Which HTML element is recommended as the header of a page for accessibility?

The <header> element is the recommended choice for the header of a page in terms of accessibility because it is semantically meaningful and provides structure to the document. This element is specifically designed to contain introductory content or navigational links, and it is often used to identify the top part of a webpage.

When screen readers encounter the <header> element, they can announce it as a specific landmark, allowing users to quickly navigate to it. This enhances users' ability to understand the layout and structure of the page, making it easier for them to find important information, such as the title, logo, or primary navigation.

In contrast, the <nav> element is intended specifically for navigation links, which does not encompass all content typically found in a header. The <main> element denotes the main content area of the page and is separate from the header, while the <footer> element is meant for content that appears at the bottom of the page, such as copyright information and related links. Using the <header> element correctly ensures that the page is not only structured but also accessible to users utilizing assistive technologies, thus aligning with best practices for web accessibility.