Serious2.1.1 Keyboard (Level A), 2.4.7 Focus Visible (Level AA)Rule ID: scrollable-region-focusable
Scrollable regions must be keyboard focusable
A scrollable container cannot receive keyboard focus, so keyboard users cannot scroll its content.
Rule Description
Checks scrollable containers for keyboard focusability and accessible naming when needed.
Why It Matters
- Keyboard-only users may be blocked from reading hidden content
- Screen magnifier users often rely on keyboard scrolling
- Inaccessible scroll areas hide critical information
How to Fix
Make custom scroll regions focusable and provide visible focus styling.
Bad Example:
<div class="scroll-panel" style="overflow:auto; max-height:200px;">...</div>
Good Example:
<div class="scroll-panel" style="overflow:auto; max-height:200px;" tabindex="0" aria-label="Order history" > ... </div>
Common Mistakes
- Using overflow containers without
tabindex - Removing focus outlines via CSS
- Hiding content inside keyboard-inaccessible panels
Testing
- Navigate with Tab and confirm scroll panel receives focus
- Use arrow/PageUp/PageDown keys to scroll focused region
- Verify visible focus indicator is present
External Resources
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