guide to writing clear alt text for nonprofit accessibility

Understanding Alt Text

Alternative text (alt text) is a brief description of an image that serves a critical function in web accessibility. It provides context for those using screen readers, ensuring that visually impaired users can understand the content of images on a page.

Importance of Alt Text for Nonprofits

Nonprofits often rely on images to communicate their mission, showcase their work, and engage the community. Clear alt text enables all users to access the information conveyed through visual content, thus promoting inclusivity and equal access to information.

Alt Text Best Practices

1. Be Descriptive but Concise

• Aim to clearly describe the image in about 125 characters or less. Focus on the essential elements that convey the message.
• Example: Instead of saying “dog,” use “Golden Retriever playing with a child in a park.”

2. Context Matters

• Tailor the alt text based on the context in which the image is used. Consider the purpose of the image and how it supports the surrounding text.
• Example: If an image features a meal donation event, include the action—“Volunteers packing meals for families in need.”

3. Avoid Redundant Language

• Do not start with “Image of” or “Picture of,” as screen readers already announce it as an image.
• Example: Rather than writing “Image of a fundraising event,” simply write, “Community members raising funds at a local charity run.”

4. Functionality Over Description

• If the image serves a functional purpose (e.g., a button or link), describe its function rather than what it looks like.
• Example: For a donate button, use “Donate now to support our children’s programs” instead of “Red button with the word ‘Donate’.”

5. Include Text in Logos

• If logos contain text, it is essential to describe the text as it provides branding context.
• Example: “ABC Nonprofit – Helping Families in Crisis” for a logo featuring the organization’s name.

Examples of Effective Alt Text

1. For a Group Photo:

   • “Diverse group of volunteers smiling together while holding food boxes at a local shelter event.”

2. For a Chart or Infographic:

   • “Bar chart showing a 30% increase in community donations from 2022 to 2023, highlighting the impact of fundraising campaigns.”

3. For an Event Flyer:

   • “Promotional flyer for the Annual Fundraising Gala, featuring date, location, and RSVP details.”

4. For a Child Playing:

   • “Smiling child playing with educational toys at a community center after school program.”

Tools and Resources for Writing Alt Text

1. Screen Reader Testing

• Use tools like JAWS, NVDA, or VoiceOver to see how alt text is read aloud and ensure clarity.

2. Accessibility Checkers

• Tools such as Axe or WAVE can help evaluate the accessibility of your website, including alt text.

3. User Feedback

• Conduct usability testing with individuals who rely on screen readers to gather insights on how effective your alt text is.

Training for Team Members

Educate your team on the importance of accessibility and how to write effective alt text:

• Workshops: Hold regular training sessions on writing alt text.
• Guidelines Document: Create a resource that outlines best practices and examples for easy reference.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Non-Descriptive Alt Text

   • Avoid generic phrases like “image” or “graphic.” Always describe what is important.

2. Overloading with Keywords

   • Resist the temptation to stuff alt text with keywords for SEO. Focus on clarity and context instead.

3. Neglecting Decorative Images

   • For purely decorative images that don’t add content, use empty alt text (alt=””) to signal their lack of significance.

The Role of Alt Text in SEO

While accessibility is the primary goal, effective alt text can also enhance your SEO strategy:

• Keyword Relevance: Use relevant keywords naturally in alt text to improve visibility in image search, without sacrificing clarity.

• Image Indexing: Search engines use alt text to understand image content, boosting the chances your images will appear in search results.

Conclusion on the Importance of Alt Text

Implementing clear, contextually relevant alt text across all nonprofit materials fosters an inclusive environment, enhancing user experience while ensuring compliance with accessibility standards. Prioritizing this practice is not just a legal mandate; it is a powerful way to uphold the core values of empathy and service that nonprofits represent. Embracing this commitment to accessibility reflects a willingness to connect with every segment of the community, empowering diverse audiences to engage with your mission fully. By adhering to best practices for alt text creation, nonprofits can ensure they effectively communicate their messages to all individuals, regardless of their physical abilities.