ARIA Roles
ARIA Roles are special labels added to website elements that help make websites more accessible to people who use screen readers or other assistive technologies. Think of them as invisible signs that tell tools how to properly describe website parts to users with disabilities. For example, they help identify if something is a button, menu, or form field. This is part of making websites accessible to everyone, which is often called "web accessibility" or "a11y". It's similar to adding proper signs and ramps to a physical building to make it accessible to everyone.
Examples in Resumes
Implemented ARIA Roles and accessibility features across company website
Enhanced user experience by properly implementing ARIA landmarks and ARIA Roles
Audited and updated website components with appropriate ARIA Roles for ADA compliance
Typical job title: "Web Accessibility Specialists"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Web Accessibility Specialists
Online Communities
Professional Resources
Job Boards
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you implement ARIA roles in a complex web application?
Expected Answer: A senior developer should explain how they would audit the application, create an accessibility strategy, implement proper roles systematically, and ensure testing with actual screen readers and assistive technologies.
Q: How do you balance accessibility requirements with modern web development practices?
Expected Answer: Should discuss integrating ARIA roles into component libraries, maintaining accessibility during dynamic content updates, and ensuring accessibility doesn't compromise user experience for any users.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What are the most common ARIA roles and when do you use them?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain basic roles like navigation, button, alert, and form elements, and describe appropriate usage scenarios for each.
Q: How do you test if ARIA roles are implemented correctly?
Expected Answer: Should mention using screen readers, accessibility testing tools, and manual testing procedures to verify proper implementation.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is the purpose of ARIA roles?
Expected Answer: Should explain that ARIA roles help make websites accessible to people using screen readers by providing clear labels and descriptions of website elements.
Q: Can you give examples of basic ARIA roles?
Expected Answer: Should be able to list common roles like button, link, and heading, and explain their basic purpose in making content accessible.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of web accessibility
- Knowledge of common ARIA roles
- Basic HTML and semantic markup
- Simple accessibility testing
Mid (2-4 years)
- Implementation of complex ARIA patterns
- Screen reader testing experience
- Accessibility audit capabilities
- Understanding of WCAG guidelines
Senior (4+ years)
- Advanced accessibility implementation
- Team accessibility training
- Complex application accessibility architecture
- Accessibility compliance expertise
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of basic accessibility principles
- Unfamiliarity with screen readers
- No experience with accessibility testing
- Lack of understanding about disability access needs
- No knowledge of WCAG guidelines
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