Simple Accessibility Check: The Tab Test

Start Small: A Simple Accessibility Check You Can Do Right Now

Getting started with accessibility can feel intimidating. There's a lot to learn, and it's easy to get lost in unfamiliar terms or feel overwhelmed by the scope of it all.

But the truth is, you don't need to know everything to begin.

The Tab Test

One of the easiest ways to start improving accessibility is by using your keyboard. I call it the Tab Test. It's the very first thing I do when reviewing a site for accessibility issues.

Here's how it works:

• Open a website. It can be your own, a client's, or even a favorite news site.
• Set your mouse aside and start tapping the Tab key.
• Watch what happens as you move through the page.

If you can see a clear outline moving from one link or button to the next in a logical order, that's a good sign.
It means the site supports basic keyboard navigation.

If the focus disappears, skips around, or lands in odd places, that's a clue.
It suggests there might be barriers for people who don't use a mouse.

Why This Matters

A wide range of users navigate with a keyboard instead of a mouse, whether due to motor disabilities, screen reader use, or personal preference.

According to the World Health Organization (2022), over 1 in 6 people globally live with a disability. Many depend on keyboard-friendly sites to access content, make purchases, and complete tasks online.

A Quick, Practical Starting Point

The Tab Test is simple, fast, and gives you immediate insight into how usable your site is for more people. If it doesn't perform well, that's not a failure. It's an invitation to keep learning and improving.

Next Step

Want to see how your site performs in a professional check? Try the Free Quick Look Accessibility Audit to get a short report on two of your pages within two business days.