Tip of the Day
Wednesday Nov. 8th
Why Use Alt Text?
Alt text explains images to people who are unable to see them. How to make an image accessible depends its purpose and complexity.
(see tips for the three common types of images below)

What Is Alt Text?
Alternative text, or “alt text” describes the content and purpose of images in an online course, document, presentation or web page.
RESOURCES
The  alt  attribute should typically:
Be accurate and equivalent in presenting the same content and function of the image.

Be succinct. Typically no more than a few words are necessary, though rarely a short sentence or two may be appropriate.
NOT be redundant or provide the same information as text within the context of the image. Use long descriptions for text in an image.

NOT use the phrases "image of ..." or "graphic of ..." to describe the image. . Screen readers will identify the item as an image/graphic.

Alt Text For:
Simple Images | Complex Images | Decorative Images
If the image conveys simple information , adding alt text lets people using  screen reader programs to understand the importance of those images and other visuals.

The alt text should be a short, succinct description of the image content.
If the image conveys complex information use both the alt text and a long description.
Explain charts, graphs, diagrams, and detailed images  with a long description. The long description should provide equivalent access to the image information.
For an image with lots of text, like an
infographic, provide a text-only version as a separate file.
If the image is purely decorative , provide an empty/null alt tag by typing a space in the image description box.
 
When the only purpose of an image is to add visual appeal or to break up content
on the page, alt text is not needed. These images do not convey information that is necessary to understanding the page.

Example:   A dividing image
The empty attribute looks like this:
<img src=”divider.jpg” alt=“ ”>

This attribute lets the screen reader user know that there is an image but that there is no description for it.

Resources provided by UAA Instructional Designers
Contact us for further assistance with image accessibility:
Academic Innovations & eLearning
UAA/APU Consortium Library, 215
(907) 786-4496
Mon-Fri, 8a-5p