IAAP Web Accessibility Specialist (WAS) Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive Study Guide

In a screen reader environment, the action that activates a link is pressing the Enter key. This practice is grounded in the way keyboard navigation is designed to work across various platforms and applications, which allows users who rely on keyboard inputs to interact seamlessly with web elements.

When navigating through a webpage using a screen reader, users typically use the keyboard to explore and select items, including links. When a link is focused—meaning it is currently highlighted or selected—the Enter key will activate that link, taking the user to the associated destination. This mechanism is critical in ensuring that users with visual impairments can access and navigate the web effectively.

Other methods such as tapping or swiping might be relevant in touchscreen environments, but the standard for activating links in desktop and many assistive technology environments is the Enter key.