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Re: Image replacement and WCAG2.0

for

From: Paul Collins
Date: Nov 16, 2009 3:00AM

Thanks for that Andrew, much appreciated.


-----Original Message-----
From: <EMAIL REMOVED> [mailto: <EMAIL REMOVED> ] On Behalf Of Andrew Kirkpatrick
Sent: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 2:12 PM
To: WebAIM Discussion List
Subject: Re: [WebAIM] Image replacement and WCAG2.0

Related WCAG 2.0 technique: http://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG-TECHS/C30.html


Thanks,
AWK

Andrew Kirkpatrick

Senior Product Manager, Accessibility

Adobe Systems

<EMAIL REMOVED>


-----Original Message-----
From: <EMAIL REMOVED> [mailto: <EMAIL REMOVED> ] On Behalf Of Steve Green
Sent: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 8:43 AM
To: 'WebAIM Discussion List'
Subject: Re: [WebAIM] Image replacement and WCAG2.0

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