Alt Text

  • Brief and concise (no more than 140 characters)

  • Context matters: descriptions for the same image may differ 

  • Should be different information than what’s in the text or captions 

  • Direct readers to long descriptions if there’s more essential information

  • Include information about color only when significant

  • Describe only what you objectively see 

  • Avoid interpreting or analyzing the the image

Long Descriptions

  • Include long descriptions when essential information is lengthy
  • Can be written within the text
  • Can be written in another document and linked underneath the complex image


Displaying Data

  • Tables created in Word and Google Docs are screen reader friendly when table headers are tagged correctly and cells are not merged or split

  • Include a Word or Docs data table when using images of graphs and charts

    • This provides two ways to access information

    • Long description not needed with this method


Color: Charts, Graphs, Tables, Diagrams

  • Strong contrast between colors is easiest to perceive - use the Color Contrast Analyzer to check for contrast

  • Avoid using red to call attention to important information. Bold text instead

  • Do not use color alone to indicate meaning
    • Use patterns, shapes, icons, or text in addition to color


Tactile Graphics

  • Use tactile graphics when long descriptions aren’t sufficient for understanding material 

  • Useful for students with and without disabilities (known as UDL)

  • Options include 3D printing, tactile Embossing, clay, puffy paint, pipe cleaners


Resources

  1. POET Training Tool - practice writing alt text
  2. Complex Images (Google Docs Version)