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Re: A larger discussion (was RE: Inline Images and ALT text)

for

From: Patrick H. Lauke
Date: Jan 14, 2009 2:40PM

John Foliot wrote:

>> I think your logic is a bit of a
>> stretch. There's nothing that precludes a screen reader user from
>> finding images that don't have alt text.
>
> ...and web accessibility is more than just screen readers. C'mon Jared...
> (<smile>)

But in this specific case, how are users with other
abilities/disabilities affected by an empty alt?

> However in this instance, it's not just *any* image, again, in context, it
> is an associated image of "value". It's not some swirly fancy bit of
> eye-candy, it's your "official" bio photo - the same photo used in
> numerous other web pages and related marketing pieces used at WebAIM. By
> virtue of that, it has importance, and I believe you do a disservice to
> the non-sighted by not specifically announcing its presence on the page.

What value do they draw from it, though? The case you cited ("a
non-sighted user might want a copy of that image (for a report, to add
to their social network page, to share with an associate, etc.)") seems
a bit of an edge case for me, but that's my personal opinion.

Happy to agree to disagree though :)

I'll throw in WAI-ARIA "labeledby" and "describedby" as an "alternative
to alt", if you will...
http://www.w3.org/TR/wai-aria/#labelledby
http://www.w3.org/TR/wai-aria/#describedby
(although yes, a static image on a static page may not be the intended
"Rich Internet Application" usage)

P
--
Patrick H. Lauke