Learning Paths » Accessibility » Media, files and embed code

Media, files and embed code

Images

  • If an image is a link, make sure the alt tag for the image describes the function of the link.
  • For images that are strictly decorative the alt tag should be empty.
 
Make sure the page does NOT contain repeatedly flashing images or a strobe effect.
 
Remember that screen readers cannot read PDF files or images. To ensure visitors can read your information include it on the page as actual text, not an image or file.
 
Screen readers convert web sites into audio so people can listen to the information on the pages and navigate through the website.

Video and Audio

There are three main methods that help make videos and audio accessible to everyone: captions, transcripts and audio descriptions. 
 
 

Files

Creating content on the page is always better for accessibility than uploading PDFs, PowerPoint presentations or other documents. If you must upload a file, make your file as accessible as possible.
 

Improving the accessibility of files

 

File Titles

If you do upload or link to a file, make sure you title it appropriately so a Screen Reader knows what the file is.
 
File names should be well defined, clearly describing the contents. For example, instead of "Doc1" you might name your file "DressCode-2016."

Embed codes

Add content from PDFs, PowerPoint presentations and other documents directly onto the page. Embedded files cannot be read by screen readers. 
 

Third-party embedded content

Your site accessibility rating includes the ratings for any and all third-party embedded content you choose to use, and some of that may not fully meet minimum standards.  It is the responsibility of these providers to maintain their own accessibility, and hopefully they will, but this is outside of Edlio's control.  Best practice is to include a link to any third party's own accessibility statement near the embedded content. For example, when embedding Google Maps include a link to Google Maps and Accessibility.