diff --git a/src/sql/workbench/browser/modal/modal.ts b/src/sql/workbench/browser/modal/modal.ts
index fcaf2cce11..a7b2c6cfdd 100644
--- a/src/sql/workbench/browser/modal/modal.ts
+++ b/src/sql/workbench/browser/modal/modal.ts
@@ -193,7 +193,7 @@ export abstract class Modal extends Disposable implements IThemable {
 		}
 
 		if (!this._modalOptions.isAngular && this._modalOptions.hasErrors) {
-			this._messageElement = DOM.$('.dialog-message.error');
+			this._messageElement = DOM.$('.dialog-message.error', { role: 'alert' });
 			const headerContainer = DOM.append(this._messageElement, DOM.$('.dialog-message-header'));
 			this._messageIcon = DOM.append(headerContainer, DOM.$('.dialog-message-icon'));
 			this._messageSeverity = DOM.append(headerContainer, DOM.$('.dialog-message-severity'));