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Re: Question About Alternative Text

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From: Tim Harshbarger
Date: Aug 6, 2020 6:30AM

I think one of the things that is problematic about testing alt text is that
testers typically had no involvement in or information about the design
process for a user interface. We are frequently just guessing. That is why
I think it makes sense to take a light touch to testing the alt text. If
the alt text is not obviously problematic, then it passes.

If I had involvement in the design or access to the information, I might be
more strict on what passes because I can specifically ask the designer what
their intent was.

The appropriateness of alt text is probably something that ought to be
tested in design. Then when you get to testing the application, you just
make sure the alt text or null alt text is present.

Thanks,
Tim
Tim Harshbarger
Senior Accessibility Consultant
Deque Systems