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Re: Image replacement and WCAG2.0

for

From: Steve Green
Date: Nov 11, 2009 6:45AM

The use of images of text was specifically prohibited under WCAG 1.0
checkpoint 3.1 (AA).

Under WCAG 2.0 the requirement has been retained but it is a bit of a fudge.
Checkpoint 1.4.5 (which is AA) says:

"Images of Text: If the technologies being used can achieve the visual
presentation, text is used to convey information rather than images of text
except for the following:
Customizable: The image of text can be visually customized to the user's
requirements;
Essential: A particular presentation of text is essential to the information
being conveyed."

We interpret this as meaning that you can use images of text if the required
visual presentation (such as a specific font or an effect such as a dropped
shadow) cannot be achieved using HTML.

This is not permitted at AAA. Checkpoint 1.4.9 states "Images of text are
only used for pure decoration or where a particular presentation of text is
essential to the information being conveyed."


So the answer to your question is that you can meet WCAG 2.0 AA if you use
an image of text as long as the same visual effect cannot be achieved using
HTML and CSS. In my opinion this is unsatisfactory and WCAG 2.0 should have
prohibited this at AA not just at AAA.

Steve Green
Director
Test Partners Ltd


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From: <EMAIL REMOVED> on behalf of Paul Collins
Sent: Wed 11/11/2009 11:12
To: WebAIM Discussion List
Subject: [WebAIM] Image replacement and WCAG2.0


Hi all,

My colleague has asked me if you can use graphical headings in WCAG2.0, so I
guess by that he means using and <IMG> tag with an ALT attribute. I've tried
to find information on this and can't see anything.

I beleive there was nothing specific about this in WCAG1.0, but there was
always the issue that a graphical heading cannot be enlarged (apart from
within a few modern browsers that have ZOOM)

So, I was wondering if anyone can answer the following for me:

- Would it be OK to use a graphical heading and satisfy level AA of WCAG 2.0
- Does anyone know the specific guideline that points to this?

Thanks for any help
Paul Collins