When you're browsing the web, not everything is written in words—there are images, videos, sounds, and buttons. To make sure everyone can understand and use a website, even if they can't see or hear the non-text content, there are rules about providing text alternatives.
What Are Text Alternatives?
Text alternatives are words that explain or describe something on a website that isn't text, like a picture or a sound. They help people who use screen readers or other assistive technologies to understand what the non-text content is about.
Different Situations for Non-Text Content
- Controls and Inputs: If something on the website is a button or a field where you type information, it needs a name that tells what it does. For example, a search button should have a text that says "Search."
- Time-Based Media: For videos or audio clips, text alternatives should at least describe what the content is or its title. For example, if there's a video of a dog barking, the text could say "Video of a dog barking."
- Tests and Exercises: If a test involves non-text content, like a hearing test with sounds, the text should explain the purpose but not give away the answers.
- Sensory Experiences: If the content is meant to create a specific experience, like music or a piece of art, the text should describe what it is, like "A symphony performance" or "A painting of a sunset."
- CAPTCHA: CAPTCHAs are used to tell if a user is a human or a robot. Since they can be hard for some people to use, they should have text that explains their purpose, and there should be different types of CAPTCHAs to help people with different disabilities.
- Decoration, Formatting, and Invisible Content: Sometimes, non-text content is just for decoration or is invisible to users. These should be marked so assistive technologies ignore them and don't confuse users.
Why Are Text Alternatives Important?
Text alternatives are like keys that unlock information for everyone, no matter how they experience the web. They make it possible for people who are blind, deaf, or have other disabilities to understand and interact with content that isn't text. This makes the web more accessible and inclusive.
Examples
- A Data Chart: A bar chart shows how many apples were sold in June, July, and August. The text alternative might say, "Bar chart showing apple sales in June, July, and August."
- An Audio Recording: A link to a speech might say, "Listen to the Chairman's speech," and there should be a text transcript of the speech available.
- An Interactive Image: If an image of a building floor plan lets you click on rooms to learn more, the text might say, "Building floor plan. Select a room for more information."
By providing these text alternatives, we make sure that everyone can access the information they need, no matter how they use the web.