Rule of Access
Essential interactions do not require a pointer.
Requirement
Essential information and actions must be available through the supported input methods, including keyboard operation where applicable. Preserve predictable focus, a visible focus indication, and a usable route into and out of interactive disclosures. Do not make essential information hover-only.
Why
WCAG 2.1.1 addresses keyboard operation, including its path-dependent-input exception. WCAG 1.4.13 sets applicable dismissibility, hoverability, and persistence requirements; WCAG 2.4.11 addresses focused controls being entirely obscured by authored content.
Application
Provide deliberate keyboard chart inspection or an equivalent accessible data view. Use native buttons for disclosures. Make opening, activation, dismissal, and the next focus destination work without a mouse.
Exception
A genuinely path-dependent interaction may fall within the standard's exception; do not use that to exclude unrelated controls or essential data. A touch interface may expose information differently while preserving access to the task.
Review
Perform a real keyboard sequence; programmatically focusing a control does not demonstrate that Tab can reach it. Static axe results do not establish complete keyboard, touch, screen-reader, or focus-visibility behavior.
Examples
The pair isolates this rule. A good example is not approval of the entire interface.
DR-009 · Illustrative comparison—not an engine verdict.
Good for this task
Bad for this task
Review notes and sources
What this example establishes
Other valid choices
Exception
Sources and scope
Shipments
12
Data as of 09:00
Refresh failed at 09:05
Selected shipment: EP 1042
EP 1042 · Oakland → Seattle
EP 1043 · Oakland → Denver
Rate proposal
12 selected lanes · USD rates · effective September 15, 2026.
No changes published.
Dispatch review
Today · All carriers and origins · 09:00 PT snapshot
3 shipments need a response
Address problems are blocking delivery. Review these exceptions before the next dispatch.
1,200 shipments today
Daily total, including the 3 exceptions.
Keyboard walkthrough: select Reset, then use Tab, Enter, and Escape.
Facility dwell
Observed dwell: 18 hours
Service target: 12 hours
Over
target: 6 hours
Choose a distinct service
Regional International Priority Distribution — North
Regional International Priority Distribution — South
Same prefix, different destinations. The suffix matters to this selection.
Parcels by carrier
Color represents carrier identity, not rank.
- Carrier A240 parcels
- Carrier B180 parcels
- Carrier C90 parcels
Examples could not load. Reload to try again.
Enforcement
behavioral is the strongest mechanism Viewrule expects for the complete rule. Partial checks can still provide supporting evidence without proving the whole requirement.