Understanding common accessibility errors is crucial for creating inclusive digital experiences. By addressing these issues early on, you can prevent potential barriers that might hinder users with disabilities from navigating your site. Below are some of the most frequent accessibility problems and best practices for fixing them.
1. DOM order doesn’t match the visual layout
Beginners often rearrange elements with CSS (Flexbox, Grid, absolute positioning) but forget that screen readers and keyboard navigation still follow the HTML order.
2. Removing the focus outline
Many new developers add:
*:focus {
outline: none;
}This breaks accessibility and makes focus impossible to see.
3. Misusing tabindex
Using positive tabindex values creates unpredictable navigation.
4. Focus traps in modals or popups
If users can’t exit a modal with a keyboard, the site becomes unusable.
Best Practices to Improve Focus Order Accessibility
Here are the most effective strategies to create accessible websites with proper focus order:
1. Keep DOM Order and Visual Order Aligned
Write your HTML so it matches the visual reading flow of your design.
Good HTML = good focus order.
2. Use logical Tab Order
Browsers automatically create a logical flow:
Top to Bottom , Left to Right
Avoid forcing artificial navigation unless necessary.
3. Use tabindex Properly
Use:
tabindex="0"makes element becomes focusable in natural ordertabindex="-1"makes focusable by script only- Avoid positive tabindex values entirely
- Not all interactive elements need tabindex=“0” only when custom elements need.
Example:
<div tabindex="0"> Custom widget</div>
<button>Submit</button>4. Keep a Visible Focus Indicator
Never remove outlines. Style them instead.
button:focus,
a:focus {
outline: 3px solid #005fcc;
outline-offset: 2px;
}This improves accessibility and boosts keyboard usability metrics, which search engines track.
5. Manage Focus in Modals, Drawers, and Popups
When a modal opens:
- Move focus inside it
- Trap focus inside
- Return focus to the trigger when closing
Test Focus Order Accessibility
Keyboard testing is the fastest accessibility check.
Press:
- Tab to move forward
- Shift + Tab to move backward
- Enter to activate buttons or links
- Space for switches or checkboxes
- Esc to exit modals
If you ever feel “lost,” your users will too.
By following these best practices, you can create websites that are not only functional but also accessible for everyone. Proper focus order is essential for providing a seamless and inclusive user experience.