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Doctypes: any implications on screen readers?

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From: Ney André de Mello Zunino
Date: Apr 26, 2011 12:27PM

Hello.

I would like to know whether the different HTML doctypes (transitional,
strict and frameset) or the lack thereof (leading to quirks rendering
mode) have any impact on the way screen readers work; JAWS, in particular.

As far as I understand, doctypes are mostly related to allowing the
validation of document instances and to triggering different rendering
modes on Web browsers. Since, as far as I understand, the majority of
screen readers rely on DOM trees and not rendered output, I would assume
the impact would be minimal or negligible.

I would be thankful if anybody could elaborate on this subject. Insights
based on practical experience with JAWS or other screen readers would be
particularly useful.

Thank you,

--
Ney André de Mello Zunino