Code Fix Guide

How to Fix Keyboard Navigation and Focus Issues

Keyboard navigation issues are among the most critical accessibility violations. If users can't Tab through your page, activate buttons with Enter, or escape from modals, your site is completely unusable for people who can't use a mouse — including blind users, users with motor disabilities, and power users.

Common Errors and How to Fix Them

Clickable div that can't be reached by keyboard

Problem

<div onclick="handleClick()">Click me</div>

Fix

<button onclick="handleClick()">Click me</button>

/* Or if you must use a div: */
<div role="button" tabindex="0"
  onclick="handleClick()"
  onkeydown="if(event.key==='Enter')handleClick()">
  Click me
</div>

Removing focus indicator globally

Problem

*:focus { outline: none; }

Fix

*:focus-visible {
  outline: 2px solid #0066cc;
  outline-offset: 2px;
}

Positive tabindex values creating confusing tab order

Problem

<div tabindex="5">First</div>
<div tabindex="10">Second</div>

Fix

/* Remove positive tabindex. Use DOM order instead. */
<div>First</div>
<div>Second</div>

Why This Matters

Keyboard inaccessibility violates WCAG 2.1.1 (Keyboard), 2.1.2 (No Keyboard Trap), 2.4.3 (Focus Order), and 2.4.7 (Focus Visible). Approximately 25% of adults have some form of disability that may prevent mouse use. Keyboard accessibility is also required for screen reader functionality.

Related WCAG Criteria

2.1.1Keyboard

Level A — Operable

2.1.2No Keyboard Trap

Level A — Operable

2.4.3Focus Order

Level A — Operable

2.4.7Focus Visible

Level AA — Operable

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