Web and document accessibility for SERC

Images / alt-text and descriptions

Alt text, or alternative text, is a critical element for accessibility of any non-text component to access it electronically. Alt text is an attribute that is visible when images don't load (with a slow internet connection) and takes the place of an image when using a screen reader or other assistive technology. It isn't visible in a document or on a page if you are not using assistive technology and the image loads fully. Alt text can also make an image more searchable. Good alt text gives a brief, relevant description of the image and its meaning in the context. You can read about what makes alt text effective on WebAIM's Alternative Text documentation

Alt text exercise: View Example 1 and answer the question from the example below:

 

What would you choose as alt text for the image in Example 1?

"Astronaut Ellen Ochoa"

"Image of Ellen Ochoa, Astronaut"

"Ellen Ochoa, the first Hispanic woman to go into space"

Empty alt attribute (alt="" )

Alt text in Serckit

In Serckit, it is a requirement when uploading an image file to provide alt text. If you are using the collaborative editor, when you upload an image, the filename will automatically fill the alt text field.

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You will need to click "edit" and enter appropriate alt text in the field, replacing the file name. A similar interface is visible in the full editor, with the same options for entering and editing alt text.

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