What this criterion requires
Single-pointer actions must not complete on the down-event alone: users must be able to abort by moving away before release, or the action must be undoable.
Who it helps
People with tremor or limited precision who press the wrong spot.
Example: fails vs passes
btn.addEventListener('mousedown', deleteItem);
btn.addEventListener('click', deleteItem); /* fires on release; sliding off aborts */
Down-event activation gives no chance to abort a mistaken press.
How to meet and fix it
- Trigger on click/pointerup (the browser default), never on mousedown/touchstart
Common failures auditors find
- Buttons wired to down-events that fire before the user can correct
Automated scanning catches a share of these instantly - run a free check - and a manual audit covers the judgement calls a tool cannot make.
Sources
- W3C, Understanding 2.5.2: Pointer Cancellation - w3.org/WAI
- W3C, How to Meet 2.5.2 (quick reference) - w3.org/WAI/quickref
Last updated . Reviewed by the EqualWeb accessibility team.
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