9A Bypass Function: What does the guideline require for content blocks that repeat across pages?

• A. There should be a keyboard accessible method to blocks of content that are repeated on multiple pages.
• B. Bypass should be possible only with a mouse.
• C. Bypass functions are optional.
• D. Bypass is not allowed for repeated content.

Answer: (A)

Repeated blocks like headers, navigation, or sidebars appear on many pages, so a bypass function helps users reach the main content without having to go through the same blocks each time. The essential requirement is a keyboard-accessible method to activate this bypass. That usually means a skip mechanism—often a link or control placed at the top of the page that can be focused with the Tab key and activated with Enter or Space—and it should be visible when focused. It must work with a keyboard and be consistently available across pages, ensuring people who rely on keyboards or assistive technologies can bypass the repetitive content efficiently. The other options conflict with accessibility goals: bypass should not require a mouse, it isn’t optional, and bypassing repeated content is allowed and encouraged.