[Athen] Alt text for instructions with screenshots

[Schipul, Dan]

Instructions in Visuals Could Be Listed in the Document
I almost never include anything in an image that has words, or some information that I want to use for instructions; unless I include that text (especially application instructions, data graphs, and options) in the structure of the document under the appropriate heading.

This ensures everyone gets the information regardless of the image, sometimes it makes it so alt text is not necessary, or only needs a brief description.

Data Visual Example
When I have images or complex H.T.M.L. / C.S.S. visuals of graphs, I will usually say something like:
This is a graph of data about something and then note that the graph information is represented in the document, being sure to note the location.

Application Instruction Example
For Instructions especially for applications I find it is vital to have everything in text for with proper document structure. A step by step instruction in a numbered list, with a proper description of where the items are on a dashboard is all you really need (the visuals in many cases are almost redundant). Being consistent in language and tone when referring to parts of an application is also key to communicating these kinds of instructions.



Dan Schipul
Web Developer
The Office of Campus Technology Services
Certified Web Accessibility Specialist
dan.schipul at purchase.edu<mailto:dan.schipul at purchase.edu>
914-251-6464<tel:+19142516464>
[Purchase College - State University of New York]<https://www.purchase.edu/>

[Internation Association of Accessibility Professionals - Certified Web Accessibility Specialist (WAS)]


From: athen-list <athen-list-bounces at mailman12.u.washington.edu> On Behalf Of Karlen Communications
Sent: Tuesday, September 25, 2018 1:27 PM
To: 'Access Technology Higher Education Network' <athen-list at u.washington.edu>
Subject: Re: [Athen] Alt text for instructions with screenshots

I use the Alt Text as something supporting what my tutorials are presenting. For example, if I have the step by step instructions on how to change a font size using the Font dialog, the Alt Text for the image would be "Font dialog showing Font Size options" and I would put focus on the Font Size settings part of the dialog when doing the screen image. Sometimes I just use "Font dialog" when I've given a step-by-step overview of the Font dialog settings.

Cheers, Karen

From: athen-list <athen-list-bounces at mailman12.u.washington.edu<mailto:athen-list-bounces at mailman12.u.washington.edu>> On Behalf Of Robert Beach
Sent: Tuesday, September 25, 2018 10:45 AM
To: Access Technology Higher Education Network <athen-list at u.washington.edu<mailto:athen-list at u.washington.edu>>
Subject: Re: [Athen] Alt text for instructions with screenshots

Alt text has a purpose which is to give the information provided by the image. I would not change this. Rather, I would add the keycommands to the general instructions since people without disabilities may wish to use them as well. Usually key commands can be more efficient than mousing everything. This is more in line with universal design.


Robert Lee Beach
Assistive Technology Specialist
Kansas City Kansas Community College
7250 State Avenue
Kansas City, KS  66112
Phone: 913-288-7671
Email: rbeach at kckcc.edu<mailto:rbeach at kckcc.edu>

From: athen-list <athen-list-bounces at mailman12.u.washington.edu<mailto:athen-list-bounces at mailman12.u.washington.edu>> On Behalf Of Christine Robinson
Sent: Tuesday, September 25, 2018 9:20 AM
To: Access Technology Higher Education Network <athen-list at u.washington.edu<mailto:athen-list at u.washington.edu>>
Subject: [Athen] Alt text for instructions with screenshots

Hi all -

For our campus, I'm tasked with creating instructions for various elements in Office 365. Obviously, I want to make the instructions accessible - and I haven't dealt with this kind of thing before.

My instructions include steps such as (for example) "In the upper left corner of the Office 365 window, click the icon for the App Launcher," followed by a screenshot with the icon circled.

It seems like the alt text should not be a description of the screenshot, however. I suspect a screen reader user doesn't really care what the icon looks like. Since alt text is supposed to convey the same information that a sighted user would obtain from an image, it makes sense to me that the alt text should offer instructions on how to accomplish the same result using keyboard commands.

For example, if my text instructions say, "in the upper left corner, click the icon..." perhaps the alt text for the image should say something like, "Tab to the icon for the App Launcher." ???

So my questions for you all are:

1.       Is it correct that, in this case, alt text should provide instructions on how to navigate to the icon instead of a description of the image?

2.       Where can I find more instructions re. using Office 365 features via keyboard commands? I've searched on the Microsoft site but haven't succeeded in finding anything.

Thanks!

Christine Robinson | Technical Trainer/Writer | Center for Teaching Excellence
Georgia Gwinnett College | 1000 University Center Lane| Lawrenceville, GA 30043

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