Ensure all graphics, figures, and other illustrations include a text equivalent

People with vision impairments rely on screen readers to interpret visual elements in a text format. This also applies to people using text only browsers, screen enlargement resolution or slow modems where graphics make download speed very slow. If no text equivalent is provided, it may be impossible for many to access the information on the screen. To reiterate, all users should be able to have the same online experience wherever possible.

Ensure that graphics, figures and illustrations are adequately described using ALT tags (alternative text) or Longdesc Tags in html. Photographs also need ALT tags.

To add an ALT tag to an image in HTML:

• <img src="example.jpg" alt="example of an image with a text alternative">.

In Dreamweaver, when an image is added, you can add a description of the image:

• Click on the image to open the Property Inspector window.
• In the 'Alt' dialogue box to the right of the window type the description e.g. 'Picture of Tony Koppi'.

Figure 2: Dreamweaver Property Inspector window for images

For more information on adding text descriptions to graphics and images, Accessible Web is useful: http://www.newcastle.edu.au/accessweb/web/alt.htm

This checkpoint refers to W3C Guideline 1: Provide equivalent alternatives to auditory and visual content.