Create accessible content

Add alternative text (or alt text) to any images. Be as descriptive as possible.

“A picture is worth a thousand words”. Now imagine not being able to see that illustrative image or figure.  

People who are blind are not able to visualise images. The alternative text will be read by the screen reader, describing the image.

Learn all about how to create descriptive alternative text.

Alternative text can be set in both Word when creating a file, or Adobe Acrobat (not Adobe Reader) after it has been turned into a PDF.

Tip: Adding alt text is easier in Word, and will carry over to the PDF file when saved.

How to add alternative text

Microsoft Word

1. Right click on the picture or object
2. Click Edit Alt Text. Microsoft Word automatically inserts Alt Text but it usually needs to be modified to match the content.

Adobe Acrobat Pro DC

1. Click the Tools menu

2. Select the Accessibility tool.

3. Select Set Alternate Text.

4. Enter the alternative text for each image in your file.

5. Click Save & Close.

Wrap informative images in-line with text.

Screen readers will usually ignore the alt-text of images that are floated (flows around text instead of being in a fixed position) rather than wrapped “in-line” with text. 

Floated image

In-line (not floated) image

How to wrap text around images

Microsoft Word

1. Right-click on the image. 
2. Select Wrap Text. 
3. Select In-line with text.

Add captions and transcripts to video and audio. 

Captions

If captions are not included, deaf users will miss out on the dialogue and any important sounds. Users who are viewing the slides without speakers or headphones may also have trouble.

Use the inbuilt features of UQ systems. 

YouTube

Captions should be available automatically. Do not switch off the option when uploading.

Microsoft videos

Captions available with Captions icon on right of player.

Teams

Live captions are available for Teams meetings. These can be turned on in the meeting controls.

Zoom

Zoom can also provide live captions for meetings. Captions can be activated in the meeting controls toolbar.

Transcripts

Ensure a transcript of video and audio recordings content is provided. Text is the only format that people with deaf blindness can access content using braille software.

Use the inbuilt features of UQ systems. For example:

• In Microsoft Office 365, you can use the Transcriber function.
• Zoom (UQ account) provides a transcript for cloud recordings
• Microsoft Teams can provide a live or downloadable transcript of meetings.

Watch Microsoft Word - Create a transcript from video/audio automatically (YouTube, 3m17s) to learn more.

YouTube

YouTube provides transcripts automatically. However, it may not recognise the audio or correctly transcribe all the content. Check the transcript and edit as needed if you are the video owner. 

Transcripts are available under the three dots icon next to Save under a video.

Flickering items can trigger seizures for people who have seizure disorders. 

Create a separate link to the flashing or flickering media clip with a warning statement.

For example, some Netflix content displays “Some scenes have a strobing effect that may affect photosensitive viewers” (Cytowic, 2021).