Alt Text

The Brightspace Accessibility Checker will note that Images must be marked as decorative or have an alternative text description. Visual information needs an equivalent text description. Descriptions can be provided by adjacent text, a figure caption, or the alt text field. Adjacent text and figure captions are accessible to assistive technology and provide context, purpose and meaning of visual content to all users. Alt text relays information via code that is read by screen reader software to aide users to understand visual information. Decorative images are graphics that are included solely for aesthetic purposes or are accompanied by equivalent text description.

Who alternative text affects

Visual information must have a text equivalent to ensure blind and visually impaired learners have equitable access to learning material. Shapes, images, charts, and any visual information must have a text equivalent.

The following recording demonstrates screen reader software reading three examples of alt text: one with no description, one with poorly written alt text, and one example of effectively written alt text.

How to fix it

All visual information needs alt text. Alt text can be provided in the alternative text field, a figure caption, or adjacent equivalent text. To add alt text via the Accessibility Checker, type a brief description in the alternative text field and select Repair. 

However, graphics included for decorative purposes only or are accompanied by an equivalent text description (such as a figure caption or nearby paragraph describing the information) should be marked as decorative. In such instances, check the Image is decorative box and select Repair.

Consult the Alternative Text Quick Start Guide for further guidance.

How to prevent it next time

When adding an image, Brightspace will automatically prompt for a description or for the image to marked as decorative.

For visual information, type a brief description in the Alternative Text field. If the image is decorative or accompanied by equivalent text in an adjacent paragraph or figure caption, check This image is decorative.

Ensure your workflow includes adding alt text each time you add an image. Learn how to write alt text.

Using AI to describe images may be a useful starting point for writing alt text, descriptive figure captions, or text alternatives of visual information. Always review machine-generated content for usefulness and accuracy.