Two weeks ago, Robbie Bulter MLA gave an enlightening speech at Stormont that taught me the value of something seemingly insignificant: alt text. As he stood there, encouraging his audience to embrace a small but significant change, I couldn't help but think about my own digital journey. Alt text, an unfamiliar concept to me, became a means of digital inclusivity.
Robbie Butler gave a speech that was far from accusatory. It was witty, interesting, and informative. Nonetheless, despite his gentle approach, I was overcome with an overwhelming feeling of guilt. Since the age of 13, the internet has served as my playground, library, and office. I had never considered alternative text before. I took pride in being an advocate for inclusivity, but this was one obvious oversight, I couldn't and wouldn't deny that. It was a moment when I realised that my advocacy might have had limitations that I was unaware of.
The realisation prompted a mental replay of countless digital moments in which I hadn't considered the inclusiveness of my actions. None of my tweets, work emails containing GIFs, or online responses to strangers included alt text. I couldn't help but wonder: if this was an oversight on my part, how many others were not aware?
Determined to change, I delved into the world of alt text, vowing to make my future digital interactions better. This commitment was not only for me, but for everyone who, like me, had previously ignored the importance of alt text.
Alt text, or alternative text, is a brief description of an image uploaded to the internet. It is a textual alternative that can be read by screen readers, which are used by people who are blind or have difficulty seeing to interact with digital content. This description adds context, allowing users who can't see the image to understand its meaning and function on the website.
Alt text is important for more than just accessibility; it also promotes inclusivity and equality. Consider the internet to be a massive library for visual stories, data, and information. Without alt text, a significant portion of this library is inaccessible to users who require it to navigate the web. By including alt text, content creators and web developers make this library accessible to all users, ensuring equal access to information and digital experiences. Can you imagine a world without subtitles today? That's how alt text should be.
As previously mentioned, alt text is essential for people who have a visual and cognitive impairments and those who use screen readers to navigate the digital world. Although it is important to note that not everyone with a visual impairment uses a screen reader, alt text is still just as important to them. However, its significance extends further. It's also useful for those with slow internet connections or images that won't load. Essentially, alt text benefits everyone by making the digital landscape more inclusive.
Each website will have a unique method for allowing users to add alt text to their images and videos. I've tried it on all of the popular social media platforms, and it only takes a few seconds to do something that can completely change someone else's experience.
On X, all you have to do is hold down on the image you are uploading; this will open the image to be edited, where you can select alt text and enter your description.
On Facebook, the process is similar: select the image you want to upload, then click "more" and then "change alt text," where you can write your description before posting your photo.
The process for Gmail is also similar. You upload your image, click on it, and choose "edit alt text."
It truly is simple. The most difficult part for me was deciding exactly what to include in my descriptions. I spoke with someone who uses alt text on a daily basis while surfing the internet and asked for their advice. Here's how they claimed it could be done efficiently:
Create concise descriptive alt text that provides context for the image. For example, instead of "image," write "Border collie playing with a stick on the beach."
Ensure that the alt text is appropriate for the image's content and purpose. If the image is a decorative background, for example, you can simply state this rather than leaving the user guessing.
MLAs have used alt text to varying degrees in Stormont. While some have embraced it and acknowledged its significance, others have yet to do so. This inconsistency sends mixed signals about their commitment to inclusion. Political representatives should be required to include alternative text in their communications. It demonstrates that they understand and care about all constituents. Failure to implement such a simple measure of inclusivity may be considered a significant wrongdoing.
The use of alt text by politicians in their digital communications is especially important for several reasons, reflecting not only on the principles of accessibility and inclusivity, but also on public officials' broader responsibilities to serve and engage with all constituents equally.
Politicians use the internet to share information, policy updates, campaign materials, and engage with the general public. Alt text makes this content accessible to people who have visual or cognitive impairments while upholding the principle that everyone has the right to access information and participate in public discourse.
The practice of using alt text will encourage others to do the same. After all, when we see a politician change their usual habits, such as adding alt text, we all want to know what it is and why they're doing it, so we learn something new.
Although all political representatives should be aware of alt text, given that it was mentioned in Stormont, some may not, so it is critical that we remind them when we see posts that do not include it.
Looking back on the day Robbie Butler's speech introduced me to alt text, I can see now that feeling embarrassed at my own ignorance was exactly what I needed. It made me realise that being truly inclusive isn't just about talking the talk. It's about being willing to constantly check yourself, to learn and relearn, and to really listen to what you might be failing to do just because it isn't something you would suffer without.
You never know when the tables will turn and you will find yourself in need of the same accommodations you previously overlooked. Alt text is more than just an image description; it represents a commitment to ensuring that everyone has equal access to the digital age. As we continue to share, explore, and connect online, let us do so in an inclusive way. Also, please reach out to those who are not doing so!Â