[Athen] Diversity Markers in Image Descriptions

[Mary Popish]

Hi everybody,

I manage a group of student employees who produce alternate formats for
blind and low vision students at Portland State University. As you can
imagine, as part of this work we often write descriptions for images in
course materials, which includes class slide decks, handouts, articles, and
textbooks.

Recently, we've been reflecting on our practices around describing physical
characteristics of people in these images, and discussing whether or not
descriptions should address
race/gender/ethnicity/disability/religious dress/other visible
characteristics. Currently, we leave out details about people's physical
appearance unless those things are germane to the purpose of the image. The
question came up about whether we should consider including descriptions of
diversity, and how and whether we could do so without making
interpretations or assumptions (or making the descriptions too cumbersome
and long).

I'm reaching out to see if other schools have a policy around how/whether
you describe people's visible characteristics in image descriptions, or if
anyone is willing to share what your current practice is even if it isn't
an official policy. I'd also love to hear from any screen reader users who
would be willing to share your preferences.

Thanks so much,
Mary

*Mary Popish*
Adaptive Technology Specialist & Alternate Formats Coordinator
Disability Resource Center
Portland State University

Phone: (503) 725-9119
Fax: (503) 725-4103
Email: drc at pdx.edu
URL: http://www.pdx.edu/drc
Pronouns: she / her / hers

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