ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications)
ARIA is a W3C specification of HTML attributes (`role`, `aria-label`, `aria-expanded`, etc.) that describe the structure and state of UI components for assistive technology.
Detailed explanation
WAI-ARIA fills gaps in native HTML semantics. Where a custom UI control like a tab panel, modal dialog, or autocomplete combobox cannot be expressed with built-in HTML elements, ARIA attributes let you describe the role, state, and properties of the control so screen readers announce it correctly.
The first rule of ARIA is "don't use ARIA" — prefer native HTML elements (`<button>`, `<dialog>`, `<select>`) because they bring built-in semantics, keyboard behavior, and assistive-tech support for free. ARIA is for when native elements cannot express the pattern.
Common attributes: `role="button"` redefines an element as a button, `aria-label` provides an accessible name, `aria-expanded="true|false"` describes whether a disclosure is open, `aria-current="page"` marks the current item in a navigation list.
How this applies to Shopify stores
Shopify themes ship with custom dropdowns, mega-menus, cart drawers, and product accordions that all need correct ARIA. AccessComply detects missing roles and attributes and writes the fixes directly into Liquid templates.
Primary source: w3.org