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DL Website | DL Summer Newsletter | July 14, 2026

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Mastering Accessible Images

Every image in your course documents and web pages should include alternative text (alt text). Alt text ensures that students with visual disabilities don't miss out on important context, meaning, and course content.


Charts should have alt text that provide key data trends.

Want to make your images accessible? Follow these three rules:

  1. Convey the Purpose: Don't just describe what the image is; describe why the image is relevant to the lesson.
  2. Skip the Fluff: Avoid phrases like "image of" or "photo of." Screen readers already announce that it's a graphic,. Jump straight into the description.
  3. Keep it Concise: Aim for 1 to 2 sentences (roughly 100 to 125 characters). If an image needs a longer explanation, put it right in your main course text instead! 

Quick Tip: If an image is purely decorative and has no educational value, simply mark it as "decorative" so screen readers can skip past it. 
The exterior of the U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C.

Example:

  • Not Accessible: Image of white building with flag 
  • Accessible Alt text: The exterior of the U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C.

Alt Text Guidelines: Section 508 Meaningful Alt Text

Ally Accessibility Updates | July 2026

  • When replacing an image after correcting contrast issues, previously applied descriptions are no longer incorrectly carried over.
  • When clicking "Auto-generate Description" in the AI Assistant and then manually adding changes, the "Oops" error no longer pops up.
  • In Alternative Formats, the MP3 Audio format now keeps the content's original language.
  • The PDF Language Quick Fix no longer allows an incorrect language to be applied if it fails Ally's validation check.
  • Fixing missing image descriptions via the Blackboard Course Accessibility Report no longer accidentally deletes the image's visible file caption.
  • Improved the quality, fidelity, and conversion rates of scanned PDF documents processed through OCR. 

How We Can Support You?

Visit the Digital Learning Accessibility webpage  to explore resources or email us at dlstaff@austincc.edu

Use the Ally Accessibility Issue Tracker to report accessibility issues in your courses. Our team will review your submission and follow up as needed.
Ally Accessibility Issue Tracker

Our goal is to shift from reactive to proactive measures to cultivate an inclusive learning environment for ALL
 
Headshot of Marisa Mendoza, a smiling woman with long dark hair wearing a yellow shirt against a light blue background.
 

Thank you,

Marisa Mendoza

Manager, Instructional Design

Division of Digital Learning

marisa.mejia@austincc.edu
 

For any questions, please contact:

dlstaff@austincc.edu
 

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