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ARIA Roles vs Accessibility APIs

Developers should learn and use ARIA Roles when building complex, interactive web applications that rely on JavaScript or frameworks like React, where standard HTML elements lack the necessary semantic information for accessibility meets developers should learn and use accessibility apis to create inclusive applications that comply with legal requirements like the americans with disabilities act (ada) and web content accessibility guidelines (wcag). Here's our take.

🧊Nice Pick

ARIA Roles

Developers should learn and use ARIA Roles when building complex, interactive web applications that rely on JavaScript or frameworks like React, where standard HTML elements lack the necessary semantic information for accessibility

ARIA Roles

Nice Pick

Developers should learn and use ARIA Roles when building complex, interactive web applications that rely on JavaScript or frameworks like React, where standard HTML elements lack the necessary semantic information for accessibility

Pros

  • +For example, in custom widgets like tabs, modals, or drag-and-drop interfaces, ARIA Roles ensure that screen readers can accurately interpret and announce the functionality to users with visual impairments
  • +Related to: html-semantics, web-accessibility

Cons

  • -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Accessibility APIs

Developers should learn and use Accessibility APIs to create inclusive applications that comply with legal requirements like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)

Pros

  • +They are essential for building software that is accessible to users with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments, improving user experience and expanding market reach
  • +Related to: web-accessibility, aria

Cons

  • -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

Use ARIA Roles if: You want for example, in custom widgets like tabs, modals, or drag-and-drop interfaces, aria roles ensure that screen readers can accurately interpret and announce the functionality to users with visual impairments and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.

Use Accessibility APIs if: You prioritize they are essential for building software that is accessible to users with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments, improving user experience and expanding market reach over what ARIA Roles offers.

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The Bottom Line
ARIA Roles wins

Developers should learn and use ARIA Roles when building complex, interactive web applications that rely on JavaScript or frameworks like React, where standard HTML elements lack the necessary semantic information for accessibility

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