Valid ARIA Attributes

All
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z

Valid ARIA Attributes are accessibility properties that are correctly matched to their element's role and purpose. Using unsupported or misspelled attributes means assistive tools simply ignore them, creating a false sense of accessibility. Always verify your ARIA attributes are valid for the role you are using.

Valid ARIA Attributes

Valid ARIA attributes are accessibility properties that exist in the ARIA specification and are correctly applied to elements whose roles support them. ARIA provides dozens of attributes — aria-label, aria-expanded, aria-required, aria-checked, and many more — each designed for specific roles and contexts. Using an attribute that does not exist (like a misspelling) or applying one to a role that does not support it means assistive technology silently ignores it. The developer thinks the element is accessible, but screen reader users get nothing. Valid ARIA means every attribute is real, spelled correctly, and used on an element where it actually does something.

Why It Matters

Invalid attributes are silently ignored. If you misspell aria-label as aria-lable or use aria-checked on an element that does not support it, nothing breaks visually. But screen readers ignore the invalid attribute entirely, and the accessibility improvement you thought you added does not exist.
It creates a false sense of accessibility. Developers see ARIA attributes in their code and assume the element is accessible. Without validation, there is no feedback that the attribute is invalid. The gap between intended and actual accessibility widens silently.
Context matters for ARIA. An attribute that is valid on one role may be invalid on another. aria-checked works on checkboxes and switches but not on buttons or links. Using the right attribute on the wrong element is just as ineffective as using a misspelled one.
It is a foundational accessibility requirement. Accessibility guidelines require that all ARIA attributes be valid for their context. Invalid ARIA fails accessibility reviews and can indicate deeper structural problems with how interactive elements are built.

How to Fix It

Check attribute names against the spec. Verify that every ARIA attribute you use exists in the WAI-ARIA specification. Common misspellings like aria-lable, aria-decribedby, or aria-labelled-by are invalid and do nothing.
Verify attributes match the element's role. Look up which attributes are supported for each role. A button supports aria-pressed and aria-expanded but not aria-checked. A textbox supports aria-required but not aria-selected.
Use automated validation tools. Accessibility linting tools and browser extensions can scan your page and flag invalid ARIA attributes instantly. Run these checks as part of your development workflow to catch mistakes before they reach production.
Prefer native HTML over ARIA when possible. A native <button> element does not need role="button" or most ARIA attributes — it comes with built-in accessibility. Using native elements reduces the chance of ARIA errors because there is less ARIA to get wrong.
Test with a screen reader. After fixing validation issues, verify with a screen reader that the attributes are producing the intended announcements. Valid attributes that are technically correct but semantically wrong still create confusing experiences.

Common Mistakes

Misspelling attribute names. ARIA attributes have specific, exact names. aria-labeledby is wrong — the correct form is aria-labelledby. These typos are easy to make and impossible to catch visually since the page looks and behaves normally.
Using deprecated or non-existent attributes. Inventing attributes like aria-description (which did not exist until recently and has limited support) or aria-tooltip (which does not exist) adds code that does nothing.
Applying attributes to the wrong role. Adding aria-selected="true" to a regular list item does nothing because the default list item role does not support selection. The element needs to have an appropriate role like option or tab first.
Assuming more ARIA is better. Piling on ARIA attributes without understanding which ones are valid and meaningful creates noise, not accessibility. Each attribute should have a clear purpose and be validated against its element's role.

Bottom Line: Verify every ARIA attribute is correctly spelled, exists in the specification, and is supported by the element's role. Use automated validation tools, prefer native HTML elements when possible, and test with a screen reader. Invalid ARIA is worse than no ARIA because it creates an illusion of accessibility that does not exist.

Hits - 225

Synonyms: ARIA Validation, Valid ARIA Props

What Does "Liquid Purple" mean?

noun | / LIK-wid PUR-pul /

(biochemistry) Also known as visual purple or rhodopsin — a light-sensitive receptor protein found in the rods of the retina. It enables vision in dim light by transforming invisible darkness into visible form. Derived from the Greek rhódon (rose) and ópsis (sight), its name reflects its delicate pink hue and vital role in perception.
(modern usage) Liquid Purple — a digital marketing agency specializing in uncovering unseen opportunities and illuminating brands hidden in the digital dark. Much like its biological namesake, Liquid Purple transforms faint signals into clear visibility — revealing what others overlook and bringing businesses into the light.

Origin: From the scientific term rhodopsin, discovered by Franz Christian Boll in 1876; adopted metaphorically by a marketing firm dedicated to visual clarity in the age of algorithms.

Client Login

Rooted in Southern California, Serving the World.
For over 20 years, Liquid Purple has been headquartered in the heart of Southern California, serving clients across Irvine, Newport Beach, Anaheim, and the greater Los Angeles area. While we are proud of our local roots, our digital reach extends far beyond our local area. We support businesses in major hubs like Denver, Dallas, New York, and Miami, as well as international clients. Our ability to operate across time zones means you can often wake up to completed tasks and progress updates—keeping your business moving while you sleep.

Glossary of Terms

Valid ARIA Attributes