What is aria?

ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) is a set of special HTML attributes that help make web content and web applications usable for people with disabilities, especially those who rely on screen readers or other assistive technologies. By adding ARIA attributes to elements, developers can describe the role, state, and properties of UI components that native HTML alone can’t convey.

Let's break it down

  • Role: tells assistive tech what kind of element it is (e.g., button, dialog, navigation).
  • State: indicates dynamic conditions (e.g., aria‑pressed=“true” for a toggle button).
  • Property: provides extra information (e.g., aria‑label=“Search” to name an unlabeled icon).
  • Live region: aria‑live=“polite” lets a screen reader announce changes without moving focus. These attributes are added directly to HTML tags, like <button aria-pressed="false">.

Why does it matter?

Without ARIA, many interactive widgets (custom dropdowns, sliders, modal dialogs) are invisible or confusing to users with screen readers. ARIA bridges that gap, ensuring everyone can understand and interact with web apps, which improves accessibility compliance (e.g., WCAG, ADA) and creates a more inclusive internet.

Where is it used?

  • Custom JavaScript widgets (modals, tabs, accordions)
  • Single‑page applications built with React, Vue, Angular, etc.
  • Dynamic content updates (notifications, chat messages)
  • Any site that wants to meet accessibility standards, from corporate portals to e‑commerce stores.

Good things about it

  • Enables accessibility for complex, non‑native UI components.
  • Works alongside standard HTML; you only add what you need.
  • Supported by all major browsers and screen readers.
  • Helps meet legal and ethical accessibility requirements.
  • Improves overall usability, often benefiting all users (e.g., clearer labels).

Not-so-good things

  • Overuse or incorrect use can confuse assistive tech more than help.
  • Requires careful testing with screen readers; not a “set‑and‑forget” solution.
  • Some ARIA features are still evolving, leading to inconsistent support across older assistive tools.
  • Adds extra markup, which can increase development time if the team isn’t familiar with accessibility best practices.