How to Make Digital Assets Accessible: Images

This is an overview of the elements that require special consideration when using images. Please review one of the Additional Resources for detailed instructions on any of the following:

• Provide alternative text for images that convey content. Use accurate and equivalent descriptions.
• Describe the image as thoroughly, but succinctly. The text should describe the content and function of the image. 
• Do not use the phrases "image of..." or "graphic of..." since screen readers note it is an image. 
• Do not be redundant or provide the same information as the text accompanying the image.
• Decorative images do not require long descriptions and should be "nulled" or left untagged as an image.
• Avoid flashing images. These may cause seizures for students with photosensitive epilepsy and may be distracting for students with learning disabilities.

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To check:

• Website or webpage visit the 508 Checker website.
• Microsoft Office products visit the Check for accessibility issues information page on the Microsoft website.
  • Rules used by Microsoft accessibility checker
• Accessibility in Office 365 view the support page
• Use of color for the 3 types of color blindness visit the Accessibility Color Wheel website.