Alternative Text Summary

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Screen readers access the alternative text of images and allow the image's content and/or function to be read aloud. Alternative text is displayed in browsers instead of images if an image file is not loaded or the user has chosen not to view images.

Overview

Although blind and visually impaired learners may not see embedded images in bCourses, content creators should include alternative text that assistive technologies can read aloud. Properly using the Alternative Text field ensures blind and visually impaired learners have equal access to course content. Play the following video tutorial to learn more about how to add alternative text using Ally in bCourses.

Ally in bCourses Alternative Text Tutorial with transcript

Best Practices

All photos and graphic images that are “essential” to understanding the content of a course page or document MUST be assigned an alternative text.
Be succinct. This means the correct content (if there is content) and function of the image (if there is a function) should be presented as concisely as possible. Typically, no more than a few words are necessary, though a short sentence or two may be appropriate.
Decorative images are design elements that enhance a document's tone and visual consistency but do not convey meaning essential to understanding content. These include repetitions of a logo, clip art, and graphics used for design purposes only. Decorative images need alternative text but the alternative text can be “nulled” (alt="" best for webpages) or a blank space (alt=" " best for Microsoft Office).
DO NOT use the phrases "image of..." or "graphic of..." to describe the image. It is usually apparent to screen reader users that it is an image.
If the content or function of a photo or image is correctly described in the adjacent text or paragraphs, the alternative text can be nulled.
The distinction between "essential" and decorative design elements varies, depending on whether you are a subject matter expert, a content provider, or an Instructional Designer. Subject matter experts are positioned best to describe the relevance of a photo or a graphic.
Avoid using images with text. If you must have an image with text, ensure all the information in the image is also provided in the body of the text. The only exceptions are logos of an organization name. Providing the name in the logo's alternative text is sufficient.

Reading Check

You can use the Reading Check link below to view questions related to this workshop.

Reading Check

Sources

The Diagram Center: POET Training Tool
Jukka Korperla
How to Design Great Alt Text: An Introduction (Deque)
Penn State Accessibility
Berkeley Digital Accessibility: Images
WCAG 2.0 A Guideline 1.1.1
WebAIM