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Re: Web development; How to identify if a screen reader is in use

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From: Jonathan Avila
Date: May 11, 2017 10:08AM

> Is it possible in web site development to identify if a screen reader is in use by the end user?
Similar to how different browsers are identified and can be interpreted in code based on browser.

John, the short answer is yes, with limitations on not knowing the specific version or model of screen reader. There are particular markers and behaviors that can be detected programmatically by JavaScript to tell if a user is likely to be using a screen reader, zoom, high contrast, keyboard-only mouse, etc. just as there are some methods of detecting touch screen as well. I'm aware that there are limitations in the approaches for touch screen detection and it's important to keep in mind that touch screens can be on larger devices and users can switch between modalities as well.

One of the WebAIM screen reader surveys asked about concerns that users may have around this topic. While there is some concern that users don't want to be tracked based on their assistive technology the majority felt that if it could improve the accessibility of their experience that some sort of detection could in theory be beneficial. Knowing that users with assistive technology and accessibility features visit a site can be compelling evidence that indeed people with disabilities are using your site and here is the location that they leave your site after this length of time can help organizations to address accessibility issues and create more accessible sites.

Applying accessibility analytic information like this provided by SSB's Access Analytics is one recent strategy to provide organizations with real-time tools to understand their customer's needs.

Jonathan

Jonathan Avila
Chief Accessibility Officer
SSB BART Group 
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703.637.8957 (Office)
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