Background

§1194.21(c) of Section 508 states that:

"A well-defined on-screen indication of the current focus shall be provided that moves among interactive interface elements as the input focus changes. The focus shall be programmatically exposed so that assistive technology can track the focus and focus changes."

Software should provide a visual indication on the screen identifying where an action will occur if a mouse select or keystroke takes place (i.e., referred to as the focus). Having a clear understanding of the focused object is essential for people who are visually disabled in order to retain context about what is being input or displayed onscreen. The focused object must be discernable by assistive technology programs. Applications must identify where the focus is and allow for assistive technology to track the focus and focus changes. For example, when viewing a file browser on the screen, the focus cursor shows which file will be activated when the Enter key is pressed. Assistive technologies can translate this information into voice output for people with visual disabilities, or allow voice input systems to insert text at the correct focus location.

Select the Next button to find out how to assess whether your application conforms to this provision.