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Alternative Text

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

WCAG 2.0 Guideline 1.1.1 Links to an external site.

Overview

Download the Download unremediated Accessibility Quick Start Guide - Alt Text

 prior to starting this module.

All photos and graphic images that are “essential” to understanding the content of a course page or document MUST be assigned an alternative text. Identify the "content" and/or "function" of the image.

Best Practices

  • The distinction between "essential" and decorative design elements varies, depending if 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • There will always be differences in alternative text depending on the context of the image. For example, a photo of the UC Berkeley Campanile should be described differently when used in an architecture course versus a page offering campus directions.
  • If the content or function of a photo or image is properly described in the adjacent text or paragraphs, there is no need to include alternative text.

Print View

  1. Select View from the Ribbon
  2. Select "Print Layout"From the View tab on the Ribbon, select Print Layout

 

Decorative Image

  1. Right click on the image located beneath the Heading 2 labeled as "Alternative Text"
  2. Select "Edit Alt Text..."Right-click on the first image then select Edit Alt Text...
  3. Click the checkbox next to "Mark as decorative." This indicates the image is decorative.Check the box next to the Mark as Decorative option

Non-Decorative Image

  1. Right click on the image above the Heading 2 labeled "Links".
  2. Select "Format Picture"
  3. Enter alternative text in the "Description" field.Right click on the second image in the document and select Edit Alt Text... Enter the alternative description in the appropriate field.

Reading Check

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Reading Check