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Introduction to Alt Text and
Accessibility
Digital Accessibility Community of Practice
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 1
Much more
material available
in the slide deck.
Let’s start with some polls
• Do you know what alt
text is?
• Do you know how to add
alt text in the essential
tools for your role?
• Rate your competence in
writing effective alt text.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 2
What is alt text?
• Abbreviation of 'alternative text'.
• Alt text is the written copy that appears in place of an
image on a webpage.
• The 2019 WebAIM Million analysis found that missing
alt-text was the second most common accessibility
failing. So why, given its importance, is alt-text often
so badly implemented?
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 3
What is alt text? (2)
• Abbreviation of 'alternative text'.
• Alt text is the written copy that appears in place of an
image on a webpage.
• The 2019 WebAIM Million analysis found that missing
alt-text was the second most common accessibility
failing. So why, given its importance, is alt-text often
so badly implemented?
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 4
What is alt text? (3)
• Abbreviation of 'alternative text'.
• Alt text is the written copy that appears in place of an
image on a webpage.
• The 2019 WebAIM Million analysis found that missing
alt-text was the second most common accessibility
failing.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 5
What is alt text used for? (1)
There are three main uses:
1. to enhance accessibility for users of screen readers.
2. Alt text will be displayed in place of an image if an
image file cannot be loaded.
3. Alt text provides better image context/descriptions
to search engine crawlers, helping them to index an
image properly. (SEO)
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 6
What is alt text used for? (2)
There are three main uses:
1. to enhance accessibility for users of screen readers.
2. in place of an image if an image file cannot be
loaded or is not wanted.
3. Alt text provides better image context/descriptions
to search engine crawlers, helping them to index an
image properly. (SEO)
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 7
Example where images are not shown
Chrome browser
Lynx browser
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/student-life/campuses/highfield
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 8
What is alt text used for? (3)
There are three main uses:
1. to enhance accessibility for users of screen readers.
2. in place of an image if an image file cannot be
loaded or is not wanted.
3. for search engine crawlers, helping them to index
an image properly. (SEO)
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 9
What recommendations are there?
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines require text
alternatives for any non-text content so that it can be
changed into other forms people need, such as large
print, braille, speech, symbols or simpler language.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 10
Success Criterion 1.1.1 (1)
(Level A)
All non-text content that is
presented to the user has
a text alternative that
serves the equivalent
purpose, except for...
•Controls, Input
•Time-Based Media
•Tests
•Sensory content
•Captcha
•Decoration, Formatting,
Invisible
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 11
https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/#non-text-content
Success Criterion 1.1.1 (but) (1)
For all of these, accessible
alternatives are still
required.
The following hidden
slides have more
information.
•Controls, Input
•Time-Based Media
•Tests
•Sensory content
•Captcha
•Decoration, Formatting,
Invisible
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 12
https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/#non-text-content
Success Criterion 1.1.1
(Level A)
All non-text content that is
presented to the user has
a text alternative that serves
the equivalent purpose,
except for...
Controls, Input
If non-text content is a
control or accepts user input,
then it has a name that
describes its purpose. (Refer
to Success Criterion 4.1.2 for
additional requirements for
controls and content that
accepts user input.)
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 13
https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/#non-text-content
Success Criterion 1.1.1 Controls, Input
If non-text content is a
control or accepts user
input, then it has a name
that describes its purpose.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 14
https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/#non-text-content
More developer resources at the end of the slide
deck
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 15
Success Criterion 1.1.1: Time-Based Media
(Level A)
All non-text content that is
presented to the user has
a text alternative that serves
the equivalent purpose,
except for...
Time-Based Media
If non-text content is time-
based media, then text
alternatives at least provide
descriptive identification of
the non-text content. (Refer
to Guideline 1.2 for
additional requirements for
media.)
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 16
Success Criterion 1.1.1 - Tests
(Level A)
All non-text content that is
presented to the user has
a text alternative that
serves the equivalent
purpose, except for...
Test
If non-text content is a test
or exercise that would be
invalid if presented in text,
then text alternatives at
least provide descriptive
identification of the non-
text content.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 17
Success Criterion 1.1.1 - Sensory Content
(Level A)
All non-text content that is
presented to the user has
a text alternative that
serves the equivalent
purpose, except for...
Sensory
If non-text content is
primarily intended to
create a specific sensory
experience, then text
alternatives at least
provide descriptive
identification of the non-
text content.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 18
Success Criterion 1.1.1 - Captcha
(Level A)
All non-text content that is
presented to the user has
a text alternative that serves
the equivalent purpose,
except for...
Captcha
…text alternatives that
identify and describe the
purpose of the non-text
content are provided, and
alternative forms of
CAPTCHA using output
modes for different types of
sensory perception are
provided …
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 19
Success Criterion 1.1.1 - Decoration, Formatting,
Invisible
(Level A)
All non-text content that is
presented to the user has
a text alternative that
serves the equivalent
purpose, except for...
Decoration, Formatting,
Invisible
If non-text content is pure
decoration, is used only
for visual formatting, or is
not presented to users,
then it is implemented in a
way that it can be ignored
by assistive technology.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 20
Can I avoid using alt text? (1)
• Decorative images can be marked as such and
therefore do not need alt text.
• These could be included as background CSS images.
• Consider whether they are ‘repetitive clutter’.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 21
In Office tick
“mark as decorative”
In HTML use alt="" You still have to
do “something”.
Can I avoid using alt text? (2)
• Decorative images can be marked as such and
therefore do not need alt text.
• In web sites, these could be included as background CSS
images, particularly if they are on every page.
• Consider whether they are ‘repetitive clutter’.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 22
Can I avoid using alt text?
• Decorative images can be marked as such and
therefore do not need alt text.
• In web sites, these could be included as background CSS
images particularly if they are on every page.
• Consider whether they are ‘repetitive clutter’.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 23
Writing alt text
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 24
It’s not easy, nor “black and white”
No alt text Has alt text
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 25
Appropriate
alt text
Levels of alt text
No alt text.
Has alt text
/ marked as
decorative.
Appropriate
alt text.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 26
Writing alternative text - strategies
"If I could not use an image, what text would I put in its
place?"
“If I were describing the image over the phone to
someone, what would I say?”
https://webaim.org/techniques/alttext/
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 27
Writing alternative text, another analogy (2)
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 28
‘Knightmare’ tv-
series.
‘Zork’ text adventure
game (1980)
Writing alternative text, another tip (2)
https://veroniiiica.com/2021/02/11/seven-myths-about-alt-text/
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 29
Imagine bringing up the image in
conversation: what details should be
mentioned so that someone who isn’t
looking at the image can still understand
it?
A note on Breakout activities
• We’ll share a PowerPoint
file.
• Use the notes section of
the file.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 30
A note on Breakout activities (2)
• We’ll share a PowerPoint
file.
• Use the notes section of
the file.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 31
Breakout slides:
https://go.soton.ac.uk/dkd
A note on Breakout activities (3)
• We’ll share a PowerPoint
file.
• Use the notes section of
the file.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 32
Breakout slides:
https://go.soton.ac.uk/dkd
A note on Breakout activities (5)
• Find your group’s section
in the notes and fill in the
answers you agree upon.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 33
Breakout slides:
https://go.soton.ac.uk/dkd
What’s the difference between captions and
alternative text?
• Captions give a general
idea of what the image is
about, but they do not
describe it in detail. May
include an image
attribution or a title.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 34
Breakout slides:
https://go.soton.ac.uk/dkd
What’s the difference between captions and
alternative text?
• Captions give a general
idea of what the image is
about, but they do not
describe it in detail. May
include an image
attribution or a title.
•Alt text describes exactly
what can be seen in an
image.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 35
Breakout slides:
https://go.soton.ac.uk/dkd
Break out activity 1
• Using your creativity,
write a caption for this
graph.
• Write some alt text for
this graph.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 36
Breakout slides:
https://go.soton.ac.uk/dkd
What’s the difference between a caption and alt text?
(2) (1/2) (1/2)
• Captions give a general idea
of what the graph is about,
but they do not describe it
in detail.
• Number of deaths per
thousand of ‘flu in
Southampton in 1918.
• Average cost (in £
thousands) of a family
home in Cornwall in 1975.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 37
Breakout slides:
https://go.soton.ac.uk/dkd
What’s the difference between a caption and alt text?
(3) (1/2)
• Captions give a general idea
of what the graph is about,
but they do not describe it
in detail.
• Number of deaths per
thousand of ‘flu in
Southampton in 1918.
• Average cost (in £
thousands) of a family
home in Cornwall in 1975.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 38
Breakout slides:
https://go.soton.ac.uk/dkd
What’s the difference between a caption and alt text?
(1) (1/2)
• Captions give a general idea
of what the graph is about,
but they do not describe it
in detail.
• Number of deaths per
thousand of ‘flu in
Southampton in 1918.
• Average cost (in £
thousands) of a family
home in Cornwall in 1975.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 39
What’s the difference between a caption and alt text?
(1)
• Alt text describes exactly
what can be seen in an
image:
“Graph with months of the
year along the X axis and
figures from 16.0 to 19.0 in
increments of 0.5 along the y
axis. The line starts from just
above 16.0 in January to
almost 19.0 in December.
The line is particularly steep
between June and October.”
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 40
Breakout slides:
https://go.soton.ac.uk/dkd
What’s the difference between a caption and alt text?
(2)
• Alt text describes exactly
what can be seen in an
image:
“Graph with months of the
year along the X axis and
figures from 16.0 to 19.0 in
increments of 0.5 along the y
axis. The line starts from just
above 16.0 in January to
almost 19.0 in December.
The line is particularly steep
between June and October.”
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 41
How much can I include in alt text?
• WCAG Guidelines do not cover this.
• For SEO, Google counts a maximum of 16 words
(approximately 125 characters).
• You should use as much text as is necessary to be
effective.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 42
How much can I include in alt text? (2)
• WCAG Guidelines do not cover this.
• For SEO, Google counts a maximum of 16 words
(approximately 125 characters).
• You should use as much text as is necessary to be
effective.
SEO = Search Engine Optimisation
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 43
How much can I include in alt text? (3)
• WCAG Guidelines do not cover this.
• For SEO, Google counts a maximum of 16 words
(approximately 125 characters).
• You should use as much text as is necessary to be
effective.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 44
Why is context important? Abigale Stangl, Ph.D
“…people who are blind or have low vision want image
descriptions that are responsive to where they
encounter the image…
…In other words, people want different content for the
same image depending on where they find it.”
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 45
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/blog/alt-text-that-informs-meeting-the-needs-of-people-who-
are-blind-or-low-vision/
A Context Example(1) (1) Imagine how the alt text of this image
would vary based on the following contexts.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 46
A Context Example(2)(1) In an article about business news.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 47
A Context Example((13 1) In a dating profile.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 48
A Context Example((14 1) In a post about the new chair of an equality
forum.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 49
Breakout exercise 2
• In your groups write alternative text that suits the
contexts identified for the following image.
• We’ve added a note on each slide to tell you where to
start. It doesn’t matter if you don’t finish.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 50
Breakout slides:
https://go.soton.ac.uk/dkd
Context Example (2) An article about Building 32.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 51
Group 1 Start Here
Breakout slides:
https://go.soton.ac.uk/dkd
Context Example (3) An article about changes to the operation
of traffic lights on campus.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 52
Group 2 Start Here
Breakout slides:
https://go.soton.ac.uk/dkd
Context Example (4) An article the dangers of crossing the street
when it may not be safe to do so.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 53
Group 3 Start Here
Breakout slides:
https://go.soton.ac.uk/dkd
Context Example 5 (4) An article the benefits of tree-lined
avenues.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 54
Group 4 Start Here
Breakout slides:
https://go.soton.ac.uk/dkd
The importance of emotion
A good alt text can conjure up wonderfully stimulating mental
images. A friendly smile is the same in print, photo or wax crayon.
Whether you listen to an image or see it, the emotional response is
the key factor.
Leonie Watson, W3C Advisory Board
https://tink.uk/text-descriptions-emotion-rich-images/
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 55
But…
“activating your emotion centre isn't suitable for all
types of content. Examples … are academic articles,
educational materials, or content which requires
intense system II thinking (analyses, coding, facts)…”
@shexec32
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 56
Worked example
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 57
Worked Example (2)
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 58
Worked Example (3)(3)
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 59
Worked Example (4)
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 60
Worked Example (5)
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 61
Worked Example 75)
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 62
Worked Example (6)
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 63
Worked Example (7)
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 64
Using emotions
Watch Writing Good Alt
Text - HTTP 203 for more.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 65
Why is context important? (1)
• For example, if a photo of a person appeared in a news story, people might
want a description that includes details about the setting of the image to give
a sense of place. But if a photo of a person appeared on a social media or
dating website, people might want increased details about that person’s
appearance, including some details that may be subjective and/or sensitive,
such as race, perceived gender, and attractiveness. One participant mentioned
that knowing the race and gender of people in photos of board members on
an employer/employment website might help them understand whether the
company values a diverse workplace. These latter examples illustrate practical
and ethical challenges for emerging AI systems, such as whether AI systems
can—or should—be trained to provide subjective judgments or information
about sensitive demographic attributes.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 66
“Person, Shoes, Tree. Is the Person Naked?” What
People with Vision Impairments Want in Image
Descriptions.
• https://www.microsoft.com/en-
us/research/publication/person-shoes-tree-is-the-
person-naked-what-people-with-vision-impairments-
want-in-image-descriptions/
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 67
Tips for writing good alt text
• https://bighack.org/how-to-write-better-alt-text-
descriptions-for-accessibility/
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 68
Personal experiences – Sassy Wyatt (1)
“If you were to close your eyes,
or… become visually impaired or
blind, and someone was
describing a picture to you: it’s
likely that you would want as
much description as you could
possibly ask for… it may take you…
longer to write the alt text
descriptions… but… it makes such
a difference to… people like me
who are visually impaired and use
screen readers.”
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 69
Personal experiences – Sassy Wyatt (2)
“Sitting at a wooden bench style
table, Sassy and Grant both smile
towards the camera. In between
them, with Grant’s arm around
her, Ida has her front paws up on
the bench, with her nose straining
towards the top of the table. In
the background, through the clear
plastic of the gazebo style
covering, the blue water of the
River Dart is visible, with small
boats upon it.”
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 70
Further strategies to consider?
• Describe what is in the
foreground first?
• Describe the most
important part of the
image first?
•Ignore any content that is
blurred due to depth of
field?
•State that more detail is
in the article? For
example a data table.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 71
Breakout 3
• We’ve provided a range of different images for you to
discuss your approaches to using alternative text with
the image within your groups.
• When we come back, we’ll ask you to share what you
consider to be the challenges when writing alt text for
an image even when you know the context.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 72
Breakout slides:
https://go.soton.ac.uk/dkd
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 73
Context:
The introduction of a new bus
route for unilink.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 74
Context:
The importance of
companionship.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 75
Context:
Going back to school during a
pandemic.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 76
Context:
Using video game style maps
for real world locations.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 77
Context:
Data visualisation.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 78
Context:
The effects of urban living on
human behaviour.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 79
Context:
An article about the history
of University education in
Europe.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 80
Context:
Continuous improvement.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 81
Context:
How “home comforts” have
changed in the West over the
last fifty years.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 82
Context:
Past visions of the future of
education.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 83
Context:
The importance of critical
thinking.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 84
Context:
Staying warm in winter.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 85
Context:
Complexity in modern
society.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 86
Context:
Customer feedback.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 87
Context:
Spring in the city.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 88
Context:
Christmas celebrations at the
University of Southampton
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 89
Context:
A graphic used in a
newsletter created in Sway.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 90
Context:
Online shopping page for
University of Southampton
clothing.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 91
Context:
Making time for yourself.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 92
Context:
Computer workstations on
campus.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 93
Context:
Disaster recovery planning.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 94
Context:
Political dissent.
Reflections
• What were the challenges when writing alt text for an
image even when you know the context?
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 95
Checking for Alt text on our web pages
Tota11y
• https://khan.github.io/tota11y
Bookmarklet that adds a
number of Accessibility Testing
Tools.
• Includes a “screen reader
wand” to reveal what a screen
reader would say.
• And annotates images without
alt text.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 96
Checking for Alt text on our web pages (2)
Accessibility Insights
• https://accessibilityinsigh
ts.io/en/downloads/
• Browser plugin
• Identifies many
accessibility issues
including missing alt text.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 97
MS Office Accessibility checker
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 98
MS Office Accessibility checker (2)
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 99
MS Office Accessibility checker (3)
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 100
Alt text for Charts
• If the chart is crucial to
understanding, provide a
textual alternative:
• Use an alt text containing
the information you would
use if describing the graph
to a colleague over the
phone.
• Provide the data in an
accessible table.
• Provide a longer textual
description within the
article if appropriate.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 101
https://accessibility.psu.edu/images/charts/
Alt text for Documentation Screen Captures
• Don’t use a screenshot as
the only method of
explanation.
•If the documentation
itself explains what is in
the screenshot then a
short piece of alt text is
appropriate.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 102
https://accessibility.psu.edu/images/docscreencaptures/
Documentation / Screen Captures – bad practice
Alt=“Blackboard
Discussion Board options”
Text:
Tick the boxes as shown
here.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 103
Documentation / Screen Captures – good practice
Alt=“Blackboard Discussion
Board options”
Text:
1. Tick the following options:
1. Allow members to Create
New Threads
2. Allow File Attachments
3. Allow…
2. Do not tick:
1. ….
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 104
Alt text for Flowcharts/Concept Maps
• Provide a written way of
expressing the same
information.
• Often an ordered list is
appropriate.
•Keep the alt text short.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 105
https://accessibility.psu.edu/images/flowcharts/
Alt text for Maps
• If a map is being used to
provide directions to a
location, then make
sure text based
directions are also
included.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 106
https://accessibility.psu.edu/images/maps/
Alt text for Math Equations
• Screen readers can
understand MathJax.
• TeX in Blackboard
produced graphics with
automatically generated
alternative text.
•LaTeX is not supported by
screen readers but could
be converted to TeX or
MathJax.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 107
https://accessibility.psu.edu/math/
Example of TeX in Blackboard
Alternative text
“cube root of 8 equals 8 to the
power of 1 third end exponent
equals 2”
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 108
Alt text for Long Descriptions
• To properly describe an
image may require a long
description.
•Include a short summary
in the ALT text which
directs users to a long
text description which
fully explains the image.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 109
https://accessibility.psu.edu/images/longdescription/
Alt text for memes
“I prefer to have only enough
information to get the joke. I don’t
need a ton of unnecessary
information irrelevant to the
purpose of the meme. If it’s a
famous person, I like for that to be
included too. Same goes for if it’s
a meme of a famous cartoon
character.
If the person’s body
language/facial expression
contributes to the overall humor
of the joke, that could be
important to include as well.” *
More reading
• Making Memes Accessible
• ALT Text Examples
• How to write alt text for memes
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 110
* https://www.reddit.com/r/Blind/comments/iwcnye/alt_text_for_memes/
Worked example – memes
Toddler clenching fist in
front of smug face.
Overlaid text on top: Was
a bad boy all year. Overlaid
text on bottom: Still got
awesome presents from
Santa.
[“Success kid” meme]
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 111
Use in Office
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 112
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/everything-you-need-to-know-to-write-effective-alt-text-df98f884-
ca3d-456c-807b-1a1fa82f5dc2
Use in Wordpress
Once an image has been
added to the page, it is
‘disconnected’ from the
media library. This means
that when you change the
alt text on either one, it
won’t be updated on the
other.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 113
Use in SharePoint
•Add image
•Choose Edit web part
•Add Alternative Text
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 114
Anything else to be aware of? (1)
• Most alt text is not spell-checked.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 115
Anything else to be aware of? (3)
• Most alt text is not spell-checked.
• Don’t start alt text with ‘picture of’ or ‘image of’,
unless that is a useful part of the description (e.g.
‘pencil sketch of…’, ‘painting of...’)
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 116
Decision trees
• Diagram center has a
image sorting decision
tree.*
• Web Accessibility
Tutorials has an alt
decision tree.**
* https://poet.diagramcenter.org/images/decision_tree_flow_chart.jpg
** https://www.w3.org/WAI/tutorials/images/decision-tree/
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 117
Practicing online
• The POET Training Tool provides interactive exercises
to help write effective image descriptions
https://poet.diagramcenter.org/
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 118
Conclusion
• There’s lots more to alternative text than you might
have considered before.
• This slide deck has 140+ slides of content, much more
than we have covered today.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 119
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines relating to
alt text
• WCAG 1.1.1 Non-text Content:
https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG22/#text-alternatives
• Understanding Success Criterion 1.1.1: Non-text Content:
https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG22/Understanding/non-
text-content.html
• How to meet 1.1.1: Non-text Content:
https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG21/quickref/#non-text-
content
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 120
Further sources of information
• Alt decision tree: https://www.w3.org/WAI/tutorials/images/decision-tree/
• Image tips and tricks https://www.w3.org/WAI/tutorials/images/tips/
• Write good Alt Text to describe images https://accessibility.huit.harvard.edu/describe-content-images
• Image ALT Text https://accessibility.psu.edu/images/alttext/
• Writing good text alternatives https://archive.is/jOh80
• Best Practices for Accessible Images https://www.csun.edu/universal-design-center/best-practices-accessible-images
• How to Design Great Alt Text: An Introduction https://www.deque.com/blog/great-alt-text-introduction/
• Accessible Images https://webaim.org/techniques/images/
• Back to the Basics: Alternative Text https://webaim.org/blog/alternativetext/
• Accessibility: Image Alt text best practices https://support.siteimprove.com/hc/en-gb/articles/115000013031-Accessibility-Image-Alt-text-
best-practices
• How to add alt text and why it’s so important! https://www.thinkingoutloud-sassystyle.com/how-to-add-alt-text-and-why-its-so-important/
• You’re using alt text wrong – you just can’t see it https://www.rocketmill.co.uk/youre-using-alt-text-wrong-you-just-cant-see-it
• How to Write More Effective Alt Text https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YU8b4bpEEag
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 121
Developers corner
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 122
Where can alternative text be used in HTML? 1)
• Image tags (required).
• Area tags.
• Input tags.
See https://www.w3schools.com/tags/att_alt.asp and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alt_attribute for more
information
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 123
Where can alternative text be used in HTML? 2)
• Image tags (required).
• Area tags (required).
• Input tags.
See https://www.w3schools.com/tags/att_alt.asp and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alt_attribute for more
information
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 124
Where can alternative text be used in HTML? (3)
• Image tags (required).
• Area tags (required).
• Input tags (required for input type="image").
See https://www.w3schools.com/tags/att_alt.asp and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alt_attribute for more
information
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 125
Area tags example
<h1>The map and area elements</h1>
<p>Click on the computer, the phone, or the cup of coffee to go to
a new page and read more about the topic:</p>
<img src="workplace.jpg" alt="Workplace" usemap="#workmap"
width="400" height="379">
<map name="workmap">
<area shape="rect" coords="34,44,270,350" alt="Computer"
href="computer.htm">
<area shape="rect" coords="290,172,333,250" alt="Phone"
href="phone.htm">
<area shape="circle" coords="337,300,44" alt="Cup of coffee"
href="coffee.htm">
</map>
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 126
Example from https://www.w3schools.com/tags/att_alt.asp
Figcaption
• Is not a replacement for alt-text.
• Has varying support from assistive technology
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 127
Recommended Figcaption pattern
<figure aria-label="Figcaption content here.">
<!-- figure content -->
<figcaption>
Figcaption content here.
</figcaption>
</figure>
https://www.scottohara.me/blog/2019/01/21/how-do-you-figure.html
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 128
Figcaption pattern: worked example
<figure aria-label="The University of Southampton campus looks particularly
wonderful in the spring and summer. Photo Credit: Sofia Bazzini">
<img src="campus-15.jpg" alt="A Bright sunny day. In the foreground are
flowers with white petals and yellow stamens. Surrounded by trees, the Hartley
Library, a large red brick multi-storey structure, is in the background. A few
people can be seen in the background on the right. On the left numerous
parked bicyles.">
<figcaption>The University of Southampton campus looks particularly
wonderful in the spring and summer.
<br />Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.sofiabazzini.com/about/">Sofia
Bazzini</a>.</figcaption>
</figure>
https://mle.southampton.ac.uk/bb/access/example/figcaption/index.html
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 129
Figcaption pattern: worked example (2)
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 130
Longdesc (1)
• A mechanism to provide a longer and more detailed
description, usually located in a separate file.
• Can only be accessed by screen readers.
More information at
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/images/long_h
ow/
Video example at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fd3olXFKT3o
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 131
Longdesc (2)
• A mechanism to provide a longer and more detailed
description, usually located in a separate file.
• Can only be accessed by screen readers.
More information at
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/images/long_h
ow/
Video example at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fd3olXFKT3o
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 132
Longdesc (3)
• A mechanism to provide a longer and more detailed
description, usually located in a separate file.
• Can only be accessed by screen readers.
More information at:
https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/images/long_how/
Video example at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fd3olXFKT3o
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 133
Longdesc support (1)
• Limited support on mobile devices.
• Variable support across mix of browsers and screen
readers.
• See https://webaim.org/techniques/alttext/longdesctestcases.htm
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 134
Longdesc support (2)
• Limited support on mobile devices.
• Variable support across mix of browsers and screen
readers.
• See https://webaim.org/techniques/alttext/longdesctestcases.htm
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 135
Longdesc support (3)
• Limited support on mobile devices.
• Variable support across mix of browsers and screen
readers.
• Read https://webaim.org/techniques/alttext/longdesctestcases.htm
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 136
Longdesc example
<img
longdesc="graph-LD.html"
alt="Line graph of the number of subscribers"
src="graph.png">
https://www.scottohara.me/blog/2019/01/21/how-do-you-figure.html
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 137
What can be used in HTML?
• Based on the intended behaviour for Text Alternative
Computation the precedence for calculating a text
alternative should be:
• aria-labelledby
• aria-label
• alt
• title
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 138
Use in HTML (3)
• It’s an attribute, not a
tag.
• Introduced in HTML 2 in
1995.
• Since HTML 4.01 (1999)
is required for img and
area tags.
ALT text to use in place of the referenced image resource, for example due to processing constraints or user preference.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 139
Use in HTML
• It’s an attribute, not a
tag.
• Introduced in HTML 2 in
1995.
• Since HTML 4.01 (1999)
is required for img and
area tags.
https://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc1866.txt
ALT text to use in place of the referenced image resource, for example due to processing constraints or user preference.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 140
Use in HTML (2)
• It’s an attribute, not a
tag.
• Introduced in HTML 2 in
1995.
• Since HTML 4.01 (1999)
is required for img and
area tags.
https://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc1866.txt
https://www.w3.org/TR/html401/struct/objects.html#h-13.8
ALT text to use in place of the referenced image resource, for example due to processing constraints or user preference.
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 141
HTML example
<img alt="In the sky flies a red flag with a white
cross whose vertical bar is shifted toward the
flagpole."
src="http://upload.a.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb
/8/83/Dannebrog.jpg/180px-Dannebrog.jpg">
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alt_attribute
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 142
Decorative examples: alt=“”
img.articleImage {
width: 20%;
float: right;
margin: 10px;
border: 2px solid white;
border-radius: 10px;
}
<img class="articleImage" src="wkp0xb38hz951.jpg" alt="">
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 143
Decorative examples: using CSS background
.decorativeImage {
width: 20%;
height: 230px;
float: right;
margin: 10px;
border: 2px solid white;
border-radius: 10px;
background-size: cover;
background-repeat: no-repeat;
}
div#bench {
background-image: url("wkp0xb38hz951.jpg");
}
<div id="bench" class="decorativeImage"></div>
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 144
What about title?
• General recommendation
is not to use the title
attribute.
• If you have to use title,
keep content the same as
alt.
https://www.a11yproject.com/posts/2013-04-22-title-attributes/
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 145
What about title? (2)
08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 146
<img alt=“In the sky flies a red flag with a white
cross whose vertical bar is shifted toward the
flagpole.”
title=“In the sky flies a red flag with a white cross
whose vertical bar is shifted toward the flagpole.”
src=“http://upload.a.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb
/8/83/Dannebrog.jpg/180px-Dannebrog.jpg”>

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Introduction to Alternative Text

  • 1. Introduction to Alt Text and Accessibility Digital Accessibility Community of Practice 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 1 Much more material available in the slide deck.
  • 2. Let’s start with some polls • Do you know what alt text is? • Do you know how to add alt text in the essential tools for your role? • Rate your competence in writing effective alt text. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 2
  • 3. What is alt text? • Abbreviation of 'alternative text'. • Alt text is the written copy that appears in place of an image on a webpage. • The 2019 WebAIM Million analysis found that missing alt-text was the second most common accessibility failing. So why, given its importance, is alt-text often so badly implemented? 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 3
  • 4. What is alt text? (2) • Abbreviation of 'alternative text'. • Alt text is the written copy that appears in place of an image on a webpage. • The 2019 WebAIM Million analysis found that missing alt-text was the second most common accessibility failing. So why, given its importance, is alt-text often so badly implemented? 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 4
  • 5. What is alt text? (3) • Abbreviation of 'alternative text'. • Alt text is the written copy that appears in place of an image on a webpage. • The 2019 WebAIM Million analysis found that missing alt-text was the second most common accessibility failing. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 5
  • 6. What is alt text used for? (1) There are three main uses: 1. to enhance accessibility for users of screen readers. 2. Alt text will be displayed in place of an image if an image file cannot be loaded. 3. Alt text provides better image context/descriptions to search engine crawlers, helping them to index an image properly. (SEO) 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 6
  • 7. What is alt text used for? (2) There are three main uses: 1. to enhance accessibility for users of screen readers. 2. in place of an image if an image file cannot be loaded or is not wanted. 3. Alt text provides better image context/descriptions to search engine crawlers, helping them to index an image properly. (SEO) 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 7
  • 8. Example where images are not shown Chrome browser Lynx browser https://www.southampton.ac.uk/student-life/campuses/highfield 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 8
  • 9. What is alt text used for? (3) There are three main uses: 1. to enhance accessibility for users of screen readers. 2. in place of an image if an image file cannot be loaded or is not wanted. 3. for search engine crawlers, helping them to index an image properly. (SEO) 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 9
  • 10. What recommendations are there? The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines require text alternatives for any non-text content so that it can be changed into other forms people need, such as large print, braille, speech, symbols or simpler language. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 10
  • 11. Success Criterion 1.1.1 (1) (Level A) All non-text content that is presented to the user has a text alternative that serves the equivalent purpose, except for... •Controls, Input •Time-Based Media •Tests •Sensory content •Captcha •Decoration, Formatting, Invisible 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 11 https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/#non-text-content
  • 12. Success Criterion 1.1.1 (but) (1) For all of these, accessible alternatives are still required. The following hidden slides have more information. •Controls, Input •Time-Based Media •Tests •Sensory content •Captcha •Decoration, Formatting, Invisible 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 12 https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/#non-text-content
  • 13. Success Criterion 1.1.1 (Level A) All non-text content that is presented to the user has a text alternative that serves the equivalent purpose, except for... Controls, Input If non-text content is a control or accepts user input, then it has a name that describes its purpose. (Refer to Success Criterion 4.1.2 for additional requirements for controls and content that accepts user input.) 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 13 https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/#non-text-content
  • 14. Success Criterion 1.1.1 Controls, Input If non-text content is a control or accepts user input, then it has a name that describes its purpose. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 14 https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/#non-text-content
  • 15. More developer resources at the end of the slide deck 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 15
  • 16. Success Criterion 1.1.1: Time-Based Media (Level A) All non-text content that is presented to the user has a text alternative that serves the equivalent purpose, except for... Time-Based Media If non-text content is time- based media, then text alternatives at least provide descriptive identification of the non-text content. (Refer to Guideline 1.2 for additional requirements for media.) 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 16
  • 17. Success Criterion 1.1.1 - Tests (Level A) All non-text content that is presented to the user has a text alternative that serves the equivalent purpose, except for... Test If non-text content is a test or exercise that would be invalid if presented in text, then text alternatives at least provide descriptive identification of the non- text content. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 17
  • 18. Success Criterion 1.1.1 - Sensory Content (Level A) All non-text content that is presented to the user has a text alternative that serves the equivalent purpose, except for... Sensory If non-text content is primarily intended to create a specific sensory experience, then text alternatives at least provide descriptive identification of the non- text content. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 18
  • 19. Success Criterion 1.1.1 - Captcha (Level A) All non-text content that is presented to the user has a text alternative that serves the equivalent purpose, except for... Captcha …text alternatives that identify and describe the purpose of the non-text content are provided, and alternative forms of CAPTCHA using output modes for different types of sensory perception are provided … 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 19
  • 20. Success Criterion 1.1.1 - Decoration, Formatting, Invisible (Level A) All non-text content that is presented to the user has a text alternative that serves the equivalent purpose, except for... Decoration, Formatting, Invisible If non-text content is pure decoration, is used only for visual formatting, or is not presented to users, then it is implemented in a way that it can be ignored by assistive technology. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 20
  • 21. Can I avoid using alt text? (1) • Decorative images can be marked as such and therefore do not need alt text. • These could be included as background CSS images. • Consider whether they are ‘repetitive clutter’. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 21 In Office tick “mark as decorative” In HTML use alt="" You still have to do “something”.
  • 22. Can I avoid using alt text? (2) • Decorative images can be marked as such and therefore do not need alt text. • In web sites, these could be included as background CSS images, particularly if they are on every page. • Consider whether they are ‘repetitive clutter’. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 22
  • 23. Can I avoid using alt text? • Decorative images can be marked as such and therefore do not need alt text. • In web sites, these could be included as background CSS images particularly if they are on every page. • Consider whether they are ‘repetitive clutter’. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 23
  • 24. Writing alt text 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 24
  • 25. It’s not easy, nor “black and white” No alt text Has alt text 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 25 Appropriate alt text
  • 26. Levels of alt text No alt text. Has alt text / marked as decorative. Appropriate alt text. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 26
  • 27. Writing alternative text - strategies "If I could not use an image, what text would I put in its place?" “If I were describing the image over the phone to someone, what would I say?” https://webaim.org/techniques/alttext/ 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 27
  • 28. Writing alternative text, another analogy (2) 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 28 ‘Knightmare’ tv- series. ‘Zork’ text adventure game (1980)
  • 29. Writing alternative text, another tip (2) https://veroniiiica.com/2021/02/11/seven-myths-about-alt-text/ 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 29 Imagine bringing up the image in conversation: what details should be mentioned so that someone who isn’t looking at the image can still understand it?
  • 30. A note on Breakout activities • We’ll share a PowerPoint file. • Use the notes section of the file. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 30
  • 31. A note on Breakout activities (2) • We’ll share a PowerPoint file. • Use the notes section of the file. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 31 Breakout slides: https://go.soton.ac.uk/dkd
  • 32. A note on Breakout activities (3) • We’ll share a PowerPoint file. • Use the notes section of the file. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 32 Breakout slides: https://go.soton.ac.uk/dkd
  • 33. A note on Breakout activities (5) • Find your group’s section in the notes and fill in the answers you agree upon. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 33 Breakout slides: https://go.soton.ac.uk/dkd
  • 34. What’s the difference between captions and alternative text? • Captions give a general idea of what the image is about, but they do not describe it in detail. May include an image attribution or a title. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 34 Breakout slides: https://go.soton.ac.uk/dkd
  • 35. What’s the difference between captions and alternative text? • Captions give a general idea of what the image is about, but they do not describe it in detail. May include an image attribution or a title. •Alt text describes exactly what can be seen in an image. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 35 Breakout slides: https://go.soton.ac.uk/dkd
  • 36. Break out activity 1 • Using your creativity, write a caption for this graph. • Write some alt text for this graph. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 36 Breakout slides: https://go.soton.ac.uk/dkd
  • 37. What’s the difference between a caption and alt text? (2) (1/2) (1/2) • Captions give a general idea of what the graph is about, but they do not describe it in detail. • Number of deaths per thousand of ‘flu in Southampton in 1918. • Average cost (in £ thousands) of a family home in Cornwall in 1975. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 37 Breakout slides: https://go.soton.ac.uk/dkd
  • 38. What’s the difference between a caption and alt text? (3) (1/2) • Captions give a general idea of what the graph is about, but they do not describe it in detail. • Number of deaths per thousand of ‘flu in Southampton in 1918. • Average cost (in £ thousands) of a family home in Cornwall in 1975. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 38 Breakout slides: https://go.soton.ac.uk/dkd
  • 39. What’s the difference between a caption and alt text? (1) (1/2) • Captions give a general idea of what the graph is about, but they do not describe it in detail. • Number of deaths per thousand of ‘flu in Southampton in 1918. • Average cost (in £ thousands) of a family home in Cornwall in 1975. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 39
  • 40. What’s the difference between a caption and alt text? (1) • Alt text describes exactly what can be seen in an image: “Graph with months of the year along the X axis and figures from 16.0 to 19.0 in increments of 0.5 along the y axis. The line starts from just above 16.0 in January to almost 19.0 in December. The line is particularly steep between June and October.” 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 40 Breakout slides: https://go.soton.ac.uk/dkd
  • 41. What’s the difference between a caption and alt text? (2) • Alt text describes exactly what can be seen in an image: “Graph with months of the year along the X axis and figures from 16.0 to 19.0 in increments of 0.5 along the y axis. The line starts from just above 16.0 in January to almost 19.0 in December. The line is particularly steep between June and October.” 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 41
  • 42. How much can I include in alt text? • WCAG Guidelines do not cover this. • For SEO, Google counts a maximum of 16 words (approximately 125 characters). • You should use as much text as is necessary to be effective. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 42
  • 43. How much can I include in alt text? (2) • WCAG Guidelines do not cover this. • For SEO, Google counts a maximum of 16 words (approximately 125 characters). • You should use as much text as is necessary to be effective. SEO = Search Engine Optimisation 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 43
  • 44. How much can I include in alt text? (3) • WCAG Guidelines do not cover this. • For SEO, Google counts a maximum of 16 words (approximately 125 characters). • You should use as much text as is necessary to be effective. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 44
  • 45. Why is context important? Abigale Stangl, Ph.D “…people who are blind or have low vision want image descriptions that are responsive to where they encounter the image… …In other words, people want different content for the same image depending on where they find it.” 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 45 https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/blog/alt-text-that-informs-meeting-the-needs-of-people-who- are-blind-or-low-vision/
  • 46. A Context Example(1) (1) Imagine how the alt text of this image would vary based on the following contexts. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 46
  • 47. A Context Example(2)(1) In an article about business news. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 47
  • 48. A Context Example((13 1) In a dating profile. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 48
  • 49. A Context Example((14 1) In a post about the new chair of an equality forum. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 49
  • 50. Breakout exercise 2 • In your groups write alternative text that suits the contexts identified for the following image. • We’ve added a note on each slide to tell you where to start. It doesn’t matter if you don’t finish. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 50 Breakout slides: https://go.soton.ac.uk/dkd
  • 51. Context Example (2) An article about Building 32. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 51 Group 1 Start Here Breakout slides: https://go.soton.ac.uk/dkd
  • 52. Context Example (3) An article about changes to the operation of traffic lights on campus. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 52 Group 2 Start Here Breakout slides: https://go.soton.ac.uk/dkd
  • 53. Context Example (4) An article the dangers of crossing the street when it may not be safe to do so. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 53 Group 3 Start Here Breakout slides: https://go.soton.ac.uk/dkd
  • 54. Context Example 5 (4) An article the benefits of tree-lined avenues. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 54 Group 4 Start Here Breakout slides: https://go.soton.ac.uk/dkd
  • 55. The importance of emotion A good alt text can conjure up wonderfully stimulating mental images. A friendly smile is the same in print, photo or wax crayon. Whether you listen to an image or see it, the emotional response is the key factor. Leonie Watson, W3C Advisory Board https://tink.uk/text-descriptions-emotion-rich-images/ 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 55
  • 56. But… “activating your emotion centre isn't suitable for all types of content. Examples … are academic articles, educational materials, or content which requires intense system II thinking (analyses, coding, facts)…” @shexec32 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 56
  • 58. Worked Example (2) 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 58
  • 59. Worked Example (3)(3) 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 59
  • 60. Worked Example (4) 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 60
  • 61. Worked Example (5) 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 61
  • 62. Worked Example 75) 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 62
  • 63. Worked Example (6) 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 63
  • 64. Worked Example (7) 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 64
  • 65. Using emotions Watch Writing Good Alt Text - HTTP 203 for more. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 65
  • 66. Why is context important? (1) • For example, if a photo of a person appeared in a news story, people might want a description that includes details about the setting of the image to give a sense of place. But if a photo of a person appeared on a social media or dating website, people might want increased details about that person’s appearance, including some details that may be subjective and/or sensitive, such as race, perceived gender, and attractiveness. One participant mentioned that knowing the race and gender of people in photos of board members on an employer/employment website might help them understand whether the company values a diverse workplace. These latter examples illustrate practical and ethical challenges for emerging AI systems, such as whether AI systems can—or should—be trained to provide subjective judgments or information about sensitive demographic attributes. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 66
  • 67. “Person, Shoes, Tree. Is the Person Naked?” What People with Vision Impairments Want in Image Descriptions. • https://www.microsoft.com/en- us/research/publication/person-shoes-tree-is-the- person-naked-what-people-with-vision-impairments- want-in-image-descriptions/ 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 67
  • 68. Tips for writing good alt text • https://bighack.org/how-to-write-better-alt-text- descriptions-for-accessibility/ 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 68
  • 69. Personal experiences – Sassy Wyatt (1) “If you were to close your eyes, or… become visually impaired or blind, and someone was describing a picture to you: it’s likely that you would want as much description as you could possibly ask for… it may take you… longer to write the alt text descriptions… but… it makes such a difference to… people like me who are visually impaired and use screen readers.” 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 69
  • 70. Personal experiences – Sassy Wyatt (2) “Sitting at a wooden bench style table, Sassy and Grant both smile towards the camera. In between them, with Grant’s arm around her, Ida has her front paws up on the bench, with her nose straining towards the top of the table. In the background, through the clear plastic of the gazebo style covering, the blue water of the River Dart is visible, with small boats upon it.” 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 70
  • 71. Further strategies to consider? • Describe what is in the foreground first? • Describe the most important part of the image first? •Ignore any content that is blurred due to depth of field? •State that more detail is in the article? For example a data table. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 71
  • 72. Breakout 3 • We’ve provided a range of different images for you to discuss your approaches to using alternative text with the image within your groups. • When we come back, we’ll ask you to share what you consider to be the challenges when writing alt text for an image even when you know the context. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 72 Breakout slides: https://go.soton.ac.uk/dkd
  • 79. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 79 Context: An article about the history of University education in Europe.
  • 81. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 81 Context: How “home comforts” have changed in the West over the last fifty years.
  • 95. Reflections • What were the challenges when writing alt text for an image even when you know the context? 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 95
  • 96. Checking for Alt text on our web pages Tota11y • https://khan.github.io/tota11y Bookmarklet that adds a number of Accessibility Testing Tools. • Includes a “screen reader wand” to reveal what a screen reader would say. • And annotates images without alt text. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 96
  • 97. Checking for Alt text on our web pages (2) Accessibility Insights • https://accessibilityinsigh ts.io/en/downloads/ • Browser plugin • Identifies many accessibility issues including missing alt text. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 97
  • 98. MS Office Accessibility checker 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 98
  • 99. MS Office Accessibility checker (2) 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 99
  • 100. MS Office Accessibility checker (3) 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 100
  • 101. Alt text for Charts • If the chart is crucial to understanding, provide a textual alternative: • Use an alt text containing the information you would use if describing the graph to a colleague over the phone. • Provide the data in an accessible table. • Provide a longer textual description within the article if appropriate. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 101 https://accessibility.psu.edu/images/charts/
  • 102. Alt text for Documentation Screen Captures • Don’t use a screenshot as the only method of explanation. •If the documentation itself explains what is in the screenshot then a short piece of alt text is appropriate. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 102 https://accessibility.psu.edu/images/docscreencaptures/
  • 103. Documentation / Screen Captures – bad practice Alt=“Blackboard Discussion Board options” Text: Tick the boxes as shown here. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 103
  • 104. Documentation / Screen Captures – good practice Alt=“Blackboard Discussion Board options” Text: 1. Tick the following options: 1. Allow members to Create New Threads 2. Allow File Attachments 3. Allow… 2. Do not tick: 1. …. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 104
  • 105. Alt text for Flowcharts/Concept Maps • Provide a written way of expressing the same information. • Often an ordered list is appropriate. •Keep the alt text short. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 105 https://accessibility.psu.edu/images/flowcharts/
  • 106. Alt text for Maps • If a map is being used to provide directions to a location, then make sure text based directions are also included. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 106 https://accessibility.psu.edu/images/maps/
  • 107. Alt text for Math Equations • Screen readers can understand MathJax. • TeX in Blackboard produced graphics with automatically generated alternative text. •LaTeX is not supported by screen readers but could be converted to TeX or MathJax. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 107 https://accessibility.psu.edu/math/
  • 108. Example of TeX in Blackboard Alternative text “cube root of 8 equals 8 to the power of 1 third end exponent equals 2” 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 108
  • 109. Alt text for Long Descriptions • To properly describe an image may require a long description. •Include a short summary in the ALT text which directs users to a long text description which fully explains the image. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 109 https://accessibility.psu.edu/images/longdescription/
  • 110. Alt text for memes “I prefer to have only enough information to get the joke. I don’t need a ton of unnecessary information irrelevant to the purpose of the meme. If it’s a famous person, I like for that to be included too. Same goes for if it’s a meme of a famous cartoon character. If the person’s body language/facial expression contributes to the overall humor of the joke, that could be important to include as well.” * More reading • Making Memes Accessible • ALT Text Examples • How to write alt text for memes 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 110 * https://www.reddit.com/r/Blind/comments/iwcnye/alt_text_for_memes/
  • 111. Worked example – memes Toddler clenching fist in front of smug face. Overlaid text on top: Was a bad boy all year. Overlaid text on bottom: Still got awesome presents from Santa. [“Success kid” meme] 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 111
  • 112. Use in Office 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 112 https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/everything-you-need-to-know-to-write-effective-alt-text-df98f884- ca3d-456c-807b-1a1fa82f5dc2
  • 113. Use in Wordpress Once an image has been added to the page, it is ‘disconnected’ from the media library. This means that when you change the alt text on either one, it won’t be updated on the other. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 113
  • 114. Use in SharePoint •Add image •Choose Edit web part •Add Alternative Text 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 114
  • 115. Anything else to be aware of? (1) • Most alt text is not spell-checked. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 115
  • 116. Anything else to be aware of? (3) • Most alt text is not spell-checked. • Don’t start alt text with ‘picture of’ or ‘image of’, unless that is a useful part of the description (e.g. ‘pencil sketch of…’, ‘painting of...’) 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 116
  • 117. Decision trees • Diagram center has a image sorting decision tree.* • Web Accessibility Tutorials has an alt decision tree.** * https://poet.diagramcenter.org/images/decision_tree_flow_chart.jpg ** https://www.w3.org/WAI/tutorials/images/decision-tree/ 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 117
  • 118. Practicing online • The POET Training Tool provides interactive exercises to help write effective image descriptions https://poet.diagramcenter.org/ 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 118
  • 119. Conclusion • There’s lots more to alternative text than you might have considered before. • This slide deck has 140+ slides of content, much more than we have covered today. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 119
  • 120. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines relating to alt text • WCAG 1.1.1 Non-text Content: https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG22/#text-alternatives • Understanding Success Criterion 1.1.1: Non-text Content: https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG22/Understanding/non- text-content.html • How to meet 1.1.1: Non-text Content: https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG21/quickref/#non-text- content 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 120
  • 121. Further sources of information • Alt decision tree: https://www.w3.org/WAI/tutorials/images/decision-tree/ • Image tips and tricks https://www.w3.org/WAI/tutorials/images/tips/ • Write good Alt Text to describe images https://accessibility.huit.harvard.edu/describe-content-images • Image ALT Text https://accessibility.psu.edu/images/alttext/ • Writing good text alternatives https://archive.is/jOh80 • Best Practices for Accessible Images https://www.csun.edu/universal-design-center/best-practices-accessible-images • How to Design Great Alt Text: An Introduction https://www.deque.com/blog/great-alt-text-introduction/ • Accessible Images https://webaim.org/techniques/images/ • Back to the Basics: Alternative Text https://webaim.org/blog/alternativetext/ • Accessibility: Image Alt text best practices https://support.siteimprove.com/hc/en-gb/articles/115000013031-Accessibility-Image-Alt-text- best-practices • How to add alt text and why it’s so important! https://www.thinkingoutloud-sassystyle.com/how-to-add-alt-text-and-why-its-so-important/ • You’re using alt text wrong – you just can’t see it https://www.rocketmill.co.uk/youre-using-alt-text-wrong-you-just-cant-see-it • How to Write More Effective Alt Text https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YU8b4bpEEag 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 121
  • 123. Where can alternative text be used in HTML? 1) • Image tags (required). • Area tags. • Input tags. See https://www.w3schools.com/tags/att_alt.asp and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alt_attribute for more information 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 123
  • 124. Where can alternative text be used in HTML? 2) • Image tags (required). • Area tags (required). • Input tags. See https://www.w3schools.com/tags/att_alt.asp and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alt_attribute for more information 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 124
  • 125. Where can alternative text be used in HTML? (3) • Image tags (required). • Area tags (required). • Input tags (required for input type="image"). See https://www.w3schools.com/tags/att_alt.asp and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alt_attribute for more information 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 125
  • 126. Area tags example <h1>The map and area elements</h1> <p>Click on the computer, the phone, or the cup of coffee to go to a new page and read more about the topic:</p> <img src="workplace.jpg" alt="Workplace" usemap="#workmap" width="400" height="379"> <map name="workmap"> <area shape="rect" coords="34,44,270,350" alt="Computer" href="computer.htm"> <area shape="rect" coords="290,172,333,250" alt="Phone" href="phone.htm"> <area shape="circle" coords="337,300,44" alt="Cup of coffee" href="coffee.htm"> </map> 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 126 Example from https://www.w3schools.com/tags/att_alt.asp
  • 127. Figcaption • Is not a replacement for alt-text. • Has varying support from assistive technology 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 127
  • 128. Recommended Figcaption pattern <figure aria-label="Figcaption content here."> <!-- figure content --> <figcaption> Figcaption content here. </figcaption> </figure> https://www.scottohara.me/blog/2019/01/21/how-do-you-figure.html 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 128
  • 129. Figcaption pattern: worked example <figure aria-label="The University of Southampton campus looks particularly wonderful in the spring and summer. Photo Credit: Sofia Bazzini"> <img src="campus-15.jpg" alt="A Bright sunny day. In the foreground are flowers with white petals and yellow stamens. Surrounded by trees, the Hartley Library, a large red brick multi-storey structure, is in the background. A few people can be seen in the background on the right. On the left numerous parked bicyles."> <figcaption>The University of Southampton campus looks particularly wonderful in the spring and summer. <br />Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.sofiabazzini.com/about/">Sofia Bazzini</a>.</figcaption> </figure> https://mle.southampton.ac.uk/bb/access/example/figcaption/index.html 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 129
  • 130. Figcaption pattern: worked example (2) 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 130
  • 131. Longdesc (1) • A mechanism to provide a longer and more detailed description, usually located in a separate file. • Can only be accessed by screen readers. More information at https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/images/long_h ow/ Video example at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fd3olXFKT3o 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 131
  • 132. Longdesc (2) • A mechanism to provide a longer and more detailed description, usually located in a separate file. • Can only be accessed by screen readers. More information at https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/images/long_h ow/ Video example at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fd3olXFKT3o 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 132
  • 133. Longdesc (3) • A mechanism to provide a longer and more detailed description, usually located in a separate file. • Can only be accessed by screen readers. More information at: https://www.d.umn.edu/itss/training/online/images/long_how/ Video example at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fd3olXFKT3o 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 133
  • 134. Longdesc support (1) • Limited support on mobile devices. • Variable support across mix of browsers and screen readers. • See https://webaim.org/techniques/alttext/longdesctestcases.htm 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 134
  • 135. Longdesc support (2) • Limited support on mobile devices. • Variable support across mix of browsers and screen readers. • See https://webaim.org/techniques/alttext/longdesctestcases.htm 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 135
  • 136. Longdesc support (3) • Limited support on mobile devices. • Variable support across mix of browsers and screen readers. • Read https://webaim.org/techniques/alttext/longdesctestcases.htm 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 136
  • 137. Longdesc example <img longdesc="graph-LD.html" alt="Line graph of the number of subscribers" src="graph.png"> https://www.scottohara.me/blog/2019/01/21/how-do-you-figure.html 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 137
  • 138. What can be used in HTML? • Based on the intended behaviour for Text Alternative Computation the precedence for calculating a text alternative should be: • aria-labelledby • aria-label • alt • title 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 138
  • 139. Use in HTML (3) • It’s an attribute, not a tag. • Introduced in HTML 2 in 1995. • Since HTML 4.01 (1999) is required for img and area tags. ALT text to use in place of the referenced image resource, for example due to processing constraints or user preference. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 139
  • 140. Use in HTML • It’s an attribute, not a tag. • Introduced in HTML 2 in 1995. • Since HTML 4.01 (1999) is required for img and area tags. https://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc1866.txt ALT text to use in place of the referenced image resource, for example due to processing constraints or user preference. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 140
  • 141. Use in HTML (2) • It’s an attribute, not a tag. • Introduced in HTML 2 in 1995. • Since HTML 4.01 (1999) is required for img and area tags. https://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc1866.txt https://www.w3.org/TR/html401/struct/objects.html#h-13.8 ALT text to use in place of the referenced image resource, for example due to processing constraints or user preference. 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 141
  • 142. HTML example <img alt="In the sky flies a red flag with a white cross whose vertical bar is shifted toward the flagpole." src="http://upload.a.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb /8/83/Dannebrog.jpg/180px-Dannebrog.jpg"> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alt_attribute 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 142
  • 143. Decorative examples: alt=“” img.articleImage { width: 20%; float: right; margin: 10px; border: 2px solid white; border-radius: 10px; } <img class="articleImage" src="wkp0xb38hz951.jpg" alt=""> 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 143
  • 144. Decorative examples: using CSS background .decorativeImage { width: 20%; height: 230px; float: right; margin: 10px; border: 2px solid white; border-radius: 10px; background-size: cover; background-repeat: no-repeat; } div#bench { background-image: url("wkp0xb38hz951.jpg"); } <div id="bench" class="decorativeImage"></div> 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 144
  • 145. What about title? • General recommendation is not to use the title attribute. • If you have to use title, keep content the same as alt. https://www.a11yproject.com/posts/2013-04-22-title-attributes/ 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 145
  • 146. What about title? (2) 08/11/2021 https://matthewdeeprose.github.io/altext.html 146 <img alt=“In the sky flies a red flag with a white cross whose vertical bar is shifted toward the flagpole.” title=“In the sky flies a red flag with a white cross whose vertical bar is shifted toward the flagpole.” src=“http://upload.a.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb /8/83/Dannebrog.jpg/180px-Dannebrog.jpg”>

Editor's Notes

  • #2: Matt
  • #3: Matt
  • #4: Tamsyn https://bighack.org/how-to-write-better-alt-text-descriptions-for-accessibility/
  • #5: Tamsyn https://bighack.org/how-to-write-better-alt-text-descriptions-for-accessibility/
  • #6: Tamsyn https://bighack.org/how-to-write-better-alt-text-descriptions-for-accessibility/
  • #7: Tamsyn Three main uses – we’re interested in #1, but whatever would be included stays the same. “In the unfortunate case that an image fails to load, the information conveyed by its alt-text helps to compensate and provide a better user experience.” - https://www.equinetmedia.com/inbound-marketing-age-blog/alt-text-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly
  • #8: Tamsyn Three main uses – we’re interested in #1, but whatever would be included stays the same. “In the unfortunate case that an image fails to load, the information conveyed by its alt-text helps to compensate and provide a better user experience.” - https://www.equinetmedia.com/inbound-marketing-age-blog/alt-text-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly
  • #9: Tamsyn
  • #10: Tamsyn To enhance accessibility. Screen reader users will be read alt text to better understand an on-page image. Three main uses – we’re interested in #1, but whatever would be included stays the same. “In the unfortunate case that an image fails to load, the information conveyed by its alt-text helps to compensate and provide a better user experience.” - https://www.equinetmedia.com/inbound-marketing-age-blog/alt-text-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly
  • #11: Matt These guidelines inform EN 301 549 which is the standard used in the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018 (PSBAR) 
  • #12: What is sensory content? specific sensory experience a sensory experience that is not purely decorative and does not primarily convey important information or perform a function Examples include a performance of a flute solo, works of visual art etc. Most of these examples require consideration of an appropriate alternative, except for decorative content.
  • #13: What is sensory content? specific sensory experience a sensory experience that is not purely decorative and does not primarily convey important information or perform a function Examples include a performance of a flute solo, works of visual art etc. Most of these examples require consideration of an appropriate alternative, except for decorative content.
  • #15: Matt An aria attribute would probably be better than using title, see https://www.deque.com/blog/text-links-practices-screen-readers/#:~:text=In%20situations%20where%20text%20that,label%20is%20the%20better%20choice.&text=It%20may%20be%20noted%20that,one%20mouses%20over%20the%20element.
  • #16: Matt
  • #17: Success Criterion 1.2.1 Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded) (Level A) For prerecorded audio-only and prerecorded video-only media, the following are true, except when the audio or video is a media alternative for text and is clearly labeled as such: Prerecorded Audio-only: An alternative for time-based media is provided that presents equivalent information for prerecorded audio-only content. Prerecorded Video-only: Either an alternative for time-based media or an audio track is provided that presents equivalent information for prerecorded video-only content. Success Criterion 1.2.2 Captions (Prerecorded) (Level A) Captions are provided for all prerecorded audio content in synchronized media, except when the media is a media alternative for text and is clearly labeled as such. Success Criterion 1.2.3 Audio Description or Media Alternative (Prerecorded) (Level A) An alternative for time-based media or audio description of the prerecorded video content is provided for synchronized media, except when the media is a media alternative for text and is clearly labeled as such.
  • #18: Text is defined as a sequence of characters that can be programmatically determined, where the sequence is expressing something in human language
  • #19: specific sensory experience a sensory experience that is not purely decorative and does not primarily convey important information or perform a function Examples include a performance of a flute solo, works of visual art etc.
  • #20: CAPTCHA initialism for "Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart" NOTE CAPTCHA tests often involve asking the user to type in text that is displayed in an obscured image or audio file.
  • #21: pure decoration serving only an aesthetic purpose, providing no information, and having no functionality NOTE Text is only purely decorative if the words can be rearranged or substituted without changing their purpose.
  • #22: Matt
  • #25: Tamsyn
  • #27: Tamsyn
  • #28: Tamsyn
  • #29: Matt
  • #30: Matt Veronica Lewis is a student at George Mason University in Virginia studying data science and assistive technology, with a special interest in visual impairment. https://veroniiiica.com/about-veronica/ Veronica was diagnosed with low vision due to the condition accommodative esotropia at age 3, a common childhood eye condition which gave her double, blurry vision, a lack of depth perception, and limited peripheral vision. Veronica was given an IEP in kindergarten and was told her vision would improve as she got older (a common characteristic of accommodative esotropia), however she ended up having sharp vision declines approximately every five years after that which caused her to have more difficulty seeing faraway objects and reading standard print. She started using a blindness cane at age 18 on her first day of college as a mobility aid, and credits her cane as the reason she is able to travel independently and navigate her college campus. One of the vision declines when she was 14 also involved the onset of various neurological symptoms, which four years later were confirmed to be from Chiari Malformation, a structural neurological condition that can also contribute to low vision, with symptom onset often beginning in a patient’s teenage years. Because Veronica has limited sensation in her hands from Chiari Malformation, she is unable to read Braille, though recommends that everyone learn Braille if they are able to. With the diagnosis of Chiari Malformation, Veronica’s diagnosis was updated to include decompensated strabismus about a year later, since she had vision loss from both her eyes and her brain. Veronica uses a mix of person-first and identity-first disability language in her blog, and has no preference for what language people use around her or when writing about her. However, she asks that people refrain from using terms that make disability sound miserable or awful, such as “suffering from low vision” or “plagued by Chiari Malformation.”
  • #31: Matt
  • #32: Matt
  • #35: Tamsyn
  • #36: Tamsyn
  • #37: Tamsyn If you have a figure, alt text is still needed. “Use captions to accredit a person or source, if necessary. In these cases, the image should still use alt text to communicate its intent. Make sure you don’t duplicate details across the alt text and caption. The screen reader will speak both.” From: https://archive.is/jOh80#selection-1267.0-1267.243
  • #38: Matt to ask questions Captions may include an image credit. Some sites like medium.com do not allow for alternative text, only captions. Information in captions and alternative text should never be the same.
  • #39: Matt to ask questions If you have a figure, alt text is still needed. “Use captions to accredit a person or source, if necessary. In these cases, the image should still use alt text to communicate its intent. Make sure you don’t duplicate details across the alt text and caption. The screen reader will speak both.” From: https://archive.is/jOh80#selection-1267.0-1267.243
  • #40: Matt to ask questions If you have a figure, alt text is still needed. “Use captions to accredit a person or source, if necessary. In these cases, the image should still use alt text to communicate its intent. Make sure you don’t duplicate details across the alt text and caption. The screen reader will speak both.” From: https://archive.is/jOh80#selection-1267.0-1267.243
  • #41: Matt? This example has 248 characters. If you have a figure, alt text is not needed? “Use captions to accredit a person or source, if necessary. In these cases, the image should still use alt text to communicate its intent. Make sure you don’t duplicate details across the alt text and caption. The screen reader will speak both.” From: https://archive.is/jOh80#selection-1267.0-1267.243
  • #42: Matt This example has 248 characters.
  • #43: Tamsyn In the past the WCAG limit (back in 2005) was 100 characters in English, 115 in German and 90 in Korean) - https://www.w3.org/WAI/GL/WCAG20/tests/test3.html QUOTE: “I have spent hours in usability testing labs studying how people who use screen readers react to alt text. Blind screenreader users have to plow through a lot of information on a page to find what they are looking for. Your job is to make it easier for them. They “skim” a page or document mostly by reading lists of interactive elements or headings. Users that only want alt text if it is important to the information. Try to make it less than 80 characters. If the image is relevant to the info on the page, then briefly describe it in alt text or the appropriate aria- attribute.” Jeanne Spellman, Member of WCAG Working Group 2013 - https://www.hobo-web.co.uk/how-many-words-in-alt-text-for-google-yahoo-bing/ Other screenreaders: Dolphin SuperNova; NVDA; Window-Eyes by AI Squared; VoiceOver by Apple.
  • #44: Tamsyn In the past the WCAG limit (back in 2005) was 100 characters in English, 115 in German and 90 in Korean) - https://www.w3.org/WAI/GL/WCAG20/tests/test3.html QUOTE: “I have spent hours in usability testing labs studying how people who use screen readers react to alt text. Blind screenreader users have to plow through a lot of information on a page to find what they are looking for. Your job is to make it easier for them. They “skim” a page or document mostly by reading lists of interactive elements or headings. Users that only want alt text if it is important to the information. Try to make it less than 80 characters. If the image is relevant to the info on the page, then briefly describe it in alt text or the appropriate aria- attribute.” Jeanne Spellman, Member of WCAG Working Group 2013 - https://www.hobo-web.co.uk/how-many-words-in-alt-text-for-google-yahoo-bing/ Other screenreaders: Dolphin SuperNova; NVDA; Window-Eyes by AI Squared; VoiceOver by Apple.
  • #45: In the past the WCAG limit (back in 2005) was 100 characters in English, 115 in German and 90 in Korean) - https://www.w3.org/WAI/GL/WCAG20/tests/test3.html QUOTE: “I have spent hours in usability testing labs studying how people who use screen readers react to alt text. Blind screenreader users have to plow through a lot of information on a page to find what they are looking for. Your job is to make it easier for them. They “skim” a page or document mostly by reading lists of interactive elements or headings. Users that only want alt text if it is important to the information. Try to make it less than 80 characters. If the image is relevant to the info on the page, then briefly describe it in alt text or the appropriate aria- attribute.” Jeanne Spellman, Member of WCAG Working Group 2013 - https://www.hobo-web.co.uk/how-many-words-in-alt-text-for-google-yahoo-bing/ Other screenreaders: Dolphin SuperNova; NVDA; Window-Eyes by AI Squared; VoiceOver by Apple.
  • #46: Matt https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/blog/alt-text-that-informs-meeting-the-needs-of-people-who-are-blind-or-low-vision/
  • #47: Matt Photo of Modupe Kadri, New Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer at MTN Nigeria.
  • #48: Matt Photo of Modupe Kadri, New Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer at MTN Nigeria.
  • #49: Matt Photo of Modupe Kadri, New Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer at MTN Nigeria.
  • #50: Photo of Modupe Kadri, New Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer at MTN Nigeria.
  • #51: Matt
  • #52: ************************ Group 1 ************************************* Alt text for the image above, the context is that the image is used in an article about Building 32. ************************ Group 2 ************************************* Alt text for the image above, the context is that the image is used in an article about Building 32. ************************ Group 3 ************************************* Alt text for the image above, the context is that the image is used in an article about Building 32. ************************ Group 4 ************************************* Alt text for the image above, the context is that the image is used in an article about Building 32. ************************ Group 5 ************************************* Alt text for the image above, the context is that the image is used in an article about Building 32. ************************ Group 6 ************************************* Alt text for the image above, the context is that the image is used in an article about Building 32.
  • #53: ************************ Group 1 ************************************* Alt text for the image above, the context is that the image is used in an article about changes to the operation of traffic lights on campus. ************************ Group 2 ************************************* Alt text for the image above, the context is that the image is used in an article about changes to the operation of traffic lights on campus. ************************ Group 3 ************************************* Alt text for the image above, the context is that the image is used in an article about changes to the operation of traffic lights on campus. ************************ Group 4 ************************************* Alt text for the image above, the context is that the image is used in an article about changes to the operation of traffic lights on campus. ************************ Group 5 ************************************* Alt text for the image above, the context is that the image is used in an article about changes to the operation of traffic lights on campus. ************************ Group 6 ************************************* Alt text for the image above, the context is that the image is used in an article about changes to the operation of traffic lights on campus.
  • #54: ************************ Group 1 ************************************* Alt text for the image above, the context is that the image is used in an article about the dangers of crossing the street when it may not be safe to do so. ************************ Group 2 ************************************* Alt text for the image above, the context is that the image is used in an article about the dangers of crossing the street when it may not be safe to do so. ************************ Group 3 ************************************* Alt text for the image above, the context is that the image is used in an article about the dangers of crossing the street when it may not be safe to do so. ************************ Group 4 ************************************* Alt text for the image above, the context is that the image is used in an article about the dangers of crossing the street when it may not be safe to do so. ************************ Group 5 ************************************* Alt text for the image above, the context is that the image is used in an article about the dangers of crossing the street when it may not be safe to do so. ************************ Group 6 ************************************* Alt text for the image above, the context is that the image is used in an article about the dangers of crossing the street when it may not be safe to do so.
  • #55: ************************ Group 1 ************************************* Alt text for the image above, the context is that the image is used in an article about the benefits of tree-lined avenues. ************************ Group 2 ************************************* Alt text for the image above, the context is that the image is used in an article about the benefits of tree-lined avenues. ************************ Group 3 ************************************* Alt text for the image above, the context is that the image is used in an article about the benefits of tree-lined avenues. ************************ Group 4 ************************************* Alt text for the image above, the context is that the image is used in an article about the benefits of tree-lined avenues. ************************ Group 5 ************************************* Alt text for the image above, the context is that the image is used in an article about the benefits of tree-lined avenues. ************************ Group 6 ************************************* Alt text for the image above, the context is that the image is used in an article about the benefits of tree-lined avenues.
  • #56: Tamsyn
  • #57:  Context remains key
  • #67: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/blog/alt-text-that-informs-meeting-the-needs-of-people-who-are-blind-or-low-vision/
  • #68: Access to digital images is important to people who are blind or have low vision (BLV). Many contemporary image description efforts do not take into account this population’s nuanced image description preferences. In this paper, we present a qualitative study that provides insight into 28 BLV people’s experiences with descriptions of digital images from news websites, social networking sites/platforms, eCommerce websites, employment websites, online dating websites/platforms, productivity applications, and e-publications. Our findings reveal how image description preferences vary based on the source where digital images are encountered and the surrounding context. We provide recommendations for the development of next-generation image description technologies inspired by our empirical analysis. Abigale Stangl  Meredith Ringel Morris  Danna Gurari https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/uploads/prod/2020/01/imagedesc_chi2020.pdf
  • #70: Tamsyn https://www.thinkingoutloud-sassystyle.com/how-to-add-alt-text-and-why-its-so-important/ https://lifeofablindgirl.com/2019/04/03/how-accessible-is-social-media-if-you-have-a-visual-impairment/ https://medium.com/@pdjohnson/using-the-internet-as-a-blind-person-fc4e09e294f0
  • #71: Tamsyn https://www.thinkingoutloud-sassystyle.com/how-to-add-alt-text-and-why-its-so-important/ https://lifeofablindgirl.com/2019/04/03/how-accessible-is-social-media-if-you-have-a-visual-impairment/ https://medium.com/@pdjohnson/using-the-internet-as-a-blind-person-fc4e09e294f0
  • #72: Matt
  • #73: Matt
  • #74: Review the image and discuss your approaches to using alternative text with the image.
  • #75: Review the image and discuss your approaches to using alternative text with the image.
  • #76: Review the image and discuss your approaches to using alternative text with the image.
  • #77: Review the image and discuss your approaches to using alternative text with the image.
  • #78: Review the image and discuss your approaches to using alternative text with the image.
  • #79: Review the image and discuss your approaches to using alternative text with the image.
  • #80: Review the image and discuss your approaches to using alternative text with the image.
  • #81: Review the image and discuss your approaches to using alternative text with the image.
  • #82: Review the image and discuss your approaches to using alternative text with the image.
  • #83: ************************ Group 1 ************************************* Alt text for the image above, the context is that the image is used in an article about past visions of the future of education. ************************ Group 2 ************************************* Alt text for the image above, the context is that the image is used in an article about past visions of the future of education. ************************ Group 3 ************************************* Alt text for the image above, the context is that the image is used in an article about past visions of the future of education. ************************ Group 4 ************************************* Alt text for the image above, the context is that the image is used in an article about past visions of the future of education. ************************ Group 5 ************************************* Alt text for the image above, the context is that the image is used in an article about past visions of the future of education. ************************ Group 6 ************************************* Alt text for the image above, the context is that the image is used in an article about past visions of the future of education.
  • #84: Review the image and discuss your approaches to using alternative text with the image.
  • #85: ************************ Group 1 ************************************* Alt text for the image above, the context is that the image is used in an article about staying warm at winter. ************************ Group 2 ************************************* Alt text for the image above, the context is that the image is used in an article about staying warm at winter. ************************ Group 3 ************************************* Alt text for the image above, the context is that the image is used in an article about staying warm at winter. ************************ Group 4 ************************************* Alt text for the image above, the context is that the image is used in an article about staying warm at winter. ************************ Group 5 ************************************* Alt text for the image above, the context is that the image is used in an article about staying warm at winter. ************************ Group 6 ************************************* Alt text for the image above, the context is that the image is used in an article about staying warm at winter.
  • #86: ************************ Group 1 ************************************* Alt text for the image above, the context is that the image is used in an article about complexity in modern society. ************************ Group 2 ************************************* Alt text for the image above, the context is that the image is used in an article about complexity in modern society. ************************ Group 3 ************************************* Alt text for the image above, the context is that the image is used in an article about complexity in modern society. ************************ Group 4 ************************************* Alt text for the image above, the context is that the image is used in an article about complexity in modern society. ************************ Group 5 ************************************* Alt text for the image above, the context is that the image is used in an article about complexity in modern society. ************************ Group 6 ************************************* Alt text for the image above, the context is that the image is used in an article about complexity in modern society.
  • #87: Review the image and discuss your approaches to using alternative text with the image.
  • #88: Review the image and discuss your approaches to using alternative text with the image.
  • #89: Review the image and discuss your approaches to using alternative text with the image.
  • #90: Review the image and discuss your approaches to using alternative text with the image.
  • #91: Review the image and discuss your approaches to using alternative text with the image.
  • #92: Review the image and discuss your approaches to using alternative text with the image.
  • #93: Review the image and discuss your approaches to using alternative text with the image.
  • #94: Review the image and discuss your approaches to using alternative text with the image.
  • #95: Review the image and discuss your approaches to using alternative text with the image.
  • #96: Both
  • #97: Matt
  • #98: Matt
  • #99: Matt
  • #100: Matt
  • #101: Matt
  • #116: Tamsyn
  • #117: Tamsyn
  • #118: Matt
  • #119: Matt
  • #120: Tamsyn
  • #124: The Alt attribute can be used for image tags, area tags, and input tags. https://www.w3schools.com/tags/att_alt.asp
  • #125: The Alt attribute can be used for image tags, area tags, and input tags. https://www.w3schools.com/tags/att_alt.asp
  • #126: Required in input tags if you include an image.
  • #127: The Alt attribute can be used for image tags, area tags, and input tags. https://www.w3schools.com/tags/att_alt.asp