Positive tabindex changes the focus order

Why does it matter?

tabindex="1" and above pull an element to the front of the whole page's Tab order, ahead of the site menu, which disorients keyboard users.

Who it affects: Screen reader and keyboard users, who depend on ARIA and focus order being correct to understand and operate the page.

What does Lumtera flag?

Elements with a tabindex greater than 0.

Check ID tabindex-positive — use it to filter the content report or with wp lumtera issues --rule.

How do I fix it in WordPress?

Change the tabindex to 0 (or remove it) and put the element where it belongs in the content order instead.

Example

<a href="/signup/" tabindex="1">Sign up</a>

<a href="/signup/">Sign up</a>

How do I check the fix?

1. Update the post. The issue disappears from the Lumtera Accessibility sidebar on the next check, and from the site report on the next scan.
2. Press Tab from the top of the page. Focus should move in reading order and never land on something invisible or silent.