Images and graphics can be powerful tools to communicate information and enhance text content. But some individuals—such as those who are Blind, low vision, or use read aloud technologies—may miss out on important details if our visuals are not accessible.

This workshop will teach you how to craft effective "alternative text" (alt text) and how to add alt text to images to make them more accessible. We'll also discuss how to describe image content, including diverse humans, in a way that is inclusive and context appropriate.

Participants will learn:
1. What alt text is, why it is important, and who benefits from it.

2. Image types that are not accessible and workarounds.

3. How to craft effective alt text for images based upon the image type and function.

4. Best practices for describing diverse people and situations depicted in images in an inclusive way.

5. How to add alt text to images in Word, Google Docs, PowerPoint, and Google Slides.

Audience:
This is a beginner-level workshop open to any LSA employee, including our student employees.

Format:
This workshop will be conducted virtually on Zoom. Auto-captioning will be enabled and slides will be distributed following the workshop. We strongly recommend using a desktop or laptop computer to join this workshop, as this will make it easier to apply what you learn in practice exercises and to participate in poll questions.

The LSA DEI Office greatly values inclusion and access for all. We are pleased to provide reasonable accommodations to enable your full participation in this workshop. Please contact Jessica McCuaig at jmccuaig@umich.edu if you would like to request disability accommodations or have any questions or concerns.