Images enhance digital content, but they can create barriers for individuals with visual impairments. Alternative text, or Alt Text, ensures everyone can access the information provided in visuals. Digital accessibility in Indiana has shifted from best practice to legal requirement.
What is Alt Text?
Alt Text is a short, written description of an image. Screen readers read this text aloud to describe the visual for people who cannot see it. If an image fails to load, the Alt Text appears in its place, preserving the message's context.
Writing Effective Alt Text
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Be Concise: Aim for one or two short sentences that focus on the why of the image.
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Avoid Redundancy: Skip phrases like "Image of" or "Picture of." Screen readers already identify the element as an image.
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Include Text: If an image contains important words (like an infographic or announcement), include those words in the description.
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Mark as Decorative: For images purely for flair, such as a divider line or background pattern, select the Decorative option so screen readers skip them.
How to Add Alt Text
In Google Docs & Slides
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Select the image.
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Right-click the image and choose Alt text.
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Enter a brief description in the Description box.
In Canvas (LMS)
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While in the Rich Content Editor, select the image.
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Select Image Options.
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Type the description in the Alt Text field.
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If the image provides no information, select the Decorative Image checkbox.
On Social Media
When sharing district highlights on social media, Alt Text remains essential. Most platforms now provide a way to add descriptions before posting.
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Instagram: Select Advanced Settings at the bottom of the "New Post" screen, then select Write Alt Text.
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X (Twitter): Select Add description (or the "+ALT" button) on the image after uploading.
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Facebook: Select Edit on the photo before posting, then select Alt Text.
Quick Check
Before sharing a document, updating a Canvas page, or posting to social media, ask: "If the image did not load, would the audience still understand the message?"