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Re: Alt Text

for

From: Bevi Chagnon | PubCom
Date: Feb 25, 2010 11:12AM

From my research and testing, I've found that a quick identifier in the ALT
text helps a) quickly convey the information to the user, and b) reduces the
number of words I need to use.
Some examples.
Photo: sunset in Rocky Mountain forest.
Logo: U.S. Forest Service.
Pie chart: Number of blue widgets sold in 2009, by sales quarter. (This
sample would also get a longdesc attribute to provide the chart's details.)

I use a colon to separate the identifier from the text so that it pauses the
screen reader for blind users, and also makes grammatical sense to sighted
users.

Geof, for your example I would write this.
Download button: eSSENTIAL Accessibility assistive technology software.
Or...
Download button: eSSENTIAL Accessibility assistive technology software for
individuals with
physical disabilities.

--Bevi Chagnon
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Bevi Chagnon | <EMAIL REMOVED> | www.PubCom.com
Consultants + Trainers + Designers | for print, web, marketing, Acrobat, &
508
PublishingDC Group Co-Moderator |
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PublishingDC
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Bevi blogs at www.pubcom.com/newsletter
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