Creating Accessible Navigation Menus: Challenges and Best Practices

Creating accessible navigation menus can be one of the most challenging aspects of inclusive web design and development. Whether building simple top-level navigation bars or complex mega menus, teams must aim for accessibility through conformance to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

While there are multiple approaches to menu design, not all are equal when it comes to providing an accessible user experience. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most common accessibility issues associated with navigation menus. We’ll also share tips for building menus that work for all users, including those relying on assistive technologies.

Common navigation menu accessibility pitfalls

Modern websites use a variety of navigation styles, such as horizontal and vertical menus, dropdowns, flyouts, and mega menus—and each menu type can present unique accessibility challenges. However, the following issues are particularly common across different types of navigation menus:

• Keyboard navigation problems: Menus that are only operable with a mouse may be inaccessible for individuals who rely on keyboard navigation. Users must be able to tab through interactive elements in a logical order without becoming trapped or lost in hidden content. They also need to be able to quickly dismiss menus—for example, through use of the Esc key. Additionally, keyboard users should have equivalent access to a menu’s functionality. It’s important that keyboard users are not forced through all items in a menu—they must have the same opportunity as mouse users to open and close individual items.
• Focus management: Keyboard focus should never land on hidden menu items. Instead, focus should go to the element that expands the collapsed section. Users expect focus to move only to visible, interactive content. Forcing focus into an open menu—especially if it expands automatically on hover—can disorient users. It also violates WCAG 2.1 Level AA Success Criterion 2.1.1 (Keyboard) and 2.4.3 (Focus Order).
• Unintended auto-expansion: Menus that automatically open on hover or focus can override user control. Accessibility best practices recommend that users initiate actions like expanding a submenu. This helps avoid confusion and gives users control over their experience, in alignment with WCAG Success Criterion 3.2.1 (On Focus) and 3.2.2 (On Input).

Best practices for accessible website navigation

While menus are a common source of accessibility barriers, providing an accessible navigation experience is entirely achievable with a thoughtful approach. The following tips will help you get started creating menus that are intuitive for a wide range of users.

Design with user expectations in mind.

An accessible navigation experience respects and anticipates typical user behavior. For instance, users generally expect that:

• Top-level items can be activated to go to a landing page.
• If a submenu is available, it should be clearly indicated and optionally expandable.
• Keyboard users should be able to skip the menu altogether if desired.

Menus with top-level items that have dual roles—serving both as links and expanders—pose a particular challenge. The ambiguity can confuse screen reader and keyboard navigation users. To address this, it’s best to draw clear lines between and among functions. For example, providing a dedicated button or toggle to expand submenus allows the link alone to serve its navigational purpose.

Prioritize screen reader compatibility.

Choosing the right semantic structure is key to making menus accessible to screen reader users. Navigation elements should be marked up using semantic HTML—such as <nav>, <ul>, and <li>—to create a clear hierarchy. Headings (<h2>, <h3>, etc.) within mega menus can improve understanding and orientation.

When more complex interactions are involved, using ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes correctly is essential. For application menus—and menu buttons on individual menus—implement appropriate roles, following the ARIA Authoring Practices Guide (APG). (Roles should not be used in mega menus or navigation menus.) Additionally:

• Use aria-expanded to indicate whether a submenu is open or closed.
• Ensure that keyboard interactions follow a predictable pattern, such as using the Tab key to move between items in a navigation menu, the arrow keys to move between items in an application menu, and Esc to close a submenu.

Make sure hover and focus behaviors align with WCAG.

Any hover and focus behaviors for a menu must follow accessibility standards. For example, WCAG Success Criterion 1.4.13 (Content on Hover or Focus) states that content triggered on hover or focus should be dismissible, hoverable, and persistent until dismissed.

This means that drop downs or mega menus:

• Should not disappear instantly if the pointer or focus moves slightly outside their boundaries.
• Must provide users with an opportunity to interact with them.
• Should include a way for users to close them manually.

Accessible mega menus require extra attention.

Mega menus can be a powerful tool for presenting a large number of options, but they can be particularly difficult to build accessibly given their complexity. These large, panel-like overlays contain multiple columns of links, headings, and even interactive elements like search bars or embedded form fields.

For mega menus to be accessible:

• Avoid using the menu, menubar, and menuitem roles as they don’t allow access to non-interactive content.
• Group related items under headings, and ensure those headings are marked with proper semantic tags.
• Maintain logical tab order throughout the menu.
• Avoid automatically opening the menu on hover alone; offer focus or click-based activation as an alternative.
• Ensure the menu can be closed using the keyboard, ideally with the Esc key.
• Hover and focus behavior must follow accessibility standards.

Accessible menus: Making navigation usable for everyone

Creating accessible navigation menus is no simple task. It requires thoughtful planning, close adherence to WCAG standards, and understanding the different ways people with disabilities interact with menus. But by aligning with accessibility best practices, developers can create navigation systems that are not only aesthetically pleasing but functional and intuitive for all users. After all, accessibility is a key part of inclusive, user-centered design.

A trusted accessibility expert can provide the tools, training, and guidance you need to ensure that navigation menus and other elements of your website meet accessibility standards. With more than 25 years of experience, Level Access has supported thousands of organizations across industries in tackling complex web accessibility challenges. To learn how our solutions can enhance your user experience, reach out to our team today.

Frequently asked questions

How can I make dropdown menus accessible to keyboard users?

To make dropdown menus accessible to keyboard users:

• Ensure that all interactive elements can be reached using the Tab key.
• Verify that submenus are not focusable until they are expanded.
• Use aria-expanded to indicate the state of dropdown buttons.
• Provide clear visual focus indicators.
• Allow users to close submenus using the Esc key or by moving focus away.
• Follow established keyboard interaction patterns as recommended in the WAI-ARIA Authoring Practices.

What are the main accessibility issues with mega menus?

Mega menus often present accessibility challenges due to their complexity. Common issues include:

• Improper heading structure or lack of semantic grouping.
• Poor keyboard navigation due to deeply nested elements.
• Auto-opening menus on hover without a focusable trigger.
• Focus landing on hidden or offscreen content.

To make mega menus accessible, group content clearly under semantic headings, manage focus properly, and ensure menus follow WCAG guidelines for content on hover or focus.

Should top-level menu items be clickable if they also expand a submenu?

This dual functionality can be confusing for users, especially those using screen readers or keyboards. Ideally, separate these roles using the following best practices:

• Let the top-level item be a normal link to a landing page.
• Add a separate toggle button to expand the submenu.

If combining the two is necessary, make sure it’s clearly communicated using ARIA attributes (like aria-haspopup and aria-expanded) and that the interaction pattern is consistent and intuitive.