Keep keyboard-selected controls visible beneath fixed banners

What to change

Ask the supplier to show where keyboard navigation is currently positioned and ensure banners never hide the link or button the person is about to use.

A worked example

Illustrative example

A visitor tabs to the contact link near the page bottom while a preference banner is open. The link remains visible and its focus is identifiable.

Healthcare website design showing connected desktop and mobile service and enquiry layouts. — Make the service and next step clear on every screen.

Healthcare website accessibility illustrated by a focus outline, keyboard key, contrast samples and form. — Review keyboard access, contrast and understandable form fields.

Why this matters to your practice

A floating booking bar can be helpful until it hides the item someone is trying to use. Keyboard focus is the visible marker showing which link or button will respond next. Ask your supplier to follow that marker through a page while cookie notices and fixed headers are present. Pay particular attention to enlarged text, where less of the page fits on screen. An important promotional action should never make the ordinary enquiry journey difficult to follow.

How to check the result

Accept when all actionable destinations can be located visually throughout the keyboard journey, including beneath headers, banners and fixed footers.

A mistake to avoid

Testing only after dismissing banners misses the exact state that many first-time visitors encounter.

Turn reading into a next step

Your action checklist

Work through these checks with your team or supplier. Tick the ones you have resolved and leave unknowns open.

Checks to discussLeave the banner open and tab through the entire visible page, including controls near the bottom. Record any destination completely hidden behind it.Repeat at enlarged zoom and on a small laptop window. Ask the supplier to demonstrate how the page makes space or scrolls appropriately.Dismiss the banner and repeat a few affected controls. Confirm the fix works in both states without leaving a large blank area that disrupts navigation.

Your answers and notes

Record what you know, what is still missing and the answer you need from your team or supplier.

What happens next, and who will do it?

Use project decisions only, without personal, patient or confidential details. Entries stay in this page and are not submitted to Kay & Co. Copy or download before leaving; this page does not save your notes.

Related guides

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