All images and shapes should include alternative text. A screen reader cannot read images and shapes; instead, you must describe the image or shape.

Options:

• Alt Text: Lives on the “back end” of an image. It is what is read when a screen reader gets to an image.
• Captions: Underneath an image to describe the image.
• Surrounding text: In the text surrounding the image, you describe what the image is and its purpose.
• Decorative Images: Not necessary to understand the content of the page. They do not need alt text.

❌ Alt Text: Image

✔️ Alt Text: Passing lights on a curve. This demonstrates long exposure photography.

Audio:
Transcript must be provided

Video: 

• Include a transcript and/or closed captioning.
• Include non-verbal sounds (slams door)
• Include visual only (Sam leaves the room)

Captions should:

• Appear on screen long enough to be read
• Synchronized with words
• Limit to two lines, not to exceed 32 characters
• Proper punctuation
• Speakers should be identified
• Sound effects placed inside square brackets [music] or [door slams]

Provide descriptive names for all links. This is helpful for learners using a screen reader.

❌ Click Here: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/library/

✔️ TTU Library Homepage

Built-in Style functions with pre-set Heading styles make a document or webpage much easier to access!  Users with Screen Readers can use shortcuts that allow them to read only headings on a page.  Labelling content with Headings is important (and easier for everyone to read!)

❌ Images & Shapes (bolded and larger font)

✔️ Images & Shapes (built in heading)

Changing the font or format of text does not make it a heading.  Instead, find “Style Editors” in Word, PowerPoint, Canvas, etc.


Location of Microsoft Office Headings:




Location of Canvas Headings:

Accessibility checkers help, but don’t catch everything! Use these options to identify some issues.



Location of Accessibility Check in Microsoft Office:



Other Options:

Wave Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool