WebAIM - Web Accessibility In Mind

E-mail List Archives

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

for

From: Randall Pope
Date: Jan 16, 2009 11:15AM

Hi John,

<opinion>
Hear hear! While 3 web accessibility experts in the same room will likely
have 3 differing but correct opinions of what is "appropriate (or good)
alt text" for any given image[1], I would suggest that a null value is
usually never appropriate (or at least, that's the position I've had in
this thread from the start). If the image does not really require alt
text, it should be in your CSS, and not inline.
</opinion>

Hear hear! I seconded this approach. To be honest, I'm at lost why many
webmasters do not place the images, that don't required alt text, in the
CSS. Could someone explain why this approach is not being use often? I
have been asked by screen readers numerous times to check a website's image
only to find it was being use for decorated purpose.

With Warm Regards,
Randall "Randy" Pope
American Association of the Deaf-Blind
Website: http://www.aadb.org

301 495-4402 VP/TTY
301 495-4403 Voice
301 495-4404 Fax
AIM: RandyAADB

Want to keep up with the latest news in the Deaf-Blind Community? Consider
subscribing to the monthly newsletter, "AADB Today" at http://aadb.org. It's
free and AADB membership is not required.


<opinion>
Hear hear! While 3 web accessibility experts in the same room will likely
have 3 differing but correct opinions of what is "appropriate (or good)
alt text" for any given image[1], I would suggest that a null value is
usually never appropriate (or at least, that's the position I've had in
this thread from the start). If the image does not really require alt
text, it should be in your CSS, and not inline.
</opinion>


JF
===========================John Foliot
Program Manager
Stanford Online Accessibility Program
http://soap.stanford.edu
Stanford University
Tel: 650-862-4603

Soap Is a program directed by the
Vice Provost for Student Affairs
===========================
[1] Good geeky fun when web accessibility folk get together - grab a
selection of images and have everyone voice their idea of "good or
appropriate" alt text. Losers pay the round... (LOL)