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Pulseaccessibility

ARIA Attributes Match Element Roles

What This Audit Checks

This audit verifies that ARIA attributes are only used when their conditions are met for the given role. Some attributes are only valid on certain roles when specific conditions apply -- for example, aria-expanded is conditionally allowed on some roles but not others.

Why It Matters

Conditionally invalid ARIA attributes send confusing signals to assistive technologies. A screen reader might announce a state that the element cannot logically have, misleading users about how the interface works.

How to Fix It

  • Review the element's role and check which ARIA attributes are conditionally supported.
  • Remove attributes that don't apply to the current role or element type.
  • Use the correct role if the attribute is intentional. Match the role to the behavior you want to communicate.
  • Test with a screen reader to verify the element announces correctly after your fix.
<!-- Bad: aria-expanded may not be valid on this role -->
<div role="separator" aria-expanded="true">...</div>

<!-- Good: use a role that supports expansion -->
<div role="button" aria-expanded="true">Toggle section</div>

How Pulse Tracks This

Pulse flags this audit in your Lighthouse accessibility score. When the audit fails, Pulse shows which elements triggered it so you can fix them directly.

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