ARIA attributes

Definition:

ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) are extensions to HTML developed by the W3C's Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) to increase the accessibility of websites and web applications. They supplement native HTML elements when their semantic information is insufficient for assistive technologies.

Through roles, properties and states, ARIA attributes convey additional meanings that screen readers can output for blind or visually impaired people, for example. This allows even complex controls such as menus, widgets or interactive components to be described in an understandable way. In this way, they enable people with disabilities to access digital content inclusively.

Advantages:

• Improved user-friendliness: Make websites easier to use for people with disabilities.
• Removal of access barriers: Make content more understandable and accessible.
• Support for legal requirements: Help to comply with accessibility guidelines and laws (e.g. WCAG or BITV).
• Clear role and state description: Define what an element does (e.g. menu, button, dialogue) and what state it is in (active, disabled, expanded, etc.).

Application in OpenTalk:

At OpenTalk, we use ARIA attributes specifically to optimise the accessibility of our video conferencing solution. They help to precisely label interactive elements such as buttons, links and participant lists for screen readers and to communicate their function in an understandable way. Our platform was awarded the BITV 2.0 seal for accessible video conferencing in 2025 and thus meets all the requirements of the Accessible Information Technology Ordinance. The certification confirms our comprehensive screen reader compatibility, intuitive keyboard control and customisable contrast settings. ARIA attributes play a central role in making interaction with dynamic content accessible to all users and enabling fully inclusive digital communication.