[thelist] Accessibility Question

Ken Kogler ken.kogler at cph.org
Fri May 31 08:26:00 CDT 2002


I think I get it...

If I'm using graphics that don't *do* anything relating to content (like the
often overused "spacer.gif"), then I always do [alt=""]... the screen
reading software I tested with skipped right over it.

HTH

Ken

-----Original Message-----
From: thelist-admin at lists.evolt.org
[mailto:thelist-admin at lists.evolt.org]On Behalf Of Luther, Ron
Sent: Friday, May 31, 2002 8:21 AM
To: thelist at lists.evolt.org
Subject: [thelist] Accessibility Question


Hi Gang,

Quick question on etiquette for alt text.

I understand, (somewhat anyway), the use of alt text for graphical elements
that have contextual meaning: like graphics used for links or buttons.

My question is on the "proper" usage for graphical elements that have no
contextual meaning - things that are just there to make the page look
"pretty".

Example: Say you have a graphical button (this graphic has some 'meaning'
and/or functional utility) and that you have sandwiched it between left-hand
and right-hand 'pretty' graphics in order to make it more prominent and
easier to see on the page.  The left-hand and right-hand graphics themselves
don't have any content or utility other than making the 'useful' image stand
out better.

I understand how to alt text the useful image ... but what do you do with
those other buggers?

Is [alt=""] the best answer?
[alt=" "]?
[alt="gratuitous graphic for style and emphasis"]?


RonL.
(Newly 'deputized' internal accessibility guru.)
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