Images

The elements that you choose to include should be relevant to the content and assist in strengthening the understanding of the specific concept. In addition, consider the user and do not include content that does not allow the user full control, i.e. moving, blinking, flashing, playing, animated, and auto-refreshing items.

Editing Images

If you have an image in your Canvas course that needs alt text edited or added. Click on the image to select it; it will be highlighted in blue with an 'Options' bubble floating above.

Clicking on the floating 'Options' bubble that appears when you click on an image will allow you to edit the Alt Text, Display Options, and Size of that image.

Then click on the 'Options' bubble and edit the text.

Remove the file name in the alt text field. Enter description of image or photo in Alt Text.

Click Done.

Alt text should be less than 125 characters, so brief and to the point. Use alt text to convey meaning. What you will include also will depend on the context of the image, i.e. do not include the phrases 'image of' or 'picture of' unless it is necessary for the context in which the image is being used. If the item is purely decorative, think twice about including it. If you wish to use the image, check the box 'Alt Text (Decorative Image).' Click Done after entering the checking the 'No Alt Text' box.

Image Captions

You also can add titles and/or captions to images so that all students are exposed to the same content, which may enhance their learning experience. This is simply done by adding the desired text above or below the embedded image, in addition to the alt text.

William T. Young Library

William T. Young Library at the University of Kentucky

Complex Images/Long Descriptions

It is typically not possible to describe complex images in 125 characters, therefore, you need to utilize another method. You have options as to how you do this, which include:

placing the description next to the image, so that it can be easily accessed by all individuals;
providing the description elsewhere on the page and directing individuals to the long description, including within the alt text; or
adding a link next to the image that takes individuals to a separate page that includes the long description.

Resources

Alternative Text (https://webaim.org/techniques/alttext/)
Web Accessibility Gone Wild – Alt Text Blunders (https://webaim.org/articles/gonewild/#alttext)
Alt Text & Linked Images (https://webaim.org/blog/alt-text-and-linked-images/)
Accessible Images (https://webaim.org/techniques/images/)