[Athen] [EXT] Diversity Markers in Image Descriptions

[Justin Romack]

My context comes from the perspective of a totally blind individual who relies on alternative text and also does work in the accessibility space.

While I tend to agree that we need to be careful how we indicate various aspects of identity in our alternative text, we must also remember that it is information that is conveyed to sighted individuals. A picture is worth 1000 words … but brevity and prioritization must be our guide as we craft our descriptions, as well. There’s quite a few competing attentions.

My advice echoes much of what has been said … Keep the description focused on key aspects of the image and what is needed to make meaning of that visual and its use. Our aim should always be equitable access, so use words wisely but think about the information you can access as a sighted individual when viewing the image. Yes, one of my favorite tips to talk about authoring alt text is to imagine describing an image over the phone … but remember we don’t view images through a convo over the telephone … most look at them with their eyes – and identifying information stands out when we do.

One idea I’d offer … because I believe identity and diversity representation are important (and blind people shouldn’t be excluded from engaging with these ideas either) … When using images provided by the subject themselves, maybe consider having them describe the image? In this way, they’d share identifiers which are most relevant and meaningful to them … and those are prioritized and conveyed in the description.

Alt text is difficult – and with good reason because visuals convey so much meaning. We must be responsible with the information conveyed and with being concise as to not burden screen reader users with walls of descriptive text.

Love these conversations and the wisdom shared in this group.

Be well,
J



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Justin Romack  | Assistive Technology Coordinator
Disability Resources | Texas A&M University
1224 TAMU | College Station, TX 77843-1224

ph: 979.845.1637 | justinr at disability.tamu.edu | disability.tamu.edu
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DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS | One Division. One Mission.





From: athen-list <athen-list-bounces at mailman12.u.washington.edu> On Behalf Of Hunziker, Dawn A - (hunziker)
Sent: Thursday, August 13, 2020 5:47 PM
To: Access Technology Higher Education Network <athen-list at u.washington.edu>
Subject: Re: [Athen] [EXT] Diversity Markers in Image Descriptions

Hi Mary,

I recently had this conversation with a unit at the University of Arizona. I asked them how they would describe the image to someone who they may be talking to on the phone, for example. Would they include a description of ethnicity, gender, race, religion, etc. The answer came back as “no” so I suggested they follow the same protocol in alt text descriptions. I also suggested keeping a general description based on the fact that there are times when we make assumptions for gender identity, race, religion, etc. that may not be accurate, as you pointed out.

You could simply say “A diverse group of students gathering in the library” as an option…

Thank you,
Dawn

Dawn Hunziker
IT Accessibility Consultant, Sr. | Disability Resources
The University of Arizona | hunziker at arizona.edu<mailto:hunziker at arizona.edu>
drc.arizona.edu<https://urldefense.com/v3/__http:/drc.arizona.edu/__;!!KwNVnqRv!TIO81wGeDwtR4ZHJt-hae1cgeIA3rdaRpPiWudgLIDKEhxaa7ICzPQj7yarN2YC0bw1f7jiB$> | itaccessibility.arizona.edu<https://urldefense.com/v3/__http:/itaccessibility.arizona.edu/__;!!KwNVnqRv!TIO81wGeDwtR4ZHJt-hae1cgeIA3rdaRpPiWudgLIDKEhxaa7ICzPQj7yarN2YC0b8fyDxw6$>
520-626-9409

From: athen-list <athen-list-bounces at mailman12.u.washington.edu<mailto:athen-list-bounces at mailman12.u.washington.edu>> On Behalf Of Mary Popish
Sent: Thursday, August 13, 2020 2:11 PM
To: Access Technology Higher Education Network <athen-list at u.washington.edu<mailto:athen-list at u.washington.edu>>
Subject: [EXT][Athen] Diversity Markers in Image Descriptions


External Email
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<mailto:drc at pdx.edu>
URL: http://www.pdx.edu/drc<https://urldefense.com/v3/__http:/www.pdx.edu/drc__;!!KwNVnqRv!TIO81wGeDwtR4ZHJt-hae1cgeIA3rdaRpPiWudgLIDKEhxaa7ICzPQj7yarN2YC0bycMSEQQ$>
Pronouns: she / her / hers
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