The web is a powerful tool for communication, learning, and business, but not everyone experiences it the same way. Many users rely on assistive technologies (AT) like screen readers, voice commands, or braille displays to navigate websites. This is where WAI-ARIA (Web Accessibility Initiative – Accessible Rich Internet Applications) comes in.
ARIA provides additional HTML attributes that improve accessibility, particularly for dynamic content and interactive elements that standard HTML alone may not fully support. But when should you use ARIA, and how can it enhance your website’s usability for all users? Let’s explore.
What is ARIA?
ARIA is a technical specification by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) that helps make web applications more accessible. It provides extra information about UI elements, helping assistive technologies interpret dynamic components correctly.
Why ARIA Matters
- Enhances accessibility for users with disabilities by improving how screen readers and other ATs interpret complex web components.
- Bridges gaps in HTML’s built-in accessibility when standard semantic elements are not sufficient.
- Improves usability for interactive elements like modals, accordions, and dynamic menus.
Key ARIA Features
ARIA provides several attributes to improve accessibility:
– Roles: Define the purpose of an element (e.g., role="alert" for a notification).
– States: Indicate changes in the UI (e.g., aria-expanded="true" for an open dropdown).
– Properties: Describe additional relationships (e.g., aria-labelledby="id" to associate a label with an element).
When Should You Use ARIA?
ARIA should not be used as a replacement for semantic HTML. Instead, it should be applied only when necessary, especially when:
✅ 1. Enhancing Non-Semantic Elements
Sometimes, default HTML elements do not communicate enough information to assistive technologies. If a <div> or <span> is used instead of a native element, ARIA can help define its role.
🔹 Example: A custom button built with a <div>
<div role="button" tabindex="0" aria-pressed="false">Click Me</div>
➡️ This informs AT that the <div> behaves like a button.
✅ 2. Improving Complex UI Components
Modern web applications use interactive elements like modals, tooltips, and dynamic grids that HTML alone may not fully support.
🔹 Example: A dropdown combobox using ARIA
<div
role="combobox"
aria-expanded="false"
aria-owns="ex1-grid"
aria-haspopup="grid"
id="ex1-combobox">
...
</div>
➡️ This tells assistive technologies that this is a combobox (a dropdown input), and it can expand to show options.
✅ 3. Making Dynamic Content Accessible
Live updates and AJAX-based elements (like real-time notifications) may not be detected by screen readers unless ARIA is used.
🔹 Example: An ARIA alert for real-time messages
<div role="alert">New message received!</div>
➡️ Screen readers will immediately announce this message without requiring user interaction.
✅ 4. Labeling Elements More Clearly
Sometimes, HTML form labels aren’t sufficient, especially when dealing with visually hidden elements.
🔹 Example: Associating a label with an input field
<input type="text" aria-labelledby="username-label">
<span id="username-label">Enter your username</span>
➡️ Ensures that the input is correctly labeled for screen readers.
When NOT to Use ARIA
⚠️ ARIA should not be used when semantic HTML can do the job!
❌ 1. Avoid ARIA for Standard HTML Elements
If an HTML element already has built-in accessibility, don’t override it with ARIA.
🚫 Bad Example:
<button role="button">Submit</button>
❌ Why is this wrong? The <button> element already has a button role. Adding role="button" is redundant.
❌ 2. Don’t Use ARIA for Clickable Links
🚫 Bad Example:
<a href="#" role="button">Click Here</a>
❌ Why is this wrong? Instead of misusing <a>, use <button> when the action is not a navigation link.
❌ 3. Avoid Overcomplicating Forms
Forms should use <label> elements rather than unnecessary ARIA attributes.
🚫 Bad Example:
<input type="text" aria-required="true">
✅ Better Alternative:
<input type="text" required>
✔️ Why? The required attribute is already supported by browsers and AT.
Best Practices for Using ARIA
To ensure ARIA enhances accessibility without causing issues, follow these best practices:
✔️ Use native HTML first – ARIA should only supplement accessibility, not replace existing functionality.
✔️ Keep it simple – Don’t overuse ARIA if semantic HTML works fine.
✔️ Test with assistive technologies – Use screen readers (NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver) to verify ARIA’s impact.
✔️ Follow W3C guidelines – Refer to the ARIA Authoring Practices for best implementations.
Conclusion
ARIA is a powerful tool for improving web accessibility, but it should be used wisely. When applied correctly, it helps users with assistive technologies interact with dynamic elements more effectively. However, misusing ARIA can create more confusion than benefits.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Use semantic HTML first before considering ARIA.
✅ Apply ARIA only when necessary, such as for custom UI components or dynamic content.
✅ Avoid redundant ARIA attributes on elements that already have built-in accessibility.
✅ Test with real assistive technologies to ensure proper functionality.
Want to learn more? Check out these helpful resources:
📌 WAI-ARIA Overview (W3C)
📌 ARIA Authoring Practices Guide
📌 ARIA Serious? Eric Eggert presentation
🔹 Now it’s your turn!
Have you encountered ARIA in your web development projects? Share your thoughts in the comments! 🚀