Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) is a W3C specification designed to enhance web accessibility by defining roles and attributes that modify HTML elements' semantics to better support assistive technologies. While semantic HTML elements inherently possess roles that inform screen readers, ARIA becomes essential when dealing with complex web components like live content updates or error messages, which exceed HTML's native capabilities. ARIA roles and attributes, such as `aria-label` or `aria-checked`, allow developers to specify the purpose and interaction states of elements, thereby improving the accessibility tree created by browsers. However, the use of ARIA should be cautious, as improper implementation can override native semantics and result in accessibility issues. Developers are encouraged to use native HTML elements where possible, test authored ARIA using tools like screen readers and accessibility toolkits, and reference comprehensive guides for building accessible components, recognizing that ARIA's support may vary across different browsers and assistive technologies.