Nested Interactive Anchor
Critical - WCAG Level A
The accessibility problem arises when anchor <a>) or button tags are nested within other anchor tags. This practice can lead to confusion for users, especially those relying on keyboard navigation or screen readers. When anchors are nested, it can be unclear which link is being activated, leading to a poor user experience.
For users with disabilities, particularly those using keyboard navigation or assistive technologies like screen readers, nested anchor tags can create significant barriers. Keyboard users may find it difficult to navigate through links, as pressing the Enter key may not yield predictable results. Screen readers may announce nested links in a confusing manner, making it hard for users to understand the structure and purpose of the links.
How to fix this issue:
Identify Nested Anchors: Review your HTML code to locate any instances of anchor tags nested within other anchor tags.
Refactor the HTML: Remove the nested structure by restructuring your HTML. Ensure that each anchor tag stands alone and is not contained within another anchor tag.
Test the Changes: After making changes, test the navigation with a keyboard and screen reader to ensure that the links are accessible and function as expected.
Best practices:
Always ensure that links are clearly defined and not nested. This helps maintain a logical flow for keyboard navigation.
Use semantic HTML and ARIA roles appropriately to enhance accessibility.
Consider using other HTML elements (like
<span>or<div>) for grouping content instead of nesting links.
Common mistakes:
Forgetting to check for nested links when refactoring code.
Using CSS to visually style nested links without addressing the underlying HTML structure. This can lead to confusion for users who rely on assistive technologies.