This is practical accessibility guidance for first-pass triage. It is not legal advice, a formal audit, WCAG certification, or a conformance guarantee.

What this means

A container hidden from assistive technology appears to include focusable controls.

Why it matters

Keyboard users may reach something that screen readers cannot announce properly.

How to fix it

  • Do not place focusable controls inside aria-hidden="true".
  • Remove the content from the tab order when it is hidden.
  • Use proper modal, disclosure, and inactive-state patterns.

What automated checks can detect

A checker can find focusable descendants inside aria-hidden containers.

What still needs manual review

Test focus order and screen reader announcements through the relevant interaction state.

Automation cannot fully validate dynamic focus management across all app states.

Related tools and guides