Resource guide
2.1.3 Keyboard (No Exception)
All functionality must be available via keyboard, with no exceptions at all.
By Calling All Minds·Last updated April 2026
Success criterion
Conformance level
Enhanced accessibility — beyond the legal minimum.
What it means
The Level A version of this requirement (2.1.1) contains an exception for functionality where the movement path is essential. This Level AAA criterion removes that exception entirely: every feature must have a keyboard equivalent, no matter what.
In practice, this is a very high bar that few sites achieve completely. It is most relevant for highly interactive applications.
In practice
For freehand drawing tools, provide a grid or point-to-point drawing mode that can be operated with the keyboard.
For signature capture, provide a typed alternative or allow a saved image to be used.
Common failures
- Freehand drawing tool with no keyboard alternative for creating or editing shapes
AXS Audit
AXS Audit checks your site against 2.1.3 and flags issues your team can act on straight away. It covers criteria that automated scanners often miss.