Accessibility Testing Procedure

Images

Guideline

All non-text content (e.g., images) that is presented to the user has a text alternative that serves the equivalent purpose. If non-text content is pure decoration, is used only for visual formatting, or is not presented to users, then it is implemented in a way that it can be ignored by assistive technology.

Intent

The intent of this regulation is to make information conveyed by non-text content accessible through the use of a text alternative. Text alternatives are a primary way for making information accessible because they can be rendered through any sensory modality (for example, visual, auditory or tactile) to match the needs of the user. Providing text alternatives allows the information to be rendered in a variety of ways by a variety of user agents. For example, a person who cannot see a picture can have the text alternative read aloud using synthesized speech. In the future, text alternatives will also allow information to be more easily translated into sign language or into a simpler form of the same language.

Finding Applicable Components

1. Identify each image element within the content including any font-based symbols.

Inspecting and Using Components

1. Examine each identified element with the browser developer tools.
2. Verify that each identified element that conveys meaning contains an "alt" attribute.
3. If the image contains words that are important to understanding the content, the words are included in the text alternative.
4. If the identified element is not an image (img) tag but is a font-based symbol or other graphic that conveys meaning, verify that the correct meaning is conveyed through alternative means such as an "aria-label" or "aria-describedby" attribute.

Section 508/WCAG 2.0 Failure Conditions

• CAPTCHA descriptive text does not contain the purpose of the CAPTCHA.
  • Fails 1194.22(a): Equivalent text descriptions.
  • Fails 1.1.1 Non-text Content.
• Inconsistent meaning (visual appearance and/or descriptive text) on images used multiple times.
  • Fails 1194.21(e): Bitmap images.
  • Fails 3.2.4 Consistent Identification
• The descriptive text on text rendered as an image does not match verbatim
  • Fails 1194.22(a): Equivalent text descriptions.
  • Fails 1.1.1 Non-text Content.
• The purpose and/or function of a non-decorative image is not properly conveyed in descriptive text.
  • Fails 1194.22(a): Equivalent text descriptions.
  • Fails 1.1.1 Non-text Content.
• Missing an equivalent text description on a non-decorative image.
  • Fails 1194.22(a): Equivalent text descriptions.
  • Fails 1.1.1 Non-text Content.
• Missing ALT="" (or similar tag/attribute) on a decorative image.
  • Fails 1194.22(a): Equivalent text descriptions.
  • Fails 1.1.1 Non-text Content.
• ALT or similar tag/attribute containing a description on a decorative image.
  • Fails 1194.22(a): Equivalent text descriptions.
  • Fails 1.1.1 Non-text Content.

Reporting Test Results

• Any failure in Section 508 Failure Conditions results in: Fails Baseline Requirement #7.
• Images have an ALT-Text or Title attribute AND the meaning, and/or purpose of the image is sufficiently described, AND the meaning of images used multiple times is consistent then: Passes Baseline Requirement #7.

For sharing test results between Agencies, the results of Section 508 Conditions and Reporting Test Results must be reported.