DOM attributes specified by WAI-ARIA are classified into roles, states, and properties. Screen readers respond to these events and describe the function of the control. To add WAI-ARIA support to custom controls, the DOM elements of an extension will need to be modified to include attributes Chrome uses to raise events during user interaction. These attributes provide information to the screen reader about the function and current state of controls on a web page.
The Web Accessibility Initiative - Accessible Rich Internet Applications, WAI-ARIA, is a specification for making UI controls accessible to screen readers through a standard set of DOM attributes. Standard HTML controls are keyboard accessible, scale easily and are generally understood by screen readers. Whenever possible, use standard HTML UI controls. If an extension requires a custom control, it is much easier to make a custom control accessible from the beginning than to go back an add accessibility support later. The easiest way to create an accessible UI is to use a standard HTML control. If users can't access the user interface controls, they are unable to use an extension. While it is impossible to predict what tools people will use to access an extension, there are steps any developer can take to make an extension as accessible as possible. Some users have a standard monitor, keyboard and mouse - or they may depend on a screen magnifier and possibly a screen reader. People may interact with an extension in a variety of ways. Captions and transcripts are essential to deaf users, but also help language learners. Vision impaired, low dexterity and power users all benefit from keyboard shortcuts. Extensions should include accessibility components that encourage an inclusive user base by enabling people with visual impairments, hearing loss, limited dexterity, and other disabilities to access the extension.Įveryone, not just users with special needs, can benefit from accessibility features.
Extensions empower users to create their ideal browsing experience, tailored to an individual's abilities and preferences.