Making Websites Accessible with Proper Alt Text

Website accessibility is not just good practice - it's often required by law. Proper alt text is one of the most important aspects of web accessibility. Here's what you need to know. Screen readers are used by people with visual impairments. These tools read alt text aloud to describe images. Without alt text, screen readers just say "image" or read the file name, which isn't helpful. WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) require alt text for meaningful images. These are international standards for web accessibility. Following them ensures your website is accessible to everyone. There are three types of images that need alt text: Informative images: These convey important information. They need descriptive alt text. Decorative images: These are for design only. Use empty alt text: alt="" Functional images: Images used as links or buttons. Describe the function. How to write accessible alt text: Be accurate: Describe what's actually in the image Be concise: Keep it brief but meaningful Avoid redundancy: Don't repeat information from the text Don't start with "Image of..." or "Picture of..." Include text that appears in the image Complex images like charts or infographics need more detailed descriptions. You can use longdesc attribute or provide a separate text description. For groups of images, describe the group. If you have multiple images showing the same thing, you don't need to repeat the same alt text for each. Testing your alt text: Use a screen reader yourself Ask users with disabilities to test Use accessibility checking tools Validate with WCAG checkers Common accessibility mistakes: Missing alt text for important images Using generic alt text like "photo" or "image" Including alt text for decorative images Making alt text too long and confusing Using alt text for spacing images Benefits of accessible alt text: Reach more potential customers Avoid legal issues Improve SEO Better user experience for everyone Positive brand reputation Start making your website accessible today. Proper alt text is an easy first step that makes a big difference.