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How can I improve the accessibility of custom form controls using ARIA roles?
Asked on Jan 22, 2026
Answer
Improving the accessibility of custom form controls using ARIA roles involves ensuring that assistive technologies can accurately interpret and interact with these controls. ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) roles and properties help bridge the gap between custom UI elements and standard HTML form controls by providing semantic meaning and interaction patterns.
Example Concept: ARIA roles and properties enhance the accessibility of custom form controls by defining their roles, states, and properties. For instance, using role="button" on a custom button element informs screen readers of its purpose. Additionally, ARIA attributes like aria-checked or aria-expanded communicate dynamic states, ensuring that users with disabilities can perceive and interact with the control as intended. It's important to use ARIA roles judiciously and only when native HTML elements cannot provide the necessary semantics.
Additional Comment:
- Use native HTML elements whenever possible, as they have built-in accessibility features.
- Ensure that ARIA roles and attributes are updated dynamically to reflect the current state of the control.
- Test custom controls with various screen readers to ensure proper interpretation and interaction.
- Refer to the ARIA Authoring Practices Guide for best practices and examples.
- Avoid overusing ARIA roles, as incorrect use can lead to accessibility issues.
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