A global standard for making dynamic web content understandable

Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA)

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What is ARIA?

ARIA is a technical specification developed by the W3C to enhance accessibility for dynamic web content and complex UI components. ARIA web accessibility helps assistive technologies like screen readers interpret elements that native HTML alone can’t fully describe, such as custom carousels, dropdowns, and tab panels.

While ARIA is not a legal requirement on its own, it plays a critical role in meeting international accessibility standards like WCAG, which underpin major compliance frameworks such as the ADA and the European Accessibility Act (EAA).

What is ARIA’s role in accessibility?

ARIA is a set of attributes that improves the usability of web content and applications for people who rely on assistive technologies, such as screen readers. It bridges the gap when native HTML falls short in describing dynamic content or complex interface behaviors. ARIA is not a standalone standard – instead, it works in tandem with HTML and WCAG to help developers create more accessible experiences.

  • ARIA is part of the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI), developed by the W3C.
  • It enhances semantic meaning in custom UI components like sliders and tabs.
  • ARIA accessibility attributes can describe roles and properties not available in plain HTML.
  • It should be used sparingly and only when native HTML cannot provide the same accessibility.
  • Improper use of ARIA can hinder accessibility rather than improve it, so training and audits are essential.

ARIA is critical in achieving full compliance with WCAG 2.1 and 2.2, and by extension, accessibility laws like ADA, Section 504 accessibility, and 508 compliance for websites.

Core areas of ARIA implementation

  • Structure and semantics

    ARIA provides attributes that describe the roles and properties of interactive elements, helping assistive technologies understand and communicate what each element does. This ensures that users navigating with screen readers or keyboards can interact with content as intended.

  • Dynamic content and widgets

    Modern websites often rely on JavaScript-driven widgets like dropdowns and sliders. ARIA makes these elements accessible by announcing changes, focus states, and interactions to assistive technologies.

  • Compatibility with WCAG

    ARIA is not a standalone web accessibility standard but complements HTML, WCAG guidelines, and the W3C accessibility standard. Its proper use bridges gaps where native HTML alone cannot ensure accessibility. Misusing ARIA can harm accessibility, so it should be implemented carefully alongside semantic markup.

  • Global application

    Unlike laws such as the ADA, ARIA is a technical specification recognized worldwide as part of the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI). It supports international standards like WCAG and is critical for organizations aiming for broad compliance and inclusive design.

Strengthening web accessibility with ARIA

  • 01

    Improving accessibility where native HTML falls short

    ARIA accessibility attributes are essential when standard HTML elements can’t fully express the purpose or behavior of interactive components. Custom sliders, galleries, and dynamic menus often require ARIA roles to communicate function and state to assistive technologies like screen readers. Without them, users with visual or motor impairments may miss critical functionality entirely.

  • 02

    Increased developer responsibility in custom interfaces

    When developers create complex, non-native UI components, they must ensure these elements are properly labeled and behave in ways that are perceivable and operable by all users. ARIA web accessibility demands precision because incorrect usage can confuse screen readers and impair accessibility rather than improve it.

  • 03

    Stronger alignment with WCAG compliance & audits

    While ARIA itself is not a legal standard, its proper use is often necessary to meet WCAG 2.1 and 2.2 guidelines. Accessibility audits increasingly highlight ARIA misuse as a compliance issue. Businesses and companies are expected to use ARIA correctly, but also understand when not to use it to ensure it supports semantic HTML.

Frequently
Asked
Questions

How does ARIA improve accessibility? 

Accessible Rich Internet Applications fills the accessibility gaps that standard HTML can’t cover on its own. It enhances the usability of web content for people who rely on assistive technologies like screen readers. ARIA accessibility does this by adding extra information to HTML elements, especially in dynamic or interactive components like carousels, sliders, or tabs. These attributes help communicate purpose and behavior that isn’t otherwise obvious through plain HTML.

Is ARIA hard to implement? 

Implementing ARIA requires precision, but it doesn’t have to be complicated with the right support. The key is knowing where to use ARIA effectively by enhancing web accessibility when native HTML falls short, without introducing unnecessary complexity.

Our team helps clients follow the “native first” principle by leveraging built-in HTML accessibility features and only applying ARIA where it adds real value. We also conduct thorough testing to ensure ARIA usage doesn’t confuse assistive technologies like screen readers.

What are the risks of using ARIA? 

When misused, it can do more harm than good by making interfaces less accessible. Incorrect roles or attributes can create misleading or redundant information for users relying on screen readers. Additionally, relying too heavily on ARIA instead of using semantic HTML can break expected keyboard interactions.

To mitigate these risks, our team applies best practices based on WAI-ARIA Authoring Guidelines and conducts web accessibility testing to ensure ARIA is used effectively.

What is the difference between WCAG and ARIA? 

WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) is a set of standards that outline how to make digital content accessible, while ARIA is a technical specification that helps developers implement those principles when native HTML falls short.

In essence, WCAG defines what needs to be accessible, and ARIA is one way to meet certain WCAG success criteria. However, using ARIA accessibility attributes doesn’t guarantee compliance. It’s only effective when used properly within a larger accessibility strategy or as part of VPAT accessibility documentation for vendors in regulated markets.

Where can I get expert help with ARIA web accessibility? 

Correct implementation of ARIA roles and attributes can significantly improve web accessibility, but only when used appropriately. At includeUs, we help businesses assess when and how to use ARIA to enhance accessibility without introducing unnecessary complexity. Our tools and expert guidance ensure that ARIA supports your compliance goals and aligns with WCAG and WAI best practices. Whether you’re developing new features or remediating existing ones, we make ARIA integration efficient, accurate, and standards-compliant.