Operable · Input Modalities

2.5.6 Concurrent Input Mechanisms

AAA only: content does not restrict input to a single method (touch-only, mouse-only), so visitors can switch between pointer, keyboard and voice as needed.

Level AAA Added in WCAG 2.1 Needs manual review

What WCAG 2.5.6 Requires

AAA only: content does not restrict input to a single method (touch-only, mouse-only), so visitors can switch between pointer, keyboard and voice as needed.

Can AccessBell Test This Automatically?

Not fully. Like most WCAG criteria that depend on meaning or context, this one needs a person to judge. AccessBell's report lists it for manual review rather than marking it pass or fail automatically, so it never gets missed.

How to Test It by Hand

Try switching input methods mid-task and confirm the site continues to work.

Common Failures

  • A component only listens for touch events and ignores mouse or keyboard input entirely.

WCAG 2.5.6 Questions

What does WCAG 2.5.6 require?

AAA only: content does not restrict input to a single method (touch-only, mouse-only), so visitors can switch between pointer, keyboard and voice as needed.

Can AccessBell test WCAG 2.5.6 automatically?

Not fully. This criterion needs a person to judge, so AccessBell's report lists it for manual review rather than marking it pass or fail on its own.

What level is WCAG 2.5.6?

Level AAA, added in WCAG 2.1. Level AAA is the highest, most demanding conformance level in WCAG.

Sources

This page explains a technical standard and is not legal advice. See our disclaimer.

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