Widgets are accessible
    • Code according to best practices
    • Use ARIA appropriately
    • Always test your site with users who have access needs

In this section

  • Provide effective navigation based on recognised conventions
  • Provide additional navigational aids
  • Allow users to skip blocks of information easily
  • Use simple mobile gestures for interaction

References for this section

WCAG 2.1

  • 1.3.1 Info and Relationships (A)
  • 1.3.2 Meaningful Sequence (A)
  • 1.4.1 Use of Colour (A)
  • 1.4.4 Resize Text (AA)
  • 2.1.4 Character Key Shortcuts (A)
  • 2.4.1 Bypass Blocks (A)
  • 2.4.3 Focus Order (A)
  • 2.4.5 Multiple Ways (AA)
  • 2.4.6 Headings and Labels (AA)
  • 2.4.7 Focus Visible (AA)
  • 2.4.8 Location (AAA)
  • 2.5.4 Motion Actuation (A)
  • 2.5.5 Target Size (AAA)
  • 3.2.3 Consistent Navigation (AA)
  • 3.2.4 Consistent Identification (AA)

EN 301 549 v 2.1.2

  • 9.1.3.1 Info and Relationships
  • 9.1.3.2 Meaningful Sequence
  • 9.1.4.1 Use of Colour
  • 9.1.4.4 Resize Text
  • 9.2.1.4 Character Key Shortcuts
  • 9.2.4.1 Bypass Blocks
  • 9.2.4.3 Focus Order
  • 9.2.4.5 Multiple Ways
  • 9.2.4.6 Headings and Labels
  • 9.2.4.7 Focus Visible
  • 9.2.5.4 Motion Actuation
  • 9.3.2.3 Consistent Navigation
  • 9.3.2.4 Consistent Identification

Further reading

  • Why Consistency is Important to Accessible Design
  • General Touch Interaction Guidelines - 4ourth.com
  • Designing for Touch – 4ourth.com
  • About Universal Design
  • Definition and Overview of Universal Design (UD)
  • History of Universal Design
  • Benefits and Drivers
  • Policy and Legislation
  • Standards
  • Universal Design of Products and Services
  • Universal Design Approach
  • Awards
  • The 7 Principles
  • News & Events
  • Overview of Built Environment
  • eLearning Module - Buildings for Everyone: Central Bank of Ireland
  • Building for Everyone
  • Housing
  • Early Learning and Care Settings
  • Residential Long Term Care Settings for Older People
  • Walkability Auditing
  • Shared Space
  • Shared Educational Campuses
  • Universal Design Guidelines for Changing Places Toilets
  • Built Environment CPD
  • Overview of Communications & Digital
  • Web and Mobile Accessibility
  • ICT Research and Guidelines (Archived content)
  • Customer Communications Toolkit for Services to the Public - A Universal Design Approach
  • European Accessibility Act
  • Overview of Education
  • Primary Level Education
  • Secondary Level Education
  • Third Level Education
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