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Advanced web accessibility: ARIA explained

Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) often seems like dark magic that's hard to grasp. But it doesn't have to be! Think of ARIA as a helpful assistant that makes your website work better for people using screen readers and other assistive tools.

ARIA is a powerful toolset for building accessible web experiences, but many developers struggle to use it effectively. This course provides a hands-on approach to mastering ARIA and creating websites that work for everyone.

This hands-on course breaks down ARIA into bite-sized, practical lessons. You’ll learn:

  • How to choose and implement the right ARIA attributes ( aria-label, aria-hidden, aria-labelledby, and aria-describedby).
  • Ways to make dynamic content and user interactions accessible.
  • Techniques for building accessible forms with clear feedback.
  • Tips for testing your ARIA implementation with screen readers.
  • Best practices for using ARIA roles and properties effectively.

You’ll get plenty of real-world examples and hands-on practice. By the end, you’ll understand how screen readers interpret your code and know exactly when (and when not) to use ARIA.

Ready to make your websites more accessible? Join us and learn the skills that will set your work apart.

Why do you need an ARIA course?

ARIA labels make your website make sense to screen reader users. Without proper labels, buttons might just say “click here”, and images might be completely missed. With ARIA, you can give every element a clear purpose.

For example, you’ll learn to:

  • Build properly labelled navigation menus.
  • Create accessible modals and popups.
  • Make forms that guide users clearly.
  • Add helpful descriptions to complex widgets.
  • Fix common labelling problems.

You’ll see real examples of both good and bad ARIA usage and learn exactly when to use aria-label versus aria-labelledby. No more guesswork – just clear, practical solutions.

Who is it for?

This course helps:

  • Front-end developers who want to level up their accessibility skills. Perfect for those who know HTML and CSS but want to make their interactive elements work better for everyone.
  • UX designers creating complex interfaces. Learn how to plan accessible components and communicate requirements clearly to developers.
  • Quality assurance testers checking for accessibility compliance. Understand how ARIA should work so you can spot and report issues accurately.
  • Content creators who work with Content Management Systems (CMS). Get the knowledge you need to request proper ARIA labels and descriptions for your content.

Remember that this is not a course for beginners – you will need a programming background. This course is best for developers looking to deepen their knowledge and gain some practical skills they can use straight away.

 

What you'll learn about ARIA

  • 7. Main takeaways

Who are we?

The A11Y Collective is all about making web accessibility approachable and achievable. We’re a dedicated team of accessibility experts who combine years of knowledge and experience to create practical, easy-to-follow courses. Whether you’re a designer, developer, or content creator, we’re here to give you the tools and confidence to make the web more inclusive.

In addition to our courses, we also offer a professional audit service for businesses seeking high-quality accessibility analysis. This helps you pinpoint issues on your website and take actionable steps towards a more user-friendly experience for everyone.

Meet your trainer

Rian Rietveld

Rian Rietveld is an authority in web accessibility. As an IAAP Certified Professional, she has audited and improved accessibility for numerous organisations. For many years, she has shared her expertise through training sessions with developers, website owners, and content creators. Her hands-on experience and practical teaching approach ensure you'll learn real-world solutions you can apply straight away.

Reviews

5
1 review
  • Dominic Bärtschi gave 5 out of 5 stars

    The masterclass was very insightful and full of real life examples, which brings across a highly technical topic very comprehensible. Also, Rian's experience and expertise in this field is remarkable.

95
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