Code Fix Guide

How to Fix ARIA Attribute Errors

ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes are meant to improve accessibility, but incorrect usage can actually make things worse. The first rule of ARIA is: don't use ARIA if you can use a native HTML element instead.

Common Errors and How to Fix Them

Using ARIA when a native element works

Problem

<div role="button" aria-label="Submit">
  Submit
</div>

Fix

<button>Submit</button>

Hiding interactive elements from screen readers

Problem

<div aria-hidden="true">
  <button>Important action</button>
</div>

Fix

<div>
  <button>Important action</button>
</div>

Conflicting ARIA labels

Problem

<input aria-label="Name" aria-labelledby="name-label">
<label id="name-label">Full Name</label>

Fix

<label for="name">Full Name</label>
<input id="name" name="name">

Using role="menu" for navigation (menu is for app menus)

Problem

<ul role="menu">
  <li>Home</li>
  <li>About</li>
</ul>

Fix

<nav aria-label="Main navigation">
  <ul>
    <li><a href="/">Home</a></li>
    <li><a href="/about">About</a></li>
  </ul>
</nav>

Why This Matters

Incorrect ARIA violates WCAG 4.1.2 (Name, Role, Value) and can create a worse experience than no ARIA at all. Screen readers trust ARIA attributes — if you set role="button" on a div but don't add keyboard handling, screen readers will announce it as a button that doesn't work.

Related WCAG Criteria

1.3.1Info and Relationships

Level A — Perceivable

4.1.2Name, Role, Value

Level A — Robust

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