Skip to Main Content does not Work or Is Not Used

Short Description

Their either is no "skip to main content" link, or it does not work

Long Description

Sometimes there is a "skip to main content" link on a page, but the cursor does not actually move when a user clicks on it with a keyboard.

There is also some question as to whether or not the link should be hidden, visible only to a screen reader or if the mouse hovers over it. Since low vision and other keyboard-only users also use a skip to main content link, it is important to take that into consideration when designing the link.

Example of Issue

Example of useful and less useful "skip to main" links

Recommendations

Test to make sure the link works.
Make the link visible to everyone
Make the link one of the first items to appear in the html.

Related Issues

WCAG Reference

Guideline 2.4: Navigable

Principle 2: Operable

Success Criterion 2.4.1: Bypass Blocks

Accessibility/Usability

Accessibility

Usability

Impacted Assistive Technology

Screen Reader

Screen Magnifier

Impacted Type of Device

Computer

Issue Keywords