no-static-element-interactions

Static HTML elements do not have semantic meaning. This is clear in the case of <div> and <span>. It is less so clear in the case of elements that seem semantic, but that do not have a semantic mapping in the accessibility layer. For example <a>, <big>, <blockquote>, <footer>, <picture>, <strike> and <time> -- to name a few -- have no semantic layer mapping. They are as void of meaning as <div>.

The WAI-ARIA role attribute confers a semantic mapping to an element. The semantic value can then be expressed to a user via assistive technology.

In order to add interactivity such as a mouse or key event listener to a static element, that element must be given a role value as well.

How do I resolve this error?

Case: This element acts like a button, link, menuitem, etc.

Indicate the element's role with the role attribute:

<div
  onClick={onClickHandler}
  onKeyPress={onKeyPressHandler}
  role="button"
  tabIndex="0">
  Save
</div>

Common interactive roles include:

button
link
checkbox
menuitem
menuitemcheckbox
menuitemradio
option
radio
searchbox
switch
textbox

Note: Adding a role to your element does not add behavior. When a semantic HTML element like <button> is used, then it will also respond to Enter key presses when it has focus. The developer is responsible for providing the expected behavior of an element that the role suggests it would have: focusability and key press support.

Case: The event handler is only being used to capture bubbled events

If your element is catching bubbled click or key events from descendant elements, there are no appropriate roles for your element: you will have to deactivate the rule. Consider explaining the reason for disabling the rule as well.

{/* The <div> element has a child <button> element that allows keyboard interaction */}
{/* eslint-disable-next-line jsx-a11y/no-static-element-interactions */}
<div onClick={this.handleButtonClick}>
  <button>Save</button>
  <button>Cancel</button>
</div>

Do not use the role presentation on the element: it removes the element's semantics, and may also remove its children's semantics, creating big issues with assistive technology.

Rule details

You may configure which handler props should be taken into account when applying this rule. The recommended configuration includes the following 6 handlers.

'jsx-a11y/no-static-element-interactions': [
  'error',
  {
    handlers: [
      'onClick',
      'onMouseDown',
      'onMouseUp',
      'onKeyPress',
      'onKeyDown',
      'onKeyUp',
    ],
  },
],

Adjust the list of handler prop names in the handlers array to increase or decrease the coverage surface of this rule in your codebase.

Succeed

<button onClick={() => {}} className="foo" />
<div className="foo" onClick={() => {}} role="button" />
<input type="text" onClick={() => {}} />

Fail

<div onClick={() => {}} />

Accessibility guidelines

WCAG 4.1.2

3.6 KiB Raw Blame History