# Aria Hidden Focus

> Use when reviewing rendered HTML, interactive components, or design-system patterns related to Remove focusable elements from aria-hidden containers. Check native semantics first, then inspect keyboard behavior, focus flow, accessible names, and screen-reader output where relevant.

- Skill: `thedaviddias/aria-hidden-focus` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add thedaviddias/aria-hidden-focus`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/thedaviddias/aria-hidden-focus/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Web & Frontend
- Author: thedaviddias (https://skillmd.com/u/thedaviddias)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/thedaviddias/aria-hidden-focus

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# Remove focusable elements from aria-hidden containers

When a keyboard user tabs into an `aria-hidden` element, the screen reader remains silent, leaving the user with no idea where their focus is or what they can interact with.

## Quick Reference

- Elements with `aria-hidden="true"` must not contain focusable children
- Focusing on a hidden element creates a 'ghost' focus for screen reader users
- Use `tabindex="-1"` or `inert` to properly hide interactive elements

## Check

Scan `aria-hidden="true"` containers for focusable elements like links, buttons, or inputs.

## Fix

Add `tabindex="-1"` to focusable children inside `aria-hidden` containers or use the `inert` attribute.

## Explain

Explain why focusable elements inside aria-hidden containers cause confusion for keyboard and screen reader users.

## Code Review

Review the rendered markup and interactive states that affect Remove focusable elements from aria-hidden containers. Flag exact elements, roles, labels, focus behavior, or keyboard interactions that violate the rule, and note how to verify the fix with browser accessibility tooling or assistive tech.

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For full implementation details, code examples, and framework-specific guidance,
see `references/rule.md`.

Rule page: https://frontendchecklist.io/en/rules/accessibility/aria-hidden-focus