*This article is an English translation of a Japanese article.
Introduction
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) play a critical role in removing barriers for people when accessing online content. WCAG 2.2 provides specific standards to create a better web experience for users with various needs, such as those with visual or cognitive impairments. This article focuses on the essential element of “text alternatives” and provides a detailed explanation of the guidelines.
What Are Text Alternatives?
Text alternatives refer to providing text-based information that replaces or complements visual content. This ensures that users relying on assistive technologies like screen readers can understand the content’s meaning. Specifically, it involves adding descriptive text to visual elements such as images, videos, and graphics.
Key Points
- Purpose: To ensure all users can access the information.
- Scope: Applies to images, videos, buttons, links, and other interface elements.
- Tools: Assistive technologies such as screen readers, voice browsers, and braille displays.
Text alternatives not only improve accessibility but also benefit SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Since search engines evaluate textual information, offering alternative text can improve a website’s search ranking.
WCAG 2.2 Standards and Text Alternatives
WCAG 2.2 outlines several critical guidelines for text alternatives. Key standards include the following:
1.1.1 Non-Text Content
This guideline requires that all non-text content provide suitable text alternatives. For example, images should use the “alt attribute” to offer a concise and clear description. Complex graphics or charts may require longer descriptions provided separately.
Key Points
- Simple Descriptions: Short explanations for basic images or icons.
- Detailed Alternatives: Provide extensive descriptions for complex visuals like graphs or charts.
- Decorative Elements: Decorative images should use
alt=""to ensure they are skipped by screen readers.
1.1.2 Labels for Links and Buttons
Text alternatives for links and buttons must clearly convey the intended action. Instead of vague phrases like “Click here,” use more specific actions such as “Start the purchase process” or “Go to the contact page.”
The Global Context and the Importance of Web Accessibility
Web accessibility is vital not only for legal compliance but also from the perspective of social inclusion. Especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for accessible online services has dramatically increased. Accessible web content is crucial not just for people with disabilities, but also for older users, individuals with temporary impairments, and those in environments with slow internet connections.
Global Initiatives
- United States: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that public websites must be accessible.
- Europe: The EU Web Accessibility Directive requires public sector websites and apps to be accessible.
- Asia: In Japan, both public institutions and private companies are encouraged to improve accessibility according to the JIS X 8341-3 domestic standards.
Practical Implementation
Alternative Text for Images (alt text)
- Simple Images: Example: “A photo of a landscape” or “An illustration of a cat.”
- Complex Charts: Example: “The bar graph shows changes in sales from 2020 to 2023, with a 20% increase observed in 2021.”
Labels for Buttons and Links
- Bad Example: “Click here”
- Good Example: “Download the document”
Media Alternatives
Videos should include captions and audio descriptions, while live broadcasts may require real-time captions or sign language interpretation.
Conclusion
From an accessibility perspective, text alternatives are an essential component. By following WCAG 2.2 guidelines and providing appropriate text alternatives, you can ensure your content is accessible to a broader range of users. Accessible web design not only fulfills legal obligations but also expands your reach to a more diverse audience, contributing to a more inclusive society.
Web developers and content creators should make effective use of text alternatives to ensure that the internet is an equal space for all.
Target Audience and Impact
This guide is highly beneficial for web developers, content creators, project managers, UX designers, and accessibility consultants. It is also essential knowledge for website administrators in public institutions and companies, particularly from a legal compliance perspective. Ultimately, it lays the foundation for creating a web that is usable by everyone.
By properly implementing text alternatives, you can meet the diverse needs of all users and contribute to making the internet a more comfortable and accessible space for everyone.