Alternative text descriptions (alt-text) make it possible for students using screen readers to access the information being conveyed in an image through a written description. We’ve talked about how to add alt-text to images shared in Blackboard, PowerPoint, and Word. But what happens when that image is shared in the context of a video, such as a recorded lecture?
Screen readers do not scan images in videos, so here are some tips to create an equitable experience for students with visual disabilities:
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Share a copy of the PowerPoint file for students to review alongside the video. Use PowerPoint's Accessibility Checker tool to make sure your images have alt-text and slides are formatted correctly.
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Whether presenting live or recording, make it a habit to describe verbally visuals that convey meaning. (As always, you do not need to describe images that are purely decorative.)
The University of Colorado Boulder has a helpful guide on Providing Spoken Descriptions of Visual Content.
