WebAIM - Web Accessibility In Mind

E-mail List Archives

Dialog (Modal) Pattern. A question of modality and focus management

for

From: Laurence Lewis
Date: Feb 8, 2024 2:24PM

Hello

I am seeking guidance to understand the tab ring behaviour for non-modal
dialogs that use aria-modal false. This is specifically in reference to the
ARIA Practices Guide for Dialog (Modal)
<https://www.w3.org/WAI/ARIA/apg/patterns/dialog-modal/#:~:text=Like%20non-modal,closing%20the%20dialog.>
.

*"Like non-modal dialogs, modal dialogs contain their tab sequence. That
is, Tab and Shift + Tab do not move focus outside the dialog. However,
unlike most non-modal dialogs, modal dialogs do not provide means for
moving keyboard focus outside the dialog window without closing the
dialog."*

If I remove the references to *modal* I get

'*non-modal dialogs **contain their tab sequence and **do not move focus
outside the dialog. P**rovide a means for moving keyboard focus outside the
dialog window without closing the dialog.'*


- For a non-modal dialog, for example an information sheet, that is
non-critical, how should this work?
- What recommended practices are there for the keyboard user to interact
with the main screen without dismissing the modal? Would being able to
minimise the dialog be an accepted means to enable access to the main page
content?
- Would a button that the user can click to move to the main page
content be sufficient?
- What is the recommendation for focus management when the user is
focused on the main content, and how do they return to the dialog?
- Is the only way to access the dialog content clicking the triggering
button?

I have these questions swirling around in my head and seek clarity in what
recommendations to make in regard to accessibility for a non-modal dialog
for focus management and expected behaviour.


Thanks in advance.


Laurence Lewis
Accessibility Senior Specialist- Telstra