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

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From: Scott Brackett
Date: May 11, 2017 12:16PM

So in terms of creating a better experience, what is the way forward then?
Is the idea to use an"opt in" model, like a button to request the mobile/
linearized version of the site, rather than making that decision for the
user?

Scott Brackett
Programmer for Short-Term Programs
Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired

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On Thu, May 11, 2017 at 12:55 PM, Jonathan Avila < <EMAIL REMOVED>
> wrote:

> I'll say that many clients tell us that 90% of their users are using
> Chrome and thus they only care about Chrome and we shouldn't test their
> content with any other browser. Having metrics about browser usage from a
> client site is compelling to tell them that the browser used by the general
> public may not be the browser that is used by most people using assistive
> technology. The WebAIM screen reader survey is helpful but having other
> metrics to back that up is important. So when I speak to analytic
> information I'm by no means referring only to screen reader users or
> implying that an alternative version of anything should be shown to the
> user. As I mentioned many sites today use high contrast detect and also
> reflow content based on zoom level. Adapting the same content for
> responsive sites is a prime example of how this can benefit users with
> disabilities. Responsive sites allow for linearization and increased sized
> of text benefiting users with disabilities. Knowing that people are
> viewing responsive sites helps to convince clients that they should invest
> in responsive sites.
>
> As you point out people who are not blind use screen readers and different
> interfaces. People who don't have dexterity challenges also use Dragon.
> So I see this not about detecting disability but about knowing how the user
> wants to interact with your site -- whether it be their voice, keyboard, or
> a touch screen.
>
> Jonathan
>
> Jonathan Avila
> Chief Accessibility Officer
> SSB BART Group
> <EMAIL REMOVED>
> 703.637.8957 (Office)
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