How do I use ARIA attributes to enhance accessibility?
Jun 22, 2025 am 12:17 AMARIA attributes enhance web accessibility for dynamic content by filling gaps where HTML falls short. Use ARIA only when semantic HTML isn’t enough, such as with custom components like tabs or dropdowns. Prefer native elements like
ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes help make dynamic web content more accessible to people using assistive technologies like screen readers. If you're building modern web apps with JavaScript frameworks or complex UI components, ARIA fills in the gaps where standard HTML doesn’t quite cut it.
Here’s how to use ARIA effectively and responsibly:
Know when to use ARIA
ARIA is most useful when native HTML elements don't fully describe the behavior or purpose of a custom component. For example, if you’re creating a tabbed interface or a dropdown menu using <div>s and <code><span></span>
s instead of built-in form controls, that’s a good time to reach for ARIA.
- Use ARIA only when necessary — always prefer semantic HTML first.
- Avoid overusing ARIA — incorrect usage can break accessibility more than it helps.
- ARIA should enhance, not replace, existing semantics.
If your component behaves like a button but isn’t one, consider changing the element to a <button></button>
. If that’s not possible, role="button"
might be appropriate.
Understand basic ARIA roles and properties
There are three main types of ARIA attributes: roles, states, and properties.
Roles
Roles define what an element is or does. They give screen readers context about how to interact with an element.
-
role="navigation"
on a<div> tells screen readers this is a navigation section.<li> <code>role="dialog"
indicates a modal window. -
aria-expanded="true"
tells users whether a collapsible section is open or closed. -
aria-selected="false"
shows which tab is currently active. -
aria-labelledby
links one element to another that serves as its label. - Use states (
aria-expanded
,aria-checked
) for things that change. - Use properties (
aria-label
,aria-describedby
) for static descriptions. - Use
tabindex="0"
to make non-focusable elements (like<div>s) focusable via keyboard.<li>Use <code>tabindex="-1"
to allow programmatic focus (e.g., focusing a modal when it opens). - Don’t use
tabindex="1 "
unless you have a very good reason — it messes with natural tab order. - Keyboard users can access all functionality.
- Focus is visible and logical.
- Modals trap focus until dismissed.
- Axe DevTools (browser extension)
- Lighthouse in Chrome DevTools
- WAVE Evaluation Tool
- Automated tools catch only part of the issues.
- Real user testing is ideal, especially with people who rely on assistive tech daily.
Some roles also require other ARIA attributes to work properly — for example, role="tablist"
usually needs role="tab"
and role="tabpanel"
inside it.
States and Properties
These provide additional information about an element’s current condition or relationship.
A good rule of thumb:
Make sure keyboard navigation works
ARIA alone won’t make your site keyboard-accessible. You need to ensure that interactive elements can receive focus and respond correctly to keyboard input.
Also, make sure:
Test with screen readers and tools
No amount of code review beats real-world testing. Try navigating your site with just a keyboard and a screen reader like NVDA (Windows), VoiceOver (macOS), or JAWS.
You can also use automated tools:
Keep in mind:
Using ARIA well means understanding both the tools you have and the needs of your users. It’s not complicated, but it requires attention to detail and a willingness to test. Once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature — basically just another layer of communication between your code and the people using it.
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ARIAattributesareessentialforenhancingwebaccessibilityforpeoplewithdisabilities.Theydefineroles,states,andpropertiesofelements,andnotifyusersofdynamiccontentchanges.UsingARIAcorrectlyimprovesuserexperienceandinclusivity.

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