When we talk about creating accessible websites, ensuring that all users, including those who rely on assistive technologies like screen readers, can navigate and interact with our content is key. However, achieving this level of inclusivity is not always straightforward, especially when dealing with complex web applications. This is where ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) comes in.

In this article, we’ll explore what ARIA is, why it is important, and how you can use it effectively to build more inclusive web applications.

What is ARIA?

ARIA is a set of guidelines designed to enhance the accessibility of web content by providing additional semantics and context for assistive technologies. It allows developers to make custom components and dynamic content more comprehensible for users relying on screen readers and other assistive tools..

Why is ARIA Important?

Modern web development has moved beyond static HTML, today we use JavaScript-powered components, single-page applications, and interactive widgets. While these developments enhance the user experience, for many, they often disrupt how screen readers interpret web content, creating accessibility challenges.

For instance, a custom dropdown menu made with divs and spans might work well for users without visual impairment but appear as a confusing block of text to screen reader users. ARIA addresses this by providing attributes that help assistive technologies understand and announce these components correctly. By using ARIA attributes, developers can ensure that elements such as dropdowns, modals, and carousels are accessible to all users.

Understanding How to Use ARIA Effectively

ARIA attributes are added directly to HTML elements, enhancing their semantic meaning for assistive technologies. Here are a few key attributes:

• role: Defines the type of element (e.g., button, alert, dialog) to assistive technologies.

<div role="button">Click me</div>

• aria-label: Provides an accessible name for elements without visible text

<button aria-label="Close menu">X</button>

• aria-labelledby: Links an element to another that serves as its label.

<div id="profile" role="region" aria-labelledby="profile-heading">
  <h2 id="profile-heading">User Profile</h2>
  <p>Name: John Doe</p>
  <p>Email: [email protected]</p>
</div>

According to the code above, the aria-labelledby attribute in the <div> references the <h2> element with the ID profile-heading. This tells assistive technologies that the region <div> should be labeled by the content of the <h2> ("User Profile"). As a result, screen reader users can better understand that the region is the "User Profile" section.

• aria-live: Notifies screen readers about dynamic content changes.

<div aria-live="polite">New notifications will appear here.</div>

From the code above, the aria-live="polite" attribute ensures that assistive technologies announce this update without interrupting the user. It is ideal for notifying users about background actions like save confirmations or status updates.

More Practical Examples of ARIA in Action

Example 1: Accessible Modal Dialog

A modal dialog without ARIA might not announce itself as a dialog, leaving screen reader users unaware of its presence.

With ARIA:

<div role="dialog" aria-labelledby="dialog-title" aria-describedby="dialog-description">
  <h2 id="dialog-title">Subscribe to our newsletter</h2>
  <p id="dialog-description">Enter your email address below to subscribe.</p>
  <button aria-label="Close dialog">X</button>
</div>

This ensures that the dialog’s purpose and content are announced correctly.

Example 2: Custom Tabs

Without ARIA, screen readers might not recognize tabs and their associated content.

With ARIA:

<div role="tablist">
  <button role="tab" aria-selected="true" aria-controls="panel-1">Tab 1</button>
  <button role="tab" aria-controls="panel-2">Tab 2</button>
</div>
<div id="panel-1" role="tabpanel">Content for Tab 1</div>
<div id="panel-2" role="tabpanel" hidden>Content for Tab 2</div>

ARIA attributes like role="tablist", aria-selected, and aria-controls create a clear relationship between tabs and their content.

When to Use ARIA (and When Not To)

As powerful as ARIA is, it should not be your first choice for accessibility. Native HTML elements like <button>, <input>, and <select> already have built-in accessibility features. Whenever possible, use these instead of recreating them with ARIA and JavaScript.

ARIA is best used when:

• You’re building custom components that lack semantic HTML equivalents.
• You need to enhance or clarify the accessibility of a complex widget. However, misuse of ARIA can sometimes harm accessibility. For instance, overusing roles or providing conflicting attributes can confuse screen readers.

Conclusion

ARIA is not just for accessibility specialists; it’s for every developer committed to building a web that works for all. By learning and applying ARIA thoughtfully, you’re contributing to a more inclusive digital space one dropdown, dialog, or carousel at a time. So, the next time you build a dynamic web feature, ask yourself: How will this work for everyone? Then let ARIA guide you toward the answer.