The WCAG 2.1 Guideline 1.1.1 Non-text Content (Level A) calls for all images to contain descriptive, meaningful alt text.
It is recommended that ALT attribute values be kept to no more than 125 characters. Yet complex images (such as charts and graphs) may require a longer description within a LONGDESC attribute or via a link to a separate HTML document that holds a full description accessible to screen readers.
Need to see examples of how to create long descriptions of complex images?
Visit the DIAGRAM Center.
Established in 2010, the DIAGRAM Center is a research and development center whose goal is to dramatically change the way digital content for Accessible Educational Materials (AEM) is produced and accessed, so that students with disabilities are provided equal access to the general education curriculum, especially science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
You will find specific image description guidelines for:
- Art, Photos & Cartoons
- Photographs
- Cartoons & Comics
- Chemical Elements
- Illustrated Diagrams
- Object Comparison
- Comparing Events Over Time
- Relational Diagrams
- Venn Diagrams
- Radial/Web Diagrams
- Hierarchy/Tree Diagrams
- Flow Charts
- Cycles
- Bar Graphs
- Line Graphs
- Pie Graphs
- Scatter Plots
- Maps
- Math Graphs and Diagrams
- Geometry
- Equations & Expressions
- Simple and Complex Tables
- Timelines
Visit the DIAGRAM Center now.
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