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RE: Complication of the alt text issue

for

From: John Foliot - bytown internet
Date: Mar 12, 2002 4:30PM

- ALT attribute is a brief descriptive of the image... in your case
"Products and Services" or at the most "Products and Services Page". Just
as the "button" generally offers no more explanation than that to the
sighted, so too the ALT text. Trust me, the non-sighted will understand
that this is a link to the Products and Services page(s). Try to avoid
over-compensation, it could inadvertanly become offensive, almost a "dumbing
down for the blind guy". (with no offence to anyone on this list) You could
try using the title attribute, but it's support over multiple browsers is
dodgy at best.

- You know that ALL images have ALT text, even if its <..ALT="">

- If the image in question requires more explanation than as mentioned
above, move to LONGDESC and or d-links (both are external files with text
descriptions of the image in question)

As for accessiblity "enhancements" such as keyboard short cuts, why not make
a seperate page within your site which outlines all of the accessibility
features you have provided, along with a list of the keyboard shortcuts?
Trying to make the ALT text serve multiple purposes is contrary to it's
intent and actually (as you have discovered) creates as many problems as it
attempts to solve.

As always, JMHO

JF
www.bytowninternet.com


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