ARIA

Abbreviation · Development

Definitions

  1. Accessible Rich Internet Applications — a set of HTML attributes that add semantic meaning to elements for assistive technologies. Roles (role='dialog'), states (aria-expanded='true'), and properties (aria-label) bridge the gap when native HTML semantics aren't sufficient. The first rule of ARIA: don't use ARIA if native HTML can do the job.

    In plain English: Extra HTML attributes that help screen readers and assistive tools understand custom interactive elements on a web page.

    Example: "Add aria-label to the icon-only button — without it, screen readers just announce 'button' with no indication of what it does."

Related Terms