What is the first element that a screen reader typically announces when a page is loaded?

A screen reader typically announces the page title first when a page is loaded because the title provides a concise description of the content that follows. The page title is defined within the HTML document in the <title> element, and it is an essential piece of information that helps users understand the purpose and context of the page before they navigate deeper into the content.

The page title is crucial for accessibility since it gives users a quick overview of what to expect. This is especially important for users who navigate using screen readers, as it helps them orient themselves within their browsing experience. By starting with the title, screen readers facilitate an efficient and structured understanding of the webpage.

In contrast, other elements such as the page description, main content, or footer information may provide additional context or details, but they are typically not the first announcement made by the screen reader upon loading a page. These elements serve different roles in the overall structure of the webpage and do not provide the immediate, high-level overview that the title offers.