Flutter technique available to change focus

From now on it is possible to change the focus in Flutter. Something that was limiting quite some apps to become accessible.

Because sometimes you need to programmatically move the accessibility focus to a specific element. For example, when you present a modal, the assistive technology should move it's focus to it. Or when moving to a new screen, you might want assistive technologies to focus a specific element.

In Flutter, you can use a "FocusSemanticEvent" to move the accessibility focus.

This API is generally not recommended because it can disrupt users' expectations of accessibility focus. It should be used carefully and only in specific cases, like replacing a focused rendering object with another, though such designs should generally be avoided.

Check out the elaborate documentation on the Accessibility focus on Flutter page on Appt.org.

Further reading

  • The European Accessibility Act: what businesses and app developers need to know

    What is the European accessibility act (EAA)?The European accessibility act (EAA) is European-wide legislation designed to ensure digital products and services are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. Unlike earlier accessibility directives targeting public sector organisations, the EAA specifically addresses commercial organisations. The EAA applies to products and services. Read more »