Section 508 Workshop: Alternative Text Best Practices

Introduction

This tutorial provides best practices for creating alternative text (alt text) for images, as discussed in the Section 508 Workshop by Jennifer Fagan-Fry from NOAA. Alt text is essential for web accessibility, allowing individuals with visual impairments to understand image content. Following these guidelines will help ensure your images are accessible to all users.

Step 1: Understand the Purpose of Alt Text

• Alt text serves as a textual description of images, conveying their function and content.
• It is crucial for screen readers, enabling visually impaired users to interpret visual information.
• Ensure that alt text is concise yet descriptive enough to provide context.

Step 2: Writing Effective Alt Text

• Use clear and straightforward language.

• Describe the image's content and its purpose or function. Consider answering:

  • What is depicted in the image?
  • Why is it relevant to the surrounding content?

• Follow these guidelines:

  • Keep it under 125 characters when possible.
  • Avoid using phrases like "image of" or "picture of."
  • For decorative images, you can use empty alt text (alt="") to signal that they don’t contribute to the content.

Step 3: Different Types of Images and Their Alt Text

• Informative Images: Provide detailed descriptions that capture the essence of the image.
• Complex Images (Graphs, Charts, etc.):
  • Include a brief description of the overall image.
  • Provide additional context or key data points in the surrounding text.
  • Refer to resources like the W3C for specific guidance on complex images.

Step 4: Tools for Adding Alt Text

• Adobe InDesign:
  • Access the “Object” menu.
  • Select “Alt Text” and input your description.
• Microsoft Word:
  • Right-click on the image and choose “Edit Alt Text.”
  • Enter your description in the provided field.

Step 5: Review and Test Your Alt Text

• Use tools like screen readers to test how your alt text sounds.
• Ensure that it provides the intended information and is easily understandable.
• Solicit feedback from users with disabilities to improve accessibility.

Conclusion

Creating effective alt text is crucial for promoting web accessibility and ensuring that all users can engage with your content. Utilize the guidelines provided in this tutorial to enhance the accessibility of your images. For further learning, consult the resources mentioned, such as the Social Security Administration Guide and WebAIM. Consider implementing these practices in all your digital content to foster inclusivity and awareness.