Story Based Question
You run a nonprofit website dedicated to spreading awareness about environmental conservation. You’ve spent a lot of time creating educational content, but you’ve realized that not all users, particularly those with visual impairments, can access your images. You’ve heard that accessibility is key, but you’re not sure how to ensure your website’s images are accessible to those who may be relying on screen readers or other assistive technologies. You wonder: How do you ensure images are accessible to visually impaired users?
Exact Answer
To ensure images are accessible to visually impaired users, you should use descriptive alt text, provide textual equivalents, and implement accessible design practices. These actions allow screen readers to interpret the images and provide users with the necessary context.
Explanation
Making images accessible to visually impaired users is critical for both usability and inclusivity. Here’s how you can ensure that your website’s images are properly accessible:
- Alt Text (Alternative Text)
Alt text is a short, descriptive text used to explain what an image is about. This text is read aloud by screen readers, making it possible for users with visual impairments to understand the image. To ensure accessibility, alt text should be clear, concise, and descriptive. Avoid using generic phrases like “image of” or “picture of”; instead, describe the image’s function or content. For example, for an image of a recycling bin, the alt text could be: “Recycling bin with paper and plastic containers for waste sorting.” - Descriptive Captions
Adding captions to images can provide additional context. Although captions aren’t always read by screen readers, they help provide further clarity for both sighted and visually impaired users. For example, for a photo of a volunteer planting trees in a forest, a caption might read: “A volunteer plants a young tree to help restore the forest ecosystem.” - Ensure Proper Contrast and Visibility
For users with low vision or color blindness, it’s important that images and text have adequate contrast. For example, if you have text overlaid on an image, make sure the text is legible and stands out against the background. Using high contrast colors, such as dark text on a light background, improves visibility for all users, including those with vision impairments. - Text-Based Alternatives for Complex Images
For complex images such as charts, infographics, or maps, it’s essential to provide a text-based alternative or summary. Since screen readers can’t interpret complex visuals in the same way they handle basic images, a descriptive summary or transcription should be included in the text. For example, if you include an infographic showing the steps to reduce waste, provide a detailed description of the key points and process. - Accessible Design and Navigation
Ensure that your website’s design is accessible for visually impaired users by using clear navigation, well-structured headings, and keyboard accessibility. Screen readers often rely on well-structured HTML (such as using correct heading tags) to help users navigate the site. Making sure that all images can be focused on using keyboard shortcuts helps users interact with your site without needing a mouse. - Avoid Text in Images
Where possible, avoid embedding important text within images. Text in images isn’t readable by screen readers. Instead, use HTML text that can be interpreted by screen readers. If you must use text within an image (such as in a logo), provide descriptive alt text that conveys the text’s meaning.
Example
Imagine you run a nonprofit environmental blog where you share information about sustainable farming practices. On one of your blog posts, you include an image of a farmer planting crops in an organic garden. To make sure visually impaired users can understand the image, here’s how you can make it accessible:
- Alt Text: You use the alt text: “Farmer planting rows of organic vegetables in a sunlit garden.” This tells the screen reader exactly what’s happening in the image.
- Caption: You add a caption below the image: “An organic farmer practices sustainable farming to help promote eco-friendly agriculture.” This gives further context to the image, adding value for both sighted and visually impaired readers.
- Text-Based Alternative: Since your article also includes a chart comparing organic farming methods to conventional farming, you add a text summary of the key points from the chart. For example, “The chart compares soil health, pesticide use, and crop yield in organic vs. conventional farming methods. Organic farming has 50% less pesticide use and improves long-term soil health.”
- Design Considerations: The text in your article is high contrast, ensuring that users with low vision can easily read it. Additionally, your website’s navigation menu is structured with proper headings, allowing users to navigate the page using keyboard shortcuts.
By following these steps:
- Visually impaired users using screen readers can fully understand the content and interact with your site.
- You ensure that both alt text and captions add relevant descriptions, allowing users to engage with the images in a meaningful way.
- The text-based alternative for the chart ensures that users get the information they need even if they cannot view the visual.
Ensuring images are accessible is crucial for providing an inclusive experience for all users, especially those with visual impairments. By using descriptive alt text, providing captions, and following accessibility guidelines, you help make your website more usable for everyone. Not only does this improve the user experience, but it also contributes to better overall SEO as search engines prioritize accessible content.