SECTION V. Web Publications Conventions

L. Use of alt tags

STANDARDS:

For every image on a UWRF institutional Web page, an alternative text attribute in the image tag (“alt”) must be used. The alt tag must sufficiently describe the image so that a person unable to see the image can understand the content and meaning for its use. A long description is acceptable if the image is hard to describe in a few words.

The term “image” includes pictures, graphical representations of text (including symbols), image map regions, animations, scripts, applets, programmed objects, ASCII art, frames, images used as list bullets, spacers, graphical buttons, sounds, stand-alone audio files, audio tracks of video, and video. For images such as spacers that are used for design purposes alone, use an empty alt tag (“”).

The alt tag text on a link should not start with “link to” because the screen-reading programs automatically supply the words “link to.” (For example, if your alt tag reads “link to Form 300004,” the screen reader will read “link to link to Form 30004.”)

Explanation:
Text equivalents for images can be accessible to people with various disabilities and using various technologies. Text can be readily output to speech synthesizers and Braille displays and can be presented visually in different sizes on computer displays and on paper.
Screen-reading assistive technologies (which synthesize speech) are used by individuals who are blind and by many people with the reading difficulties that often accompany cognitive and learning disabilities. Braille is essential for individuals who are both deaf and blind, as well as many individuals whose only sensory disability is blindness.

Please note that creating a separate text-only page is the least desirable way to address this issue. Graphics and sound can be useful and attractive enhancements to a Web page, and non-text equivalents (for example, pictures, graphics, videos, and pre-recorded audio) of text are beneficial for users who are non-readers or who have difficulty reading. The goal is to create one page that transforms gracefully, remaining accessible despite physical, sensory, cognitive, situational, or technological constraints. A text equivalent alt tag will make an image accessible.

Web Site Development Policy (Full Version)

SECTION V. Web Publications Conventions

L. Use of alt tags

STANDARDS:

Web Site Development Policy
(Full Version)