Remove focusable elements from aria-hidden containers

When a keyboard user tabs into an aria-hidden element, the screen reader remains silent, leaving the user with no idea where their focus is or what they can interact with.

Quick Reference

• Elements with aria-hidden="true" must not contain focusable children
• Focusing on a hidden element creates a 'ghost' focus for screen reader users
• Use tabindex="-1" or inert to properly hide interactive elements

Check

Scan aria-hidden="true" containers for focusable elements like links, buttons, or inputs.

Fix

Add tabindex="-1" to focusable children inside aria-hidden containers or use the inert attribute.

Explain

Explain why focusable elements inside aria-hidden containers cause confusion for keyboard and screen reader users.

Code Review

Review the rendered markup and interactive states that affect Remove focusable elements from aria-hidden containers. Flag exact elements, roles, labels, focus behavior, or keyboard interactions that violate the rule, and note how to verify the fix with browser accessibility tooling or assistive tech.

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For full implementation details, code examples, and framework-specific guidance, see references/rule.md.

Rule page: https://frontendchecklist.io/en/rules/accessibility/aria-hidden-focus