Summary: Alternative text (alt text) provides a written description of images, making visual content accessible to everyone

Who it helps: Individuals who are blind or have low vision, use assistive or text-only technologies, or have cognitive or processing disabilities.

Additional benefits: Users who may have poor internet connections, small screens, multi-tasking and relying on audio.

Images are everywhere online, such as photos, charts, diagrams, and icons. However, not everyone can see them.  Alternative text, more commonly known as alt text ensures that the information conveyed by images is accessible to all users.  Thoughtful alt text transforms visuals from decorative elements into meaningful, accessible content. By considering alt text when creating or adding images, we also become more intentional about the visuals we include, ensuring that every image, whether informational or decorative, serves a clear purpose and contributes value to the content. Learn more about creating accessible images from Images that Convey Content (Ta11y).

Writing Meaningful Alt Text 

When adding alt text, focus on the purpose of the image within the content. 

• For informational images, describe the key content
  (e.g. alt=“Bar graph showing reading scores increasing from 2019-2024") 

• For decorative images, mark them as decorative so screen readers skip them, helping students navigate more efficiently. 
  Decorative images include borders and frames, icons for style, stock images for visual appeal only, etc.

• Keep descriptions concise, accurate, and context based. 
  Explain the image’s purpose, not every tiny detail. 

Actionable Item: Pick one document or presentation with images and add or review the alt text provided. For images that serve a purpose, write clear, meaningful descriptions and for decorative images, mark them as decorative.  This quick step makes your content accessible to more people.

Whether you are using Google Suites, Microsoft tools, or another platform simply select the image and select alt text to add descriptions or mark as decorative.