Common ARIA Mistakes Impacting Accessibility

Discover how ATAG accessibility solutions from User1st can help you avoid common ARIA mistakes and ensure compliance with the European Accessibility Act.

Introduction

ARIA, short for Accessible Rich Internet Applications, was designed to help make digital content more usable for people who depend on assistive technologies like screen readers or voice controls. When used properly, ARIA roles and attributes help bridge the gap between what’s visually seen on a screen and what’s interpreted by assistive devices. They provide extra cues about how an element behaves, giving people with disabilities a clearer sense of structure and purpose on a page.

But ARIA can cause more harm than good when it’s used incorrectly. A common mistake developers make is treating ARIA as a shortcut to fix accessibility gaps instead of building accessible content from the foundation. Misused ARIA roles or overloaded attributes can quietly break the experience for users relying on screen readers or keyboard navigation. These missteps also create problems with compliance under laws like the European Accessibility Act (EAA), which mandates digital access for all users in the EU.

Common ARIA Usage Mistakes That Cause Breakdowns

ARIA works based on strict rules, and failing to follow them can interfere with assistive technologies. Simply adding ARIA does not automatically make a site accessible. In fact, incorrect application of roles and attributes can result in users receiving no information or, worse, the wrong information.

One common mistake is applying roles that don’t reflect how an element behaves. For example, giving a div a “button” role without adding keyboard controls means the user sees a button-like element but can’t interact with it. This leads to a frustrating dead end for users who navigate without a mouse.

Another frequent issue is the overuse of ARIA attributes. Overloading elements with roles and properties creates unnecessary noise that confuses screen readers. Some typical examples include:

– Using multiple landmarks on a page with no separation

– Hiding interactive elements using “aria-hidden=true”

– Improperly nesting semantic roles like “region” or “complementary”

– Applying roles to standard text elements without interactivity

These errors disrupt how users with disabilities understand and use the interface, and they can lead to non-compliance with the EAA.

To create content that works for everyone, developers should start with semantic HTML. ARIA should only be added when no native HTML solution exists. This results in a cleaner, more usable experience for all users, including those using assistive tech.

Ensuring Compliance With the European Accessibility Act

Getting ARIA right is no longer optional—it’s a legal requirement in regions covered by the EAA. The act requires that digital products and services be accessible to people with disabilities. Failing to meet these standards can lead to legal risk, limits on product reach, and poor user experiences.

To meet EAA guidelines, development teams should:

– Begin with semantic HTML and basic accessibility techniques

– Review how ARIA is used in connection with actual user behavior

– Test features using screen readers and keyboard-only navigation

– Avoid deprecated roles or stacking multiple roles unnecessarily

– Perform manual code reviews and automated scans throughout development

Automated tools may not catch everything. Manual audits help ensure ARIA roles function as intended. This kind of testing—including screen reader behavior and keyboard focus validation—can identify ARIA-specific issues early and minimize the risk of falling short on compliance.

The EAA applies across EU member states, so any digital product targeting consumers in Europe must prioritize accessibility. Developers working on enterprise-level platforms, especially in sectors like healthcare and finance, need to be careful with code generated by frameworks or third-party tools, which often introduce hidden accessibility failures.

Using Developer Tools to Fix ARIA Issues

The best way to avoid ARIA problems is by using developer tools that identify mistakes as you code. A reliable ARIA validation tool not only flags issues but also explains why they matter and how to fix them. This guidance helps developers learn on the job and build accessibility into their everyday process.

User1st offers a free accessibility checker that does exactly this. Developers can submit their code and get immediate feedback on common issues like:

– Inappropriate use of ARIA where native HTML works better

– Missing focus indicators for devices that don’t use a mouse

– Unlabeled regional roles or navigation sections

– Incorrect use of live regions or alert roles

Tools like these help reduce repetitive bugs. Rather than waiting for QA to catch issues late in the process, developers can fix problems early when code is still fresh. User1st has also shared insights on its social channels about common developer slip-ups and offers real-world examples to help improve awareness.

In high-risk industries or public-facing apps, catching ARIA issues before deployment can prevent compliance failures and improve usability. Tools that streamline this process make it easier to meet regulatory goals without extra overhead.

Making Digital Content Work for Everyone

Correct ARIA usage plays a huge role in building inclusive digital platforms. When roles and attributes are misused, they confuse or block screen reader users and create friction during compliance testing. Under laws like the EAA, these mistakes can have legal and financial consequences.

The solution lies in going back to basics. Use semantic HTML by default, and apply ARIA only when necessary. Always test your site with real assistive technologies like NVDA or VoiceOver to confirm behavior. These small steps help bridge the experience gap without overengineering the code.

No team builds perfect accessibility from day one. Progress happens through awareness, training, and the right feedback tools. For digital products targeting the EU or prioritizing inclusion, smart use of ARIA is part of what makes those experiences usable and legal.

As global standards like the EAA continue to evolve, ARIA best practices will shape how companies approach development. Making accessibility a habit rather than an afterthought could be what sets your digital products apart.
To ensure that your digital platform not only meets legal requirements but also provides a seamless experience for every user, consider the value of effective accessibility solutions. Understanding and implementing ATAG accessibility is a critical step in this journey. User1st offers comprehensive tools and resources tailored to help businesses create inclusive web experiences. Explore the benefits of these solutions and empower your team to become proficient in digital accessibility. By investing in these practices, you’re not just complying with regulations you’re creating a better web and mobile experience for everyone.