Accessible media

Alt text means 'alternative text'. It describes the appearance or function of an image on a webpage when the original cannot be shown. 

In EdWeb 2, there is a compulsory box to add alt text when you are uploading an image. The alt text for an image should be a full description with context, not the file name written out. 

If a chart or infographic contains too much information to summarise succinctly, you can embed a downloadable document with a full description (.dox, .pdf), alongside an image summary. 

This wiki article considers the importance and key considerations of using alt text: 

The importance of alt text - EdWeb Wiki [EASE login required]

Providing accurate subtitles and transcripts is essential when you are including video content into your page. Both subtitles and transcripts should include audio description wherever possible. 

Captions mean that if users cannot access a video's audio, they can still follow along with what is being said. If users cannot access the video at all, a transcription will allow them to read all the information included in the video. Audio description allows users to access the atmosphere and context suggested by a video's use of sound effects. 

Automated captions, provided by YouTube and Media Hopper, two of our most commonly used video hosting platforms, can be a useful starting point but they often contain a lot of inaccuracies. You must make sure that your subtitles are correct. Working from a script might help with this. 

Transcriptions should be downloadable, and ideally in a Word or PDF document (.dox, .pdf). 

It is also good practice to include a short video summary to help users find your video and decide whether to watch it.