Overview

When we talked about visual accessibility basics, there were two key points: using Styles to create semantic document structure, and using alt-text for images. Now that we’ve covered Styles, it’s time to tackle alt-text.

After completing this section, you will be able to:

• Differentiate between purely decorative still images and still images that convey information in electronic materials.
• Apply appropriate alternative text descriptions to still images in electronic materials.

Section Tasks:

• Watch the video on meaningful versus decorative images
• Watch the video demonstrating Alt-Text in Word
• Complete the Alt-Text Exercise

Meaningful versus Decorative

Alt-Text in Word

Put It Into Practice

Download the Alt-Text Exercise. Based on what you have learned about applying Alt-Text to images, Use the Alt-Text feature to develop appropriate alt-text for each of the images.

Test Yourself

Compare your Alt-Text with the Key below. How do your results compare? Briefly reflect on the value of images (both decorative and meaningful) in electronic communication. Do you think we should use images, either decorative or meaningful, in our communications? Briefly reflect on how appropriate Alt-Text enhances accessibility for both sighted users and users with visual processing issues.