Section 508 Web Standards

(a) A text equivalent for every non-text element shall be provided.

What does it mean?

Every graphic or image that provides essential information for a reader will have alternative text or text descriptions. Non-text elements include charts, graphic buttons, logos, Java applets, pictures, Flash files, video files, audio files, and plug-ins.

How to evaluate

There are text descriptions added to all images and graphics on a web page. If you use Internet Explorer and you move your mouse over a graphic, you will see alternative text displayed on your monitor. Assistive technology devices such as screen readers and Braille displays will be able to read the text associated with the image. Detailed text descriptions for graphs and charts are in the body of the web page or there is a link from the image to the text description on a separate page. Images used as links will have text descriptions of the link destination. The HTML source code will show that the Alt attribute is used for 50 characters or less. The longdesc attribute is used for longer descriptions. Background images and graphics that do not convey meaning would be coded with empty Alt text (alt="").

For more information

Access Board Section 508 Guide (1194.22)(a) - Text Tags

Design Resources

1. Jim Thatcher's Web Accessibility Tutorial, Text Alternatives
2. California Polytechnic State University, Web Accessibility 508 in Depth – Alternative Text

   2.1 California Polytechnic State University, Checking Alternate Text in Internet Explorer

   2.2 California Polytechnic State University, Checking Alternate Text in Netscape Navigator

   2.3 California Polytechnic State University, Checking Alternate Text in Safari

   2.4 California Polytechnic State University, Checking Alternate Text in Opera

3. WebAIM, Creating Accessible Images
4. WebAIM, Creating Effective Alternative Text