#NoMouse Challenge 2021

A keyboard and browser window happily hold hands with an a11y symbol and hearts above them

What is the #NoMouse Challenge?

The #NoMouse Challenge encourages everyone to explore and test the keyboard accessibility of websites they frequent by navigating without using a mouse or trackpad. It is a global effort that aims to raise awareness of web accessibility and promote better web design.

What is Digital Accessibility?

Digital accessibility is ongoing work that strives to give all users, including those with disabilities, great access and experiences when using digital tools. Websites that support successful and equitable navigation using a keyboard have an important component of good web accessibility in place. Do you know if your favorite web platforms and sites have been developed inclusively with keyboard accessibility in mind? Do you have your own site and want to check out how keyboard navigation works on it?

Join the Challenge!

Please note, the 2021 Challenge is closed but check back soon for more events.

Challenge participants chose their favorite or most frequented websites, or their own site, and navigated them using only the keyboard. No mouse, no trackpad. Participants shared their experiences using the #NoMouse Challenge 2021 form.

Key takeaways from the #NoMouse Challenge in 2021

  • Many participants discovered for the first time the complexity and challenges in navigating websites by keyboard alone, especially when content is not accessibly designed and delivered.
  • Most reported testing some websites that did not support clear and accessible keyboard navigation.
  • Some participants were pleased to share that some of their favorite sites were accessible – including a beloved chocolate maker, a recipe site, and some social media sites.
  • Participants learned keyboard shortcuts and tricks they will continue to use.
  • Almost everyone said they had a new appreciation for the impact of website accessibility!

Participants in the #NoMouse2021 Challenge can display the associated digital badge below:

A circular badge with a decorative gold border with #NoMouse2021 on a ribbon and the A11Y Technology Accessibility logo underneath

#NoMouse Challenge 2021 Made Possible By:

Student Technology Advisory Committee

Paul Braymen, Max DeMarco, Michael Gennari, Shosi Hansen, Victoria Oduwa, Madi Shaver, Frank Whitworth

Accessible Content Working Group

Amy Archambault, Damian Blankenship, Gregory Brunick, Bridgett Clancy, Brianna Derr, Davita DesRoches, Kevin Gilbertson, Suzanne Hawks, Carrie Johnston, Jonathan Milam, Amy Mohan, Matt Nelkin, Jeff Nichols, Isabella Ryan, Don Shegog, Michael Shuman, Eudora Struble, Robert Vidrine, Lloyd Whitehead

Special thanks to Emily Gregg, IS Digital Media Specialist, for her graphic design expertise.

Helpful hints

If this is your first time navigating with only a keyboard, here are some tips to consider

What to expect when navigating with a keyboard

  • Using a keyboard should allow you to navigate to interactive elements, like links, text entry or form fields, or buttons.
  • When using the tab key to access an interactive element, you should be able to activate it or enter text, as applicable.
  • When you have navigated to an element with your keyboard, there should be a visual indicator, like a highlight or color change, to show what is currently in focus.

Keyboard shortcuts

  • “CTRL + End/⌘ + down arrow” will take you to the bottom of the page
  • “CTRL/⌘ + L” will put you directly into the web address bar
  • “Enter” will activate buttons and links, if applicable
  • “Escape” will exit your current selection/screen, if applicable
  • “Spacebar” will select and unselect multiple choice and checkbox options
  • “Tab” will move you forward to the next link/button/section
  • Mac Keyboard Shortcuts
  • Windows Keyboard Shortcuts

Note: the function of these may vary depending on user settings and web design!

Shortcuts for Digital Meeting spaces

Did you know that you can do a lot with keyboard shortcuts in Zoom, Google Meet, and Webex? Try them out in your next virtual class or meeting!

#NoMouse and resources are adapted from NoMouse.org, a project of The DO-IT Center at the University of Washington, and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Questions? Email tap@wfu.edu

Get involved!