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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

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