We hope you make use of this OEG Connect’s media capability to include images in your posts, whether sharing photos from the conference itself or adding media to other types of discussion.
The Discourse platform that runs this space offers good features for adding alternative text to your uploaded images to make them accessible for anyone accessing the site with a screen reader. I will show you how easy it is!
Uploading Images/Photos
If you are using a computer to compose a message here, one of ther easiest ways to upload an image (or any file) is to drag it’s icon from your computer and drop it into the composition window.
Otherwise, make use of the Add Image/File button in the editor bar (on a mobile device this will be located in the bottom right corner of the screen)
The image will then render as a preview on the right side of the editor. Uploading image, easy, right?
Editing the Alternative Text Description
By default the description created is the file name and 99% of the time that does not help. However, once your image is uploaded, on the right side preview of your post, look for the pencil icon under the image to compose a better alternative description.
Note if you can also edit it directly in the markdown code of the editor.
An Example
Let’s say I want to assert my attitude towards openness with this flickr photo (yes mine) called Open Of Course.
I download a copy of the photo and drop it here in my post (the default alt text is useless, it;s the file name 7995099857_5a184af5a6_k.jpg I usually craft my own alt text but I do like to use the ASU Image Accessibility tool which generates usually good alt text via GenAI, that I can add using the edit tool I see on the preview panel of this post editor.
Here’s the image with alternative text! And also a good habit, I add an attribution, technically by the letter of the rules I do not have to because its my own photo, but I think its best to always attribute as an example.
Open Of Course flickr photo by cogdogblog shared into the public domain using Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication (CC0)
That’s Just The How
Of course, this is the mechanics of editing alt text, how you write is a whole other topic that we can engage in. Note that the alternative text of an image is visible to all readers if you hover (one a computer) over the image.
One resource I have found useful for practicing alt text writing is the Poet Training Tool
but I am sure others here will easily recommend other resources.
Regardless, I urge you to take on the motto of Always Be Writing Alt Text.
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