Widget Role

A property that identifies the type and purpose of a user interface element to assistive technologies. Widget roles communicate what a component is (such as a button, checkbox, slider, or tab) so that screen readers and other assistive tools can announce the element correctly and convey the expected interaction pattern to the user. In HTML, native elements carry implicit roles, while ARIA roles can be assigned to custom elements. In technologies like Flash, widget roles were exposed through accessibility APIs such as MSAA. Correct role assignment is essential for accessibility because it enables users of assistive technology to understand what an element does and how to interact with it.