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When selecting a user interface component with the keyboard, the focus indicator must 
not be completely obscured by anything in front of it.

## Why this matters

When using a keyboard, it is important that the user can see where they are on the page.
If the focus indicator is obscured, the user may not know where they are, and may not
be able to interact with the page.

## Examples

Most common examples include:

* Banners at the top or bottom of the page, such as cookie banners
* Fixed navigation bars
* Fixed footers
* Popup modals, such as cookie consent modals

## How to fix

With elements that cover part of the screen, such as cookie banners, ensure
that the user can scroll to see any content behind the banner, without having to close
the banner.

With popup modals, it should usually be impossible to focus anything behind the modal.
Most common modal frameworks will automatically trap focus within the modal, so that
this is impossible. Example: [Bootstrap Modal](https://getbootstrap.com/docs/5.2/components/modal/#live-demo).

## Further reading

This is part of the draft WCAG 2.2 specification and is subject to change.

* [WCAG 2.4.12](https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG22/Understanding/focus-not-obscured.html)

ensure-focus-is-not-obscured-minimum

August 2025

July 2025

Heidelberg University

	Title / URL	Issues
	Directory \| Heidelberg Universitywww.heidelberg.edu/directory	96
	Programs of Study \| Heidelberg Universitywww.heidelberg.edu/academics/programs	85
	News \| Heidelberg Universitywww.heidelberg.edu/news	79
	Blog \| Heidelberg Universitywww.heidelberg.edu/blog	67
	Offices \| Heidelberg Universitywww.heidelberg.edu/offices	50
	Events \| Heidelberg Universitywww.heidelberg.edu/events	46
	Parents \| Heidelberg Universitywww.heidelberg.edu/about/parents	36
	Apply Now \| Heidelberg Universitywww.heidelberg.edu/apply-now	34
	Fast Facts \| Heidelberg Universitywww.heidelberg.edu/about/fast-facts	32
	Login \| Heidelberg Universitywww.heidelberg.edu/login	31

Ensure focus is not fully obscured

Heidelberg University

Where this issue has occurred