4.1.3 Status Messages [AA]

Level AA

In content implemented using markup languages, status messages can be programmatically determined through role or properties such that they can be presented to the user by assistive technologies without receiving focus.>

Explanation

When status messages or notifications are shown, they must be presented without needing keyboard focus to be moved to them, and without disturbing the user’s current place in the page. This means that people using screen readers can consume the notification without being distracted from their current activity.

Roles

  • Development
  • QA

Requirements

  • Status messages and notifications use an ARIA live region to be brought to the attention of screen reader users.

Common mistakes

  • A status message or notification is shown, and keyboard focus is moved to it automatically;
  • A status message or notification is shown as an ARIA live region, but keyboard focus is still moved to it automatically.

Official resources

Other resources