Can web content be customized for screen reader users by detecting the type of screen reader they are using?

Detecting the type of screen reader a user is utilizing to customize web content is not a practice supported by web accessibility standards. The main reason this is correct is that doing so can lead to various issues related to user privacy, accessibility, and the overall user experience. Screen reader identification often requires specific scripts or technologies that may collect data about users, potentially compromising their privacy. Furthermore, each user's experience with a screen reader is highly personal and can depend on their individual preferences, including settings like speech rate, verbosity, and voice selection. Customizing content based on the type of screen reader could inadvertently overlook these individual preferences, resulting in a less accessible experience.

Moreover, web accessibility best practices emphasize providing content that is broadly usable and compliant with established guidelines, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These guidelines advocate for building sites that are usable regardless of the assistive technology employed. Therefore, the emphasis is on creating a consistent, compatible experience rather than tailoring content to specific technologies based on detection. This approach promotes inclusivity and ensures that all users, regardless of their screen reader or preferences, can access the information effectively.