# ARIA hidden element must not be focusable or contain focusable elements

> Canonical HTML version: https://rocketvalidator.com/accessibility-validation/axe/4.9/aria-hidden-focus
> Attribution: Rocket Validator (https://rocketvalidator.com)
> License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

This rule determines whether or not `aria-hidden` elements contain focusable elements.

Using the property `aria-hidden="true"` on an element removes the element and all of its child nodes from the accessibility API, rendering the element fully unavailable to screen readers and other assistive technology.

`aria-hidden` may be used with extreme discretion to hide visibly displayed content from assistive technologies if the act of hiding this content is meant to enhance the experience of assistive technology users by reducing redundant or superfluous content.

If `aria-hidden` is employed to hide material from screen readers, the same or equal meaning and functionality must be made available to assistive technologies.

Using `aria-hidden="false"` on content that is a descendant of an element that is hidden using `aria-hidden="true"` will not reveal that content to the accessibility API, nor will it be accessible to screen readers or other assistive technology.

The rule applies to any element whose `aria-hidden` attribute value is `true`.

By adding `aria-hidden="true"` to an element, authors assure that assistive technologies will disregard the element.
This can be used to hide aesthetic elements, such as icon typefaces, that are not intended to be read by assistive technologies.

A focusable element with `aria-hidden="true"` is disregarded as part of the reading order, but is still part of the focus order, making it unclear if it is visible or hidden.

<h3>What this Accessibility Rule Checks</h3>

For all user interface components, including form elements, links, and script-generated components, the name and role can be identified programmatically; user-specified states, properties, and values can be set programmatically; and user agents, including assistive technologies, are notified of changes.