Aria Roles
Serious - WCAG Level AA
This accessibility issue arises when elements in your HTML markup use the role attribute with invalid or inappropriate values. The ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) specification defines a set of roles that convey meaning about the purpose of an element to assistive technologies like screen readers. Using an invalid role can lead to confusion for users relying on these technologies, as they may not receive the correct context or functionality of the element.
For users with disabilities, particularly those who rely on screen readers, the role of an element is crucial for understanding how to interact with it. An invalid role can mislead users, causing them to miss important information or functionality. For example, if a button is marked with a role that suggests it is a link, a screen reader user may attempt to navigate it as a link, leading to a frustrating experience.
How to Fix It:
Identify Invalid Roles: Review your HTML for any elements that have a
roleattribute. Check the value against the ARIA specification to ensure it is valid.Replace Invalid Roles: If you find any invalid roles, replace them with valid ones that accurately describe the element's purpose. Use the WAI-ARIA Roles Model as a reference.
Test with Assistive Technologies: After making changes, test your site with screen readers (like NVDA or JAWS) to ensure that the roles are being interpreted correctly.
Best Practices:
Use semantic HTML elements whenever possible (e.g.,
<button>,<nav>,<header>) instead of relying solely on ARIA roles. This reduces the need for roles and improves accessibility.Keep your ARIA roles up to date with the latest specifications, as they may evolve over time.
Common Mistakes:
Using roles that do not match the element's function (e.g., using
role="button"on a<div>that does not behave like a button).Overusing ARIA roles when native HTML elements can suffice, which can lead to unnecessary complexity and potential conflicts with assistive technologies.